EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM
Early intervention ABA in Aurora
Play-forward therapy for children 18 months to 6 years — in our Aurora clinic, serving families across Aurora and Denver.
Young children learn through play, movement, trusted relationships, and repeated chances to try again. Our early intervention program builds structure into activities your child already wants to do.
Availability: Aurora clinic and nearby Denver-area families
Age range: 18 months to 6 years
Insurance: In-network with most major insurance
WHY EARLY SUPPORT MATTERS
The years that shape what comes next
Effective early intervention does not fight how young children learn — it works with it. Therapy looks like play because, for a child this age, play is how learning happens.
Pairing comes first
Before we ask anything of your child, we build a relationship by following their lead, joining their play, and becoming someone they want to spend time with.
Naturalistic teaching
A reach for a toy becomes a chance to build a request. A turn-taking game becomes social practice. Teaching is embedded in moments your child is invested in.
1:1 support with BCBA oversight
Your child works directly with a trained RBT, and every program is designed and reviewed by a BCBA as your child grows.
Built-in parent partnership
What we do in the clinic only sticks if it works at home. Parent training is part of the program, not a separate add-on.
Hours that fit your child
Programs typically range from 10 to 25 hours per week depending on child needs, insurance authorization, and what is sustainable for your family.
SKILL FOUNDATIONS
What we work on with young children
Specific goals are always individual to your child, but early intervention at Ladder often focuses on the foundational skills everything else builds on.
Communication
First words, requesting needs, following simple directions, AAC or signs, and expanding from single words to phrases.
Play and engagement
Independent play, parallel play near peers, turn-taking, joining games, and sustaining attention through enjoyable activities.
Social foundations
Responding to name, joint attention, natural eye contact, and beginning awareness of other children.
Daily routines
Eating, sleep routines, toileting when developmentally ready, dressing, hand-washing, and other independence skills.
Behavior regulation
Managing transitions, reducing meltdowns by understanding triggers, building frustration tolerance, and teaching better ways to communicate.
Pre-academic readiness
Sitting for a story, attending briefly, matching, sorting, and following basic group routines.
COORDINATION MATTERS
Early Intervention Colorado and the age-three transition
If your child is under three, you may already know Early Intervention Colorado, the state birth-to-three program coordinated through Community Centered Boards. Many families use both EIC and our clinic-based ABA program. EIC can support the broader developmental picture while clinic-based ABA provides focused behavioral intervention. We are happy to coordinate with your EIC team and help families navigate the age-three transition when EIC services end.
INSURANCE AND CLINICAL OVERSIGHT
A practical path from intake to services
Colorado law requires most insurance plans to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. We are in-network with most major insurance providers in Colorado and walk families through the authorization process.
Contact us
Call or email and we will learn about your child, your situation, and the support you are looking for.
Collaborate
Meet with our clinical team to build a plan tailored to your child needs and your family life.
Begin services
Start with the right schedule for your child, with clear communication and progress review.
Insurance authorization
The process typically includes an initial assessment, medical necessity review, and authorization for weekly hours.
BCBA-supervised care
Every program is designed and overseen by a BCBA. Day-to-day sessions are delivered by RBTs under clinical supervision.
FAQ
Common questions about early intervention
Here are the questions families ask most often before starting early intervention ABA.
At what age can my child start ABA?
We typically work with children starting at 18 months. If you have a younger child with an autism diagnosis or referral, give us a call and we will talk through what makes sense.
How is early intervention ABA different from ABA for older kids?
The principles are the same, but the application is more play-based, naturalistic, parent-involved, and focused on foundational skills like communication, play, and engagement.
Can my child do EIC and clinic-based ABA at the same time?
Yes. Many families use both. EIC provides community-based developmental support, and we provide focused, intensive ABA. We coordinate so the programs complement each other.
What happens when my child turns three and ages out of EIC?
Clinic-based ABA can carry forward intensive support, and we can work alongside school district services through Part B preschool special education where it makes sense.
How many hours per week does early intervention involve?
It varies by clinical recommendation, insurance authorization, and family needs, but programs at Ladder typically range from 10 to 25 hours per week.
Do parents participate in sessions?
Yes. Parent training is part of the program so caregivers have practical tools to support the child in everyday life.
Do you accept my insurance?
We are in-network with most major insurance providers in Colorado. On the first call, we can review your plan and explain what is likely covered.
Where is your clinic?
Our clinic is at 2953 S Peoria Street, Suite 101 in Aurora. We serve families across Aurora, Denver, and nearby communities.
RELATED SERVICES
Explore the core Ladder services
Clinic-Based ABA Therapy
Structured one-on-one therapy and peer opportunities in a child-friendly clinic environment.
Social Skills Groups
Guided peer-based opportunities to practice communication, play, cooperation, and group participation.
Parent Training
Practical coaching so caregivers can support skills during everyday routines.
Ready to take the first step?
A short conversation with our care team is the best way to figure out what is right for your child. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
