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.
🏘️ 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.
Stylists trained to work with children with sensory sensitivities. TVs and fun chairs to make haircuts enjoyable.
📍 9697 Prominent Point, Ste. 124
Visit Website →Patient stylists experienced with children on the autism spectrum. Will use scissors instead of clippers for sensory-sensitive kids.
📍 5582 Powers Center Point
Visit Website →Gentle stylists who accommodate sensory needs — scissors-only cuts, quiet appointment times, and a patient approach.
📍 6165 Barnes Rd, Suite 22
Visit Website →Autism-friendly salon providing a calm, accommodating environment for kids. Serving Colorado Springs for 14+ years.
📍 1802 Chapel Hills Dr.
Visit Website →🍎 Food Resources
Local food assistance programs for families in need.
Southern Colorado's leading food bank. Operates Sunny Side Markets — free pantries with fresh produce, meats, dairy, and more.
Visit Website →Free hot meals served daily, 365 days a year (10:30 AM–1 PM). The Marketplace offers monthly grocery shopping for families.
Visit Website →Nonperishable staples and fresh produce. Open Wed & Fri, 10 AM–2 PM. Bring valid ID.
Visit Website →Emergency food assistance — 3-day supply per household member. Pantry organized like a mini store. Up to 4 visits per year.
Visit Website →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.
Sensory-friendly playtime every Wednesday 12:30–2 PM. Limited attendance and reduced sensory stimuli.
Visit Website →Indoor playground designed with children on the autism spectrum in mind. Inclusive equipment, events, and classes for ages 0–13.
Visit Website →Special Needs Family Night every Monday 3–8 PM. Sensory room available plus in-person discounts.
Visit Website →Sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and communication cards. Quiet zones available throughout.
Visit Website →Adaptive swim lessons led by trained instructors in a calm, supportive environment for all abilities.
Visit Website →Reduced lighting and noise with hands-on activities for a more inclusive museum experience.
Visit Website →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.
Advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. IEP/504 meeting support and educational advocacy.
Visit Website →Respite care, adult day programs, foster care, and host home programs for individuals with disabilities across their lifespan.
Visit Website →Statewide training and resources empowering parents to advocate for their children's educational needs and rights.
Visit Website →Legal representation, advocacy, and education protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
Visit Website →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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