About Us
In December of 2002, our founder, Diane Osaki, left her position with JFK Partners at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She was passionate about creating an organization where children on the autism spectrum could learn and have all their needs supported. At the time, Colorado parents coordinated a patchwork of providers for their children, driving from one location to another in search of occupational and physical therapy, speech therapy, behavioral therapy, respite care, and home tutors.
Diane and her supporters were able to convert her passion to action so that within six months, a building was located, purchased, renovated, cleaned, furnished and landscaped, staff were hired and equipment and materials purchased to give our children the encouragement, support, and challenges they needed to succeed. Now called Firefly Autism, our House used to be known as the Alta Vista Center for Autism. Since then, we have changed the lives of thousands of children and families-supporting and transforming the lives of family members and friends-through our center programs, home programs, consultations, training, and therapies.
FIREFLY IS FOR EVERYONE
At Firefly Autism, we’re pioneering lifelong support for Colorado’s autism community from toddlers (18+ months) to seniors (70+ years). What began in 2003 as Diane Osaki’s vision for unified care has grown into one of the state’s few programs serving all ages, with specialized adult services that fill a critical gap.
Like our founder, we believe in breaking barriers. Through collaborative, personalized ABA therapy, we design behavior plans that respect each individual’s values and choices. This commitment to assent-based care ensures every client’s voice shapes their journey, just as families shaped ours from the beginning.
Assent & Values-Based Care
Assent-Based Practices
Continuously gaining and seeking approval during all interactions to ensure the utmost safety, care, and respect of all individuals. Client assent is an integral part of treatment at Firefly Autism, as we believe it is of vital importance to teach our clients self-advocacy skills and to respect the wishes and boundaries that they communicate to us.
Values-Based Practices
Ongoing and active listening approach to ensure client values guide therapeutic interactions. At Firefly Autism, we strive to provide our clients with the skills and accommodations needed to thrive in their environment and provide caregivers with the knowledge and support to maintain their success outside of therapy sessions.
LEADING THE FIELD
Our President/CEO, Dr. Amanda Kelly, was educated and trained as a Contextual Behavioral Scientist. Such individuals believe that the ultimate purpose of behavioral science is to change the world in a positive and intentional way. Contextual Behavioral Science is also the research paradigm underlying the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Relational Frame Theory (RFT). ACT and RFT are now established research and practice avenues within which to address broader social issues, and ultimately promote behavioral health and social justice.
Firefly Autism under the leadership of Dr. Amanda Kelly, have taken a strong stance throughout training and treatment practices to ensure all staff members and clients experience the true impact of this approach at every level.
