The mission of PlayDate Behavioral Interventions is to provide high-quality intervention to children with autism and other disabilities while educating the community, regardless of the family’s ability to pay for services.
In order to meet this critical need we are continually applying for grants and developing funding mechanisms that allow us to offer scholarships for those families who have exhausted all other funding sources. Please see our Make a Difference page for information about how you can help us meet this lofty goal.
History
When Christina Nulk entered private practice as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she discovered a huge gap between the services available and the number of children needing services. All of the BCBAs in the Colorado Springs area had long waiting lists and many families lacked the funding to pay for the basic services their children needed, let alone the kind of high-quality, research-based programs BCBAs typically offer.
Initially, PlayDate Behavioral Interventions addressed this gap by providing group-based instruction in social skills. In these groups, participants engaged in guided interaction under the supervision of a trained therapist who helped the children negotiate relationships and build social connections. The group format allowed families on waiting lists to access some services at a relatively low tuition rate.
The first group was offered in April 2007 with 4 students enrolled. Since then, the program has seen enormous growth.
In December 2007, we became a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to families at an affordable cost. In 2008, Christina consolidated her private practice with PlayDate Behavioral Interventions, and we now offer a full range of services for children with autism and other disabilities.
Our Services
•Individual Therapy: Home, Center, and Community
•Social Skills: Center and Community
•Teen Group: Center and Community
•Respite Level Therapeutic Care: Home, Center, and Community
•ESY
•Family Support Services
•School Consultant and Training for Professionals
•Educational Placement
Activities and staff can accommodate individuals with/using:
•AAC devices
•Sign language
•Picture communication
•Food allergies & special diets (including GFCF)
•Physical limitations
•G-tubes or feeding aversions
•Aggressive behaviors
•Medication needs
•Seizures
•Sensory needs
Information about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) refers to a collection of strategies based on the application of operant learning principles to real life problems. The science of ABA encompasses a variety of methods such as discrete trial training (DTT), verbal behavior (VB), and natural environment teaching (NET). All areas of ABA are research-based and data-driven. These methods are used for a variety of reasons, including the acquisition of communication, increasing appropriate behavior, improving self-help skills, pre-academic/academic, and/or socialization skills. Clients receiving ABA therapy can be assured that they are receiving some of the best researched and effective treatments available for children with developmental disabilities, including those with autism.
Every member of our staff is carefully trained in Applied Behavior Analysis/Verbal Behavior (ABA/VB) techniques. We have qualified ABA therapist, BCaBAs and BCBAs who work with individuals with a variety of diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other developmental delays/disabilities.
A diagnosis is not required to receive services, however, it is typically required when services are paid for by insurance. We currently work with children up to 18 years of age.For clients who turn 18 while receiving services, we work with the school and family to develop an appropriate transition plan into the adult world.