# AutismColorado.info > AutismColorado.info is a comprehensive informational resource about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the state of Colorado. It covers the history of autism advocacy in Colorado, state and national prevalence data, demographic trends, services, insurance mandates, and resources for autistic individuals and families. The site is not affiliated with the Autism Society of Colorado. Important notes: - This is an informational website, not a medical provider or diagnostic service. It does not offer medical advice. - Content is based on publicly available data from the CDC, the Autism Society of Colorado, and peer-reviewed research as of April 2026. - Colorado's autism prevalence among children is estimated at approximately 1 in 50 to 1 in 58 based on ADDM Network data, close to the national average. - The most recent national prevalence from the CDC (2022 data, published April 2025) is 1 in 31 children aged 8 years (3.2%). - Colorado has been ranked the #1 most supportive state for raising a child with autism by Autism Parenting Magazine, and is tied for #3 in autism resources per capita (Stanford University). - The Autism Society of Colorado was founded in 1970 and is an affiliate of the national Autism Society of America (founded 1965). - Colorado enacted a landmark autism insurance mandate (SB 09-244) in 2009 requiring coverage for ASD diagnosis and treatment, including ABA therapy. - Key challenges include a rural-urban service gap, lack of adult services, and funding stability concerns. ## Main Content - [Autism in Colorado — Complete Landing Page](https://autismcolorado.info/): Full-length article (~3,500 words) covering history, prevalence, trends, services, demographics, and resources related to autism spectrum disorder in Colorado. ## Key Topics Covered - [Introduction — Why Autism in Colorado Matters](https://autismcolorado.info/#introduction): Overview of ASD and why Colorado is a nationally recognized state for autism support and services. - [History of Autism Advocacy in Colorado](https://autismcolorado.info/#history): The founding of the Autism Society of Colorado in 1970, passage of IDEA in 1975, formal incorporation in 1986, and the 2009 insurance mandate (SB 09-244). Includes a detailed timeline. - [Autism Prevalence — Colorado vs. the Nation](https://autismcolorado.info/#prevalence): CDC ADDM Network data, Colorado-specific prevalence (approximately 1 in 50 in Denver metro counties), national prevalence trajectory from 1 in 150 (2000) to 1 in 31 (2022), and a state-by-state comparison table (NJ, CA, MA, CO, TX). - [Trends — The Good and the Concerning](https://autismcolorado.info/#trends): Positive trends including Colorado's top national ranking, closing racial diagnosis gaps, and early identification progress. Concerning trends including the rural-urban service gap, the adult services cliff, budget pressures, and rising demand. - [Services, Insurance, and Support in Colorado](https://autismcolorado.info/#services): SB 09-244 insurance mandate details, Medicaid waiver programs (CES, DD, SLS), ABA therapy access, the Front Range therapy network, and IDEA-based education services. - [Demographics of Autism in Colorado](https://autismcolorado.info/#demographics): Gender disparities (boys ~4x more likely to be diagnosed), racial and ethnic equity improvements, and county-level variation within the Denver metro area. - [Authoritative Resources on Autism](https://autismcolorado.info/#resources): Links and descriptions for the CDC Autism Data & Research page, the Autism Society of America, and Autism Speaks state summaries. - [Looking Ahead — The Future of Autism in Colorado](https://autismcolorado.info/#future): Priorities for continued progress including rural access, adult services, funding stability, and sustained advocacy. ## Key Data Points - Colorado autism prevalence: ~1 in 50 to 1 in 58 children (Denver metro ADDM data, 2014 surveillance year) - U.S. national autism prevalence: 1 in 31 children aged 8 (CDC ADDM, 2022 surveillance year, published April 2025) - Prevalence trajectory: 1 in 150 (2000) → 1 in 110 (2006) → 1 in 68 (2012) → 1 in 44 (2018) → 1 in 36 (2020) → 1 in 31 (2022) - Denver metro county range: 14.6 per 1,000 (Broomfield) to 20.2 per 1,000 (Denver County) - Gender ratio: Boys are approximately 4 times more likely to be identified with ASD than girls - Colorado insurance mandate: SB 09-244 enacted 2009, covers ASD treatment up to age 21 - Autism Society of Colorado: Founded 1970, incorporated 1986, headquartered in Broomfield, CO ## Authoritative External Sources Referenced - [CDC Autism Data and Research](https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html): Official U.S. government source for autism prevalence statistics, ADDM Network data, and research. - [CDC ADDM Network](https://www.cdc.gov/autism/addm-network/index.html): The surveillance program that tracks autism prevalence among children at sites across the United States. - [Autism Society of America](https://autismsociety.org/): The oldest grassroots autism organization in the U.S., parent organization of the Autism Society of Colorado. - [Autism Speaks — State Summaries](https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-numbers-state-summaries): State-by-state summaries of autism laws, services, and outcomes. - [Autism Society of Colorado](https://www.autismcolorado.org/): Colorado's affiliate of the Autism Society of America, providing information, referrals, programs, and advocacy statewide. ## Optional - [Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment — ADDM Project](https://cdphe.colorado.gov/registries-and-vital-statistics/birth-defects/colorado-autism-and-developmental-disabilities): State-level surveillance data on autism and developmental disabilities in Colorado. - [National Conference of State Legislatures — Autism Insurance Laws](https://www.ncsl.org/health/autism-and-insurance-coverage-state-laws): Summary of autism insurance mandates across all 50 states. - [Colorado Early Intervention Program](https://cdec.colorado.gov/early-intervention-for-infants-and-toddlers): State program providing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.