A Brief History of Our Center

The Alta Vista Center for Autism, originally called the Aspen Center for Autism, opened its doors in June 2003 with 12 children and 5 therapists.  Since then, the Center has grown to serve more than 300 children through its center programs, home programs, consultations, trainings, and therapies. 

In December of 2002, Center founder and former executive director Diane Osaki left her position with JFK Partners at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center to start the Aspen Center.  In an incredible six months, a building was located, renovated, cleaned, furnished and landscaped.  Staff was hired and trained while materials were acquired to give children the best possible learning environment.

How was so much achieved in so short a time frame?  The answer is through incredibly dedicated staff and parents. All work is done in the name of increasing the abilities and opportunities of the children at the Alta Vista Center.  No matter the skill level or the age of the child, Center staff work their hardest to help children achieve progress.  And the enthusiasm and pride is contagious.

Through our outreach department, we have worked with over 17 school districts to provide ongoing consultation and support to autism teams and site specific programs. We also oversee home programs. The Alta Vista Center is a registered day treatment and child care center with the Colorado Department of Health and Human Services and a nonprofit organization under section 501(c) 3 of  the Internal Revenue Service.

Prior to the opening of the Alta Vista Center, Colorado parents coordinated a patchwork of providers for their children, driving from one location to another in search of occupational/physical therapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy and home tutors.  Now parents have the option to access treatment programs, therapy, and consultation services in one place, reducing stress and travel time for parents and children.

The last several years have been an inspirational and exciting journey and with the energetic support of all, the Alta Vista Center for Autism looks forward to continued success.