Programs

Yampa Valley Autism Program (YVAP) serves neurodiverse children and youth who have a variety of diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Angelman’s Syndrome, Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD), and more.

Over 50% of our clients have a diagnosis other than autism. To honor them and their experiences, we will use our acronym –YVAP–more often and refer to our client base as neurodiverse and our individuals as neurodivergent.

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Programs

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term we use to acknowledge that people think in different ways. This is a natural variation of the human population as common as other variations in the human population like eye color, height, skin color, or whether or not you can roll your tongue. Some people are more analytical and focus on facts and numbers. Some people are more creative and see the way shapes and colors work together. That tapestry makes our world more productive, more interesting, and more vibrant.

It is up to an individual to choose how to identify. For example, someone may choose to identify as “autistic” or instead, they may say they “have ASD or autism”. Or they may just say they are neurodivergent. It’s OK to ask preferences. Just be sure to use them once you know.

What does Neurodiverse mean?

Neurodiverse refers to a group of people. It denotes that all of the people in the group think differently. Some may fit societal norms and be considered “neurotypical”, and some may be neurodivergent. YVAP benefits from its neurodiverse staff.

What does Neurodivergent mean?

People whose brains work differently may identify as neurodivergent. They may have diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Down Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome, Intellectual Developmental Disorder, and others. Or they may not have an official diagnosis.

A teacher sits at a table talking to a young student wearing a cap. Behind them, a whiteboard displays classroom tasks and colorful drawings. Two books with vibrant covers lie on the table near the teacher. The student listens attentively.

Therapy Programs

We use therapy to empower individuals by teaching essential skills like social interaction and executive functioning. Our therapy program, led by two Board Certified Behavior Analysts, focuses on positive reinforcement, kindness, and respect for differences, helping children and youth achieve their goals and live their best lives.

Four people are working together in a community garden, tending to a shared raised bed with green plants. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying the activity on a sunny day. Soccer fields and trees can be seen in the background.

Education Support

From the Community Cultivation program, offering Extended School Year services to prevent summer learning loss, to the Strides transition program teaching life skills in real-world environments, we provide crucial support for students aged 12-21. We also offer behavior consultation and educator training to enrich the educational experience for neurodivergent students in collaboration with local school districts.

A woman in a blue hoodie and pink shorts is smiling while wiping down an exercise bike with a towel in a room with several stationary bikes. There is a wall-mounted fan and a hand sanitizer dispenser visible on the wall.

Work-Readiness

YVAP works with youth aged 15-21 to prepare for the workplace and explore job opportunities that fit their skills, abilities, and interests. Once they land a job, YVAP helps teach the skills needed to perform the tasks and works with employers to identify and implement accommodations when needed.

A ski instructor in blue pants and a black jacket stands on a snowy slope with five young children wearing green safety vests and ski gear. Buildings and trees are visible in the background, along with ski gondolas suspended on cables above.

Community Partnerships

The Community Partnerships program empowers neurodivergent children to participate fully in group activities by providing one-on-one support through trained paraprofessionals. By partnering with local activity providers, we create inclusive environments where all children can develop social skills, and peers learn about acceptance. This collaboration replaces the Special Activity Support program and offers training to help staff recognize and accommodate various developmental disabilities, fostering growth and understanding within the community.

A young person with shoulder-length hair smiles while sitting on a chair in what appears to be a large room or hall with rows of chairs. The person is wearing a blue T-shirt, and the setting has wooden columns and a warm, ambient lighting.

Community Workshops

YVAP conducts free community workshops to give the public a chance to learn more about neurodiversity, how to recognize “hidden disabilities,” and how everyone can make small changes to their behavior to help neurodivergent people feel comfortable, supported, and included.

A woman with brown hair tied back is working on a laptop at a wooden table. She is wearing a pink sweater. In the background, two children are sitting on a couch amidst scattered toys on the floor. A coffee mug and pen are on the table beside her.

Family Resources

YVAP knows that raising a neurodivergent child comes with challenges that can affect the whole family. We are here to help.