Why Early Intervention Matters

 

The window between 18 months and five years is one of the most important in your child’s development. These young brains are wired for learning in a way that doesn’t last forever, and the earlier a child gets the right support, the more they can build on it.

Children who start ABA therapy early tend to progress faster. The skills built during these years – communication, self-regulation, social connection – compound over time. What starts as asking for something can grow into making a friend, advocating for themselves, and navigating the world more independently.

Supporting your child starts with supporting you

How We Work Together

We start with an assessment.

Your child's BCBA meets your family, gets to know your child's strengths and challenges, and identifies the skills that are most important for them to learn now.

Then we build a plan.

The BCBA collaborates with you to build a custom treatment plan around your child’s unique needs. That might mean early communication skills, building independence in daily routines, or learning to self-regulate through hard moments.

Therapy begins.

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) comes to your home for regular sessions. Your child’s BCBA stays closely involved, supervising the work and adjusting the plan as your child grows and meets goals.

You see what's happening.

You'll never be left wondering how your child is doing. We track their progress and update you regularly, so you always know what's working and what’s next.

Why Families Choose United Care ABA in Denver

1.

You're a partner, not a bystander

Early intervention works best when parents are part of it. Through parent training, you’ll learn what your child is working on and how to support that progress at home.

2.

BCBA oversight from day one.

A dedicated BCBA designs your child’s treatment plan, supervises every session, and adjusts the approach as your child hits goals and grows.

3.

We work with your insurance.

United Care ABA accepts Medicaid and most major insurance plans. We also handle the authorization so you don’t have to.

4.

Denver metro coverage

We come to you — at home, in the backyard, out in the community. Wherever your child’s day takes them, that’s where their therapy will happen.

What Early Intervention ABA Looks Like

 

Early intervention ABA is play-based and child-led. Sessions don’t look like a child at a desk working through a curriculum — they look like your child’s actual day, with a therapist woven into it.

For young children, that’s not just more enjoyable. It’s more effective.

Your child isn’t learning in a clinic and then trying to apply it somewhere completely different. They’re practicing skills during mealtime, playtime, transitions — which means when they’re in that situation again tomorrow, they’ll know exactly what to do.

Who We Serve

We work with children as young as 18 months across the Denver metro area, including Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Thornton, Broomfield, Parker, and Boulder.

Early intervention ABA is often a good fit for families who:

  • Have a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
  • Whose pediatrician recommended ABA therapy
  • Who are navigating early concerns about development

FAQs about Early Intervention in Denver

What age should ABA therapy start?

ABA therapy can begin as early as 18 months. Research has shown that earlier intervention produces stronger outcomes, but the right time to start is whenever your child has a diagnosis and your family is ready.

How many hours per week does early intervention require?

It depends on your child. Early intervention programs typically run 25–40 hours per week for children with more significant support needs, though some do well with fewer hours. Your child’s BCBA will determine the right intensity after an initial assessment.

Do you accept Medicaid for early intervention ABA?

Yes. United Care ABA accepts Medicaid for children under 21, as well as most major commercial insurance plans. We also manage the authorization process for you.

What's the difference between early intervention and regular ABA?

Early intervention ABA is designed specifically for young children, typically 18 months to five years, and focuses on building foundational skills. The approach is more play-based and child-led than therapy for older children, and there’s a special focus on communication, play, daily routines, and early social skills.

How quickly can we get started?

Once we verify your insurance and schedule an assessment, most families begin therapy within a few weeks. Reach out today and we’ll walk you through each step.

Teacher showing a model of the solar system to children in a classroom

Ready to start?

Get in touch with our team to discuss your child’s needs and see if early intervention ABA therapy is the right fit for your family.