Assent-Based ABA

Assent-Based ABA Therapy

At Innovations Developmental Solutions, we believe therapy should be a collaboration, not a requirement. Our assent-based ABA therapy programs are designed to honor every child’s comfort, voice, and preferences. By practicing neurodiversity-affirming care, we create a safe, respectful environment where children feel supported, motivated, and empowered to learn.
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Assent-based ABA therapy helps children grow in communication, social skills, independence, and confidence while ensuring they are active participants in their own journey. By embedding consent and assent into every session, children feel heard and respected. Families notice the difference when therapy is child-led, supportive, and affirming.

Respectful, Collaborative Care that Honors Every Voice

Assent-based ABA therapy begins by listening to children and families. We carry out a thorough assessment while also learning how each child communicates comfort, interest, and choice.

Our BCBA then designs a plan that places your child’s voice at the center of every session. Therapy may include:

  • Communication skills: supporting children in expressing needs and preferences.
  • Social development: building friendships and confidence through child-led play.
  • Daily living skills: promoting independence while honoring comfort levels.
  • Behavior support: addressing challenges with compassionate, collaborative strategies.
  • Confidence building: encouraging children to take an active role in their own growth.

Every program is positive, affirming, and designed to keep children engaged while respecting their individuality and autonomy.

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Why Families Trust Us

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M Thai
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Cathie Christmas and her staff are phenomenal and provide care to their clients and help navigate the challenges of parenting of special needs children. Highly recommend Innovativations Behavioral Center
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Stephanie Collins
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Our daughter has been with IDS since late last year. She is always super excited to attend and my husband and I have seen some real growth and improvement at both school and home. Cathie and all of the IDS staff are professional, caring, and super supportive. We feel extremely fortunate to have found Innovations!
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Jenny Mitchell
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I interviewed IDS flat out telling them I have mixed feelings about ABA, but at a place where I really felt my son needed more help and support than what he was getting. I'm so glad we made the decision for him to go there. You can tell the staff truly truly care/love my son! He's accepted as he is and is supported in learning functional communication, how to self regulate and learning how to be around peers. I do not want my child to mask who he is, I want him to be the best him he can be - Kathie and her team get that.
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D M
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This is not your typical ABA place. The reason we love this place is the people and their approach. Cathie, the owner, and her team are amazing. Everyone there are in this for the love they have for the children and the desire to see them thrive. Innovations is neurodiverse affirming, so they embrace differences instead of trying to teach the kids how to be neurotypical. In my family's experience it's been all about support based on our child individual needs, focusing on regulation over compliance, helping with self-advocacy and safety skills and encouraging autonomy. And lots of love. We are very grateful for having found Cathie.
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Sergio Navarro
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We can't speak highly enough about Cathie and her staff at IDS. For years we were told that our son with Down Syndrome was learning his behaviors in his classroom and did not have Autism. Cathie helped connect my wife with the right people to have him evaluated and officially diagnosed with Level 1 Autism. Feeling so disheartened with all the time we lost of therapy by receiving a late diagnosis, Cathie assured us there was still time. IDS went on to provide years of valuable ABA therapy that made all the difference for him and our entire family.
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Lin Kitson
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Cathie Christmas made THE difference in Ethan's life. He was 2 when diagnosed and Cathy's team came to the house and actually accompanied him to the center because he was having such bad tantrums. They have worked with Ethan for 10 years. He is now 12 and has mainstreamed very well at his school. Cathie was there for us during the pandemic and set up a counselor to help out each day with the home schooling process. She has our VERY BEST recommendation!!!
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Jamie Lachel
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My son was one of the first clients! He is now 10 years old and thriving!
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Catherine Christmas, M.Ed., BCBA

Founder & Executive Director

Having served as a Clinical Director at an autism center near Denver, CO, Cathie led programs focused on early intervention, after-school therapy, social skills groups, and parent training. Prior to that, as a Behavior Therapist, she worked in schools, centers, and client homes, gaining valuable experience in implementing effective behavioral interventions. Her passion is creating therapy environments where children feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assent-Based ABA Therapy

What is assent-based ABA therapy?
Assent-based ABA therapy is an approach to applied behavior analysis that centers on a child’s comfort, voice, and choice. It ensures therapy is collaborative, respectful, and neurodiversity affirming.
Children are given ways to signal agreement or discomfort during sessions. Our therapists listen to these signals and adjust accordingly, building trust and making therapy more effective.
Neurodiversity affirming care values the unique ways children think, learn, and interact. It focuses on supporting strengths and building skills while respecting individuality.
Our assent-based ABA therapy is overseen by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who set individualized goals, while Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work directly with children to bring those goals to life. Both are trained in neurodiversity affirming practices.
Yes, children thrive when they feel safe, respected, and motivated. Assent-based ABA therapy builds trust, encourages participation, and creates long-term progress families can see.
Yes, many insurance providers cover ABA services, including assent-based ABA therapy. Our team will help verify benefits, manage paperwork, and guide you through the approval process.

Insurance and Accessibility

Explore Our Center

Our Broomfield center offers a welcoming and inclusive space where children and families receive high-quality ABA therapy services. Designed to support growth in a safe and nurturing environment, our center helps children build skills, gain confidence, and thrive. Conveniently located near neighborhoods, schools, and community resources, it provides families with both accessibility and support.
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Exterior of ABA Therapy center

Monday - Friday

9 AM - 6 PM

Saturday

9 AM - 5 PM

Sunday

Closed

Our vibrant playroom, where a colorful play mat sets the stage for endless adventures. From engaging games to comfy bean bag chairs and stimulating child puzzles, this dynamic space is designed to spark joy and facilitate learning as children engage in therapeutic activities tailored to their unique needs.
We do our best to provide an enriching learning environment for children to explore and grow. This dedicated space is where children embark on their educational journey, supported by our expert team of ABA professionals.

Get In Touch

We’re here to support you and your family on your journey. Click the link below to request our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services and take the first step towards positive change. Our dedicated team is eager to connect with you, understand your child’s unique needs, and provide the personalized support that will make a difference in their lives.