Empowering kids, supporting families, changing lives

Resources & Support

Guides for parents and local community resources to support your family

📚 For Parents

Helpful guides to prepare for therapy and support your child's progress at home

📋 Preparing for Your First Visit

Your child's first therapy visit is all about getting to know them! Here's what to expect:

  • The session will include an evaluation to understand your child's strengths and areas for growth
  • Your therapist will ask about your child's history, daily routines, and your goals
  • Keep an eye out for a text from our intake team with paperwork to fill out ahead of time so that your therapist can focus on the important stuff during the first evaluation
  • Wear comfortable clothing your child can move freely in
  • Bring any previous evaluations, IEPs, or medical records
  • Sessions are play-based — your child will likely have fun!

Don't worry if your child is nervous. Our therapists are experts at helping kids feel comfortable.

🎒 What to Bring to Appointments

To make the most of every visit, please bring:

  • Insurance card (we'll verify coverage at your first visit)
  • Referral from your pediatrician (if required by your plan)
  • Previous evaluations or IEPs from school
  • A snack and water — therapy can be hungry work!
  • Comfort items if your child has a favorite toy or blanket
  • A list of questions — we love hearing from parents!
🏠 Practicing Therapy at Home

The best results happen when therapy continues at home! Tips for each discipline:

  • Speech: Read aloud together, narrate daily activities, practice target sounds during play
  • OT: Encourage fine motor play (Play-Doh, beading, coloring), practice self-care routines together
  • PT: Create obstacle courses, practice balance activities, encourage active outdoor play
  • ABA: Use consistent language and routines, celebrate small wins, follow your BCBA's home plan

Your therapist will provide a personalized home program with specific activities.

💳 Understanding Your Insurance & Coverage

Navigating insurance can feel overwhelming — we're here to help!

  • We accept Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Colorado Access, TRICARE, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, and BlueCross BlueShield
  • Most plans cover pediatric therapy with a referral from your pediatrician
  • Our team will verify your benefits and explain your coverage before you start
  • Questions? Call us at (719) 598-5555 and we'll walk you through it

Don't let insurance concerns keep you from getting your child the care they need. We'll work with you to find a solution.

🧒 Developmental Milestones Guide

Wondering if your child is on track? Here are some general milestones to watch for:

  • 12 months: Babbling, waving, pulling to stand
  • 18 months: Several single words, walking, using a spoon
  • 2 years: 2-word phrases, running, stacking blocks
  • 3 years: Understood by familiar adults, climbing, pretend play
  • 4 years: Telling stories, hopping on one foot, drawing shapes

Every child develops at their own pace. If you're concerned, a free screening can help determine if therapy would benefit your child.

📋 Schedule Your Free Screening

🏘️ Community Resources

Local businesses, organizations, and events that support our families

✂️ Sensory-Friendly Services

Local businesses that create welcoming, sensory-friendly environments for children with special needs.

Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids

Stylists trained to work with children with sensory sensitivities. TVs and fun chairs to make haircuts enjoyable.

📍 9697 Prominent Point, Ste. 124

Visit Website →
Kiddie Kutters

Patient stylists experienced with children on the autism spectrum. Will use scissors instead of clippers for sensory-sensitive kids.

📍 5582 Powers Center Point

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Komb's Studio

Gentle stylists who accommodate sensory needs — scissors-only cuts, quiet appointment times, and a patient approach.

📍 6165 Barnes Rd, Suite 22

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Venus Salon

Autism-friendly salon providing a calm, accommodating environment for kids. Serving Colorado Springs for 14+ years.

📍 1802 Chapel Hills Dr.

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🍎 Food Resources

Local food assistance programs for families in need.

Care and Share Food Bank

Southern Colorado's leading food bank. Operates Sunny Side Markets — free pantries with fresh produce, meats, dairy, and more.

Visit Website →
Catholic Charities — Marian House

Free hot meals served daily, 365 days a year (10:30 AM–1 PM). The Marketplace offers monthly grocery shopping for families.

Visit Website →
Salvation Army Food Pantry

Nonperishable staples and fresh produce. Open Wed & Fri, 10 AM–2 PM. Bring valid ID.

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Mercy's Gate

Emergency food assistance — 3-day supply per household member. Pantry organized like a mini store. Up to 4 visits per year.

Visit Website →
Pikes Peak United Way

Family Success Center hosting Sunny Side Markets plus resources to help families achieve financial stability.

Visit Website →
🎉 Sensory-Friendly Events & Activities

Inclusive events and venues designed for children with sensory sensitivities.

Play Street Museum

Sensory-friendly playtime every Wednesday 12:30–2 PM. Limited attendance and reduced sensory stimuli.

Visit Website →
We Rock the Spectrum

Indoor playground designed with children on the autism spectrum in mind. Inclusive equipment, events, and classes for ages 0–13.

Visit Website →
Air City 360

Special Needs Family Night every Monday 3–8 PM. Sensory room available plus in-person discounts.

Visit Website →
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and communication cards. Quiet zones available throughout.

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SafeSplash Swim School

Adaptive swim lessons led by trained instructors in a calm, supportive environment for all abilities.

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Pioneers Museum — Sensory Mornings

Reduced lighting and noise with hands-on activities for a more inclusive museum experience.

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Inclusive Playgrounds

Panorama Park, Swing High at Memorial Park, and The Corral at John Venezia Park feature wheelchair-accessible, sensory-friendly equipment.

Visit Website →
💙 Support & Advocacy

Organizations providing advocacy, education, and support for families navigating special needs.

The Arc Pikes Peak Region

Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. IEP/504 meeting support and educational advocacy.

Visit Website →
Special Kids Special Families

Respite care, adult day programs, foster care, and host home programs for individuals with disabilities across their lifespan.

Visit Website →
PEAK Parent Center

Statewide training and resources empowering parents to advocate for their children's educational needs and rights.

Visit Website →
Disability Law Colorado

Legal representation, advocacy, and education protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

Visit Website →
The Resource Exchange

Serves El Paso and Teller Counties. Early intervention services, Medicaid waiver coordination for 9,000+ individuals.

Visit Website →

Know a Great Resource?

We're always looking to grow this list! If you know of a local business, organization, or event that supports our community, let us know.

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