Question 1

What Insurance does Autism West accept?

Accepted Answer

AetnaAnthemBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna/EvernorthDenver HealthKaiser PermanenteHealth First Colorado (Medicaid)Optum/United HealthcareTriWest

Question 2

What is ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

ABA is short for Applied Behavioral Analysis. It is a scientific approach to increasing skills or decreasing any problem behaviors. We break down any skill into simple teachable skills. For example, if were teaching someone to say Hello, we might start by waving, then saying “Haa” and then “hello”. We make sure that no matter what the skill is, every individual feels like learning is fun and easy! At Autism West, we learn through play and clients choosing to engage in therapy.  Learn more about our Services.

Question 3

Counseling VS ABA

Accepted Answer

Applied Behavior Analysis focuses on external behaviors and events that can present challenges with neurodivergent conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It emphasizes the careful observation and measurements of behavior of interest, and the environmental factors that affect the behaviors. Through ABA, participants can improve communication, reading, and academics.  Clients learn adaptive skills and new tools for social settings and relationships. Therapy focuses on the mind- body connection understanding internally, honing in on thoughts, feeling, and behaviors. 
 Counseling discussions explore what might be causing difficulties in life and how to overcome them. Through therapy, clients can change self-destructive behaviors and habits, resolve painful feelings, improve relationships and more.

Question 4

What does the enrollment process look like?

Accepted Answer

Once we get your insurance information, our enrollment coordinator will schedule an assessment with you and one of our BCBAs. During this assessment, our BCBA sits down with parents to understand goals for your child. After that, we complete a play-based assessment to determine which skills and deficits your child has. Finally, our BCBAs will write up a report and recommend next steps that may include therapy or other strategies.  Then we are good to go!

Question 5

What are the ages that we work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with kids between the ages of 2 years old and 21.

Question 6

Does Autism West have a waitlist?

Accepted Answer

We might, particularly for after-school therapy hours. Call Rosario at 720.634.9431 to learn more about any waitlist.

Question 7

How does scheduling work?

Accepted Answer

Once we've completed an initial assessment to create a plan for services, our scheduler will reach out to you and check your availability for sessions. Once we have that, we will match you up with one of our top notch behavior therapists. You can choose our Northglenn or Aurora Learning Center, or in-home services in communities like Bennett west of Denver.

Question 8

What should I bring to a session?

Accepted Answer

You don’t need to bring much! Depending on how long the session is, and the age of the participant, you may choose to bring a couple of preferred toys and a snack!

Question 9

What skills do clients work on in ABA therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

We can work on almost anything that will help participants succeed at work, school, or play! Our specialty is helping an individual strengthen social skills, communication skills and adaptive skills. With Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD), strategies to manage multi-step, repetitive tasks are critical.  We love working on daily routines from getting ready for school to meal time to homework success.

Question 10

How many hours a week should our family expect to spend on therapy?

Accepted Answer

Our BCBAs develop clinically recommended hours based on the goals of therapy.  This will depend on the skills and deficits a child or client brings. This number will be different for each individual. We recommend that you aim to get up to 80% of your clinically recommended hours.

For younger children, families often look at time at ABA therapy like a 1-1 preschool environment where kids are building skills daily through play.  Typically in order for ABA to really work, children need multiple sessions a week to get all of that extra practice. If you practice some things 1 or 2 days a week, it will take a lot longer to master those skills.

With longer sessions, were able to take a choice-based, play-based approach where we can play for a bit, throw in some target skills and then continue to play.

Question 11

What does the Autism West ABA team look like?

Accepted Answer

A client's team consists of a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and a RBT/BT ( Registered Behavior Technician). The BCBA is the master level clinician who assesses the individual, creates, and monitors the treatment plan. The RBT/BT implements this treatment plan on a daily basis, forming a close relationship with the client. The BCBA provides support and ongoing supervision to the RBT, as well as parent education and ongoing progress updates for client and family. Meet our Team.

Compassionate care for every step of the journey

Two specialized brands. One shared mission

Autism West Behavior Partners

Blue Sky Mind & Wellness

Our Vision and Values

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Where to find us

Aurora

Thornton

Westminster

Telehealth

Frequently asked questions