Specializing in helping children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays.
“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.”
– Maria Montessori
Proudly Serving Colorado
Greater Denver Metro,
Durango / La Plata,
and
the rest of Colorado via Telehealth/Parent Coaching
About Our Therapy
We are a team of passionate clinicians dedicated to the treatment of children ages 3 months to 6 years with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays.
Our goal is to help each child reach their fullest potential and develop the social, language and play skills to foster growth and independence.
With each child’s individual needs at the forefront, we develop a customized treatment plan rooted in the most recent research on social and language development.
We apply the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and work closely with parents and caregivers to deliver intensive (up to 30 hours per week), evidence-based therapy in the child’s home or childcare setting.
Our Services
Personalized Play-based ABA Therapy
Direct Play-Based ABA Therapy
Dramatic Efficacy
The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a cutting-edge, comprehensive behavioral early intervention approach for young children with autism and other developmental delays. It encompasses a developmental curriculum that defines the skills to be taught at any given time and a set of teaching procedures used to deliver this content. The program integrates a relationship-focused developmental model with the well-validated teaching practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Its core features include the following:
Naturalistic applied behavioral analytic strategies
Sensitive to normal developmental sequence
Deep parental involvement
Focus on interpersonal exchange and positive affect
Shared engagement with joint activities
Language and communication taught inside a positive, affect-based relationship
Getting Started
Contact Us
We'll Help Navigate Insurance
We'll Conduct an Assessment
We'll Work With You on the Best Care Plan
Child Social Skills Program
Friends Are Fun!
If you’re looking for quality Child Social Skills Program sessions with a certified Children's Therapist that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. We guide our clients every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. Schedule an appointment today and see what we can do for you.
Parent Coaching
You Are Your Child's Best Teacher
We work with the Colorado's early intervention program to deliver coaching services for parents and caregivers of children with developmental delays. We deliver in-person or telemedicine services for Developmental Intervention and/or Social/Emotional Intervention by regular coaching and therapy sessions (up to 4 hrs weekly).
Insurance
Let us handle the paperwork
We work with all major carriers including Medicaid, Anthem (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), United (Optum), and Cigna as in-network. We can accept private pay and out-of-network as well.
Navigating insurance can be difficult for anyone. Let us take some of burden. We’ll walk you through every step of the insurance process and help with paperwork, so you can focus on your child.
Our Story
An impressive and passionate team
Libby Gorsuch, M.Ed. BCBA is an experienced board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and longtime early childhood educator. During her 20+ years in the field of education, Libby has demonstrated a passion for helping children reach their full potential. Libby founded Play To Learn Therapies in 2012 to serve the Colorado community and is proud of the strength of talent and training of her awesome team.
Libby is thankful to have called Colorado home for more than 20 years. She loves the outdoor lifestyle, and can often be found on a hike with her husband, three children, and dogs. Libby also enjoys yoga and spending time with her nieces and nephews. Libby and her family are avid travelers who love experiencing new cultures and going on adventures together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Behavior analysis is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is impacted by the environment. Positive reinforcement is an example of behavior analysis; when a reward follows a specific behavior, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior. ABA has been used with young children with autism and other developmental delays since the 1960s and continues to be recognized as a safe and effective treatment approach.
What do ABA and ESDM therapy sessions look like?
Because each child’s needs are different, ABA and ESDM therapy may look different depending on each child’s individual needs and goals. In many cases, our therapy sessions for young children will look like play time to the untrained eye. Therapy is designed to provide both structured and unstructured opportunities to practice skills. A child’s goals will be intertwined within activities that he/she enjoys. For example, a child may be playing with a favorite toy, and the therapist may be using access to the toy to promote certain requests. In this example, the therapist is targeting language within a child-chosen activity. All of our therapy sessions focus on positive social interactions, enjoyable learning, and positive reinforcement.
What is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)?
ESDM is a cutting-edge, comprehensive behavioral early intervention approach for young children with autism and other developmental delays. This innovative program combines its relationship-focused developmental model with the well-validated teaching practices of ABA. ESDM has been validated in a randomized clinical trial for use with children with autism as young as 18 months of age. It has strong research support for improving language, cognitive, social, and play outcomes for young children.
How do I know if this therapy is right for my child?
Our therapy focuses on building social, language, and cognitive skills. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your child’s needs with you. Please call us for a free phone consultation to determine if your child would benefit from support in one or all of these domains.
Where does therapy take place and how long is each therapy session?
Therapy sessions will usually take place at the child’s home or day care setting. Depending on the specific therapy plan, it may be helpful to hold some sessions in various locations throughout the community, such as parks, libraries, and grocery stores.
How much therapy does my child need?
A supervising clinician will evaluate your child’s needs and determine the number of recommended hours.
How involved are families in behavior therapy?
Families find that being an active participant in their child’s therapy is incredibly rewarding for both their child and themselves. Since families know their child best, strong family involvement is a valuable part of ABA/ESDM therapy. Many studies have found parent training and involvement to be effective in promoting successful treatment. One study also showed that parent coaching was also beneficial to parents’ mental health and wellbeing. Even sibling involvement has a positive impact on both the child receiving treatment and their siblings.
Do parents/caregivers receive training on the techniques used during therapy sessions?
Yes, parents are their child’s most important teachers, and parents are a valuable part of therapy’s success. All parents will receive training in the techniques used by our therapists so therapy can be reinforced at home. Our therapists are always available to answer any questions that parents have regarding their child’s therapy.
What does therapy look like in the age of COVID-19?
To keep our team and our clients safe, we have implemented rigorous protocols, limited contacts, and continuously provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to our staff. We continue to adapt and adopt evolving guidelines based on the CDC's recommendations for our industry as well as the Governor’s guidance for Colorado.
Careers
Surpassing expectations one client at a time
Are you interested in a rewarding career helping babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who have been diagnosed with autism or other developmental delays?
As an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist, you will be making a significant difference in the lives of children and their families.
We truly care for all of our clients, and work diligently to help find them the solutions they seek. Since 2012, we have worked with a variety of clients dealing with circumstances that are unique to their lives.
If this sounds like you, check out our current position listings below.
