Alpine Autism Center: ABA Therapy in the Pikes Peak Area

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 9 Sep 2015 - Updated: 14 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information covers the Alpine Autism Center, a private, non-profit autism treatment facility in the Pikes Peak Region of Southern Colorado that has been operating since 2005. Founded on evidence-based, data-driven Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) - the most scientifically validated treatment approach for autism - the center provides one-on-one therapy fully supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). Its services range from center-based and home-based therapy to day habilitation for adults over 18, advocacy support, and family consultation, making it a genuinely useful resource for families, caregivers, schools, and individuals affected by autism who need accessible, qualified professional support in Southern Colorado.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Alpine Autism Center opened in October of 2005. It was the first autism treatment facility of its kind in the Pikes Peak Region.
• 2 - Home-based ABA is delivered for a minimum of twelve hours weekly, Monday through Saturday. A team of therapists and a BcaBA provides the therapy in the family residence.
• 3 - The center reports that roughly 90 percent of people with autism who do not receive appropriate intervention will require lifelong care. Untreated cases can also lead to dangerous behaviors and greater isolation for families.
• 4 - Assessment tools include Functional Analysis, VB-MAPP, Behavior Support Planning, and the CARD Curriculum. Advocacy is also offered through representation at 504 Plan and IEP meetings for students who qualify.

Topic Definition

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behavior Analysis, often shortened to ABA, is a science-based therapy grounded in how people learn and behave, and it uses structured methods such as Discrete Trial Teaching, Natural Environment Teaching, and Verbal Behavior instruction to strengthen useful behaviors while reducing harmful or disruptive ones. Recognized by groups including the National Research Council as the most evidence-based intervention available for autism spectrum disorder, ABA is delivered through individualized programs built around each learner's academic, communication, social, and daily living goals. Because early and intensive support tends to produce the strongest results, effective programs commonly involve one-on-one instruction of 25 or more hours per week, especially for children diagnosed at a young age, and progress is tracked with data so the plan can be adjusted to fit the individual.

Overview

Alpine Autism Center: Pikes Peak Region

The mission of the Alpine Autism Center is to provide access to effective treatment for people and their family members affected by autism in the Pikes Peak Region, enabling those affected by autism to reach their full potential.

The organization's vision is to sustain a center of excellence for autism treatment, providing integrated and comprehensive services that are accessible to every family affected by autism and related disorders in Southern Colorado.

The Alpine Autism Center provides intensive, one-on-one instruction using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Their staff members are highly trained and dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism by teaching important academic, social, communication and daily living skills.

Alpine Autism Center has some different core values. For example; the organization treats students and their parents with respect at all times while recognizing the essential dignity of all people, irrespective of their life circumstances. The organization works to create an atmosphere where learning will be both a fun and rewarding experience for students and their teachers. The organization's other core values include:

• Looking for innovative ways to solve issues when they happen, not simply identifying them.
• Applying the basic principles of Behavior Analysis continually throughout the school day to make learning more successful and teaching more effective.
• Remaining abreast of current research and teaching strategies being developed to help children with autism and keeping a willingness to try new techniques.
• Acknowledging that no person is identical, the organization modifies its curriculum based upon, or to meet, the person's individual needs and the learning abilities of each child to facilitate success.

Alpine Autism Center began operations in October of 2005. The organization was the first treatment facility in the Pikes Peak Region for children with a diagnosis of autism. The organization is a private, non-profit, state-of-the-art treatment facility that provides data-driven, individualized, evidence-based, one-on-one therapy using the principles of ABA.

All of the training and therapy is provided or supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The organization's therapists specialize in ABA, Natural Environment Teaching, Discrete Trial Teaching, Verbal behavior and small and large group direct instruction. Alpine Autism Center works on all areas of development to include:

• Academic
• Language
• Motor, behavior
• Daily living and social skills

The organization's staff members are highly qualified with backgrounds ranging from early childhood, psychology and special education. Their staff members are understanding and apply behavioral principles. Alpine Autism Center also provides home therapy, parent meetings and consultation services. The organization offers ongoing support to families, therapists, teachers and schools in the community.

Alpine Autism Center's Services

Alpine Autism Center provides intensive and one-on-one instruction using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Their staff members are highly trained and dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism by teaching important academic, communication, daily living skills and social skills. The organization offers:

• Center Based: Alpine Autism Center offers center based services on half-day and full-day basis.
• Home Based: The organization offers home based services as well. Their team of therapists as well as BcaBA will come into your home and provide ABA for a minimum of twelve hours each week, Monday through Saturday.
• Day Habilitation: Alpine Autism Center offers half or full day programs for people who are over the age of eighteen. Their day habilitation program uses The Essentials for Living assessment. The organization's curriculum focuses on language, behavioral and functional skills.
• Advocacy: Alpine Autism Center provides advocacy through consultation and representation at 504 Plan and IEP meetings.
• Assessments: The organization provides assessments such as Functional Analysis, VB-MAPP, Behavior Support Planning and Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) Curriculum.

Alpine Autism Center and Treatment of Autism

The most scientifically validated treatment for autism now is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). The intervention is labor intensive and has a national annual average cost of $50,000-$80,000 for each child. The National Research Council, in a landmark publication in 2001, recommended early diagnosis before the age of three and intensive intervention in order to achieve the best outcomes. Services should include at least 25 hours each week, 12 months a year, administered by highly trained staff with one-on-one and very small group instruction in which the child is engaged in systematically planned, developmentally appropriate educational activity toward identified objectives.

Obstacles for Families

The main obstacles families face in receiving effective autism treatment are a lack of trained professionals and cost. The cost of intensive ABA programming can range from $50,000-$70,000 per year for each child. Alpine Autism Center is working with local community providers to pool resources with the goal of getting each person the effective treatment they need.

Even though effective autism treatment is costly, the cost of not providing treatment is significant to family members and the community. It is estimated that 90% of people with autism who do not get appropriate intervention will need lifelong care. In addition, without treatment, people often develop dangerous and life threatening behaviors while further isolating themselves and their families. While ABA might not be a cure for autism, it does provide for continuous learning with the goals of enhanced quality of life and independent living.

Careers at Alpine Autism Center

Alpine Autism Center hires both full and part-time openings for energetic, bright, motivated, caring and responsible people who like working with children with special needs and their family members.

The organization is non-profit and operates a day treatment facility using the Center for Autism Related Disorders (CARD) curriculum. They offer center based programming, as well as home based, using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) for children with autism.

In addition, the organization uses ABA principles to decrease or eliminate inappropriate behaviors such as, yet not limited to, aggression and self-injurious behaviors and replace them with appropriate behaviors with the use of functional communication training and individualized behavior support plans.

Extensive paid training is provided and supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Assistants (BcaBA).

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Does insurance cover ABA therapy at a center like Alpine Autism Center

Coverage varies by state and by plan, and many private insurers and Medicaid programs now include ABA as a covered benefit when it is medically necessary and prescribed for an autism diagnosis. Families are encouraged to contact the center and their insurer directly to confirm eligibility, authorization requirements, and any out of pocket costs.

What is the difference between a BCBA and a BcaBA

A BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who holds a graduate degree and designs and supervises therapy programs. A BcaBA is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst who works under the supervision of a BCBA and helps carry out those programs.

At what age can a child begin ABA therapy

ABA can begin as soon as a child receives an autism diagnosis, and many programs accept toddlers because early intervention tends to produce stronger outcomes. Providers assess each child individually to build a plan suited to their developmental level.

How long does a child typically stay in an ABA program

The length of participation depends on individual goals, progress, and the severity of needs, so some learners attend for a year or two while others benefit from longer support. Regular data review helps the team decide when to adjust hours or transition a learner toward greater independence.

Can adults receive services and not just children

Yes, the day habilitation program serves individuals over the age of eighteen and focuses on language, behavioral, and functional living skills. It uses the Essentials for Living assessment to guide each adult participant's plan.

What qualifications do the therapists hold

Staff backgrounds include early childhood education, psychology, and special education, and all therapy is provided or supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. New team members also complete extensive paid training before and during their work.

Is ABA a cure for autism

ABA is not a cure for autism, and it is best understood as a therapeutic approach that supports continuous learning. Its goals center on improving quality of life, building practical skills, and encouraging greater independence.

What areas of development does the therapy address

Programs target academic ability, language, motor and behavior skills, and daily living and social skills. Each curriculum is individualized so it can be adjusted to match the learner's needs and abilities.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: Access to quality autism treatment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing families across the United States, and the cost barriers - often between $50,000 and $80,000 annually per child - put effective intervention out of reach for many. The Alpine Autism Center's community-based, non-profit model directly addresses this gap in the Pikes Peak Region by pooling local resources and delivering individualized, research-backed ABA therapy to those who need it most. For families navigating an autism diagnosis, having a regional center staffed by certified behavior analysts and committed to meeting each child's individual needs can make a meaningful difference in long-term quality of life and independent living outcomes.*

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.