What Firefly Autism does

Firefly Autism is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2003 and headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado. The organization delivers a comprehensive portfolio of autism services across the lifespan — from early intervention at 3 months through adult services for individuals 21 and older — including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech and occupational therapy, school consultation and training, adult social skills groups, summer camp programs, and a structured adult social group curriculum launched in 2025. Services are differentiated by an explicit focus on populations other providers often exclude: adults, individuals with significant support needs, and medically complex clients, delivered under assent-based and values-based ABA practices, trauma-informed care, and person-centered planning. All clinicians working directly with clients hold full Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification.

Distribution is multi-channel and Colorado-anchored: a center-based program at the Lakewood headquarters with age-specific tracks (Early Childhood 3-5, School Age Primary 3-13, Secondary 14-18, Young Adult 18-21), telehealth delivery statewide, in-person partnerships with Colorado public school districts, and a newly launched Clinical Training Center for staff development. A geographic expansion to Colorado Springs began in July 2025. Adult-focused services include social skills groups and a vocational Transition to Work program created in partnership with BlueStar Recyclers.

The business model blends fee-for-service clinical revenue — billings to Medicaid, commercial insurance, and Colorado school districts — with charitable fundraising through annual galas ($750K-$800K+ in recent years), the Lifetime Golf Classic, planned giving, and corporate partnerships. The organization is led by President & CEO Dr. Amanda Kelly, who was recognized as Advocate of the Year by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) for advancing ethical, assent-based ABA practices.

Name

Firefly Autism

Legal name

Firefly Autism

Website

https://fireflyautism.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Firefly Autism is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech and occupational therapy, school consultation, and adult autism services for individuals ages 3 months through adulthood across center-based, telehealth, and school district channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Lakewood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Therapeutic Services Revenue: ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy services billed to Medicaid, insurance, and school districts. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 30-0199263).
2. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations, gala events, golf classics, garden parties, and brick campaigns that fund vital programs including ABA therapy, social skills groups, vocational training, and family resources.
3. Planned Giving and Legacy Donations: Tax-smart giving options including Qualified Charitable Distributions, Colorado's 50% Child Care Tax Credit, and planned legacy gifts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Firefly Autism provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech and occupational therapy, adult social skills groups, school consultation and teacher training, and community outreach programs for individuals with autism from 3 months to over 21 years of age. Services are delivered through center-based programming at its Lakewood, CO headquarters, telehealth statewide, school district partnerships across Colorado, and a Colorado Springs expansion that launched in July 2025. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization is funded by therapy billings, insurance, school district contracts, and charitable donations.

Product overview

Firefly Autism is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive, evidence-based autism services in Colorado through a multi-program portfolio. The organization operates Center Based Programs delivering ABA therapy (Early Childhood Intervention ages 3-5, School Age ages 3-21), Outreach services via telehealth and school-based support, Adult Groups including a structured social skills curriculum for adults 21+, School Consultation & ABA Services, Training & Education, and Summer Camp. Programs are coordinated through their Lakewood headquarters and newly established Clinical Training Center, with services spanning early intervention through adult support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Center Based Program Tailored ABA therapy delivered in a supportive center-based environment at the Lakewood, CO headquarters for skill-building and growth. Serves individuals ages 3 months to 21 years through age-specific programs including School Age (Primary: 3-13, Secondary: 14-18, Young Adult: 18-21) and Early Childhood Intervention (ages 3-5).
• Outreach Community programs bringing specialized ABA support directly to schools, homes, and communities across Colorado via telehealth and in-person services, including telehealth therapy, parent training, and school-based consultation.
• Adult Groups Specialized services fostering independence and social skills for adults with autism, including structured social group curriculum for adults 21+ focusing on interpersonal skills, employment challenges, and independent living strategies.
• School Consultation & ABA Services Expert guidance helping schools create inclusive classrooms for autism through customizable training, staff development, individualized planning, behavior support systems, and data monitoring for Colorado school districts.
• Training & Education Comprehensive training and education services enabling schools and various settings to fully support autistic learners, including development of program systems, staff training, and ongoing consultation.
• Summer Camp Summer camp program providing specialized autism support services during summer months.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• La Plaza ColoradominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 March 2026La Plaza Colorado hosted a community-centered Bazaar of Health celebrating International Women's Day. Firefly Autism had a booth at this free event to provide information about services and general autism resources to the community.
• BlueStar RecyclersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlueStar Recyclers partnership creates an on-site electronics recycling vocational training program at Firefly Autism. Clients disassemble computers and laptops to prepare them for recycling, gaining real-world vocational skills. BlueStar employs individuals with disabilities for electronics recycling. The Transition to Work program helps prepare clients for paid employment opportunities.
• Lifetime Home RemodelingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLifetime Home Remodeling hosts the annual Lifetime Golf Classic fundraiser for Firefly Autism, bringing the community together for a day of fundraising. The 3rd Annual Golf Classic in July 2025 raised more than $160,000.
• Colorado School DistrictscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFirefly Autism has entered into partnerships with several Colorado school districts to provide in-school consultations, teacher training, and inclusive learning plan development. Services are funded primarily by public school districts and include short- and long-term support options.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers: Large multi-state operator of ABA therapy centers serving pediatric autism populations. Directly comparable to Firefly's center-based ABA model, though at a far larger geographic scale and with PE backing; competes for Colorado clinicians and families.
• BlueSprig Pediatrics: One of the largest US ABA providers operating center-based and home-based programs for children with autism. Comparable in clinical model (RBT-staffed ABA delivery) and serves overlapping payer and family segments as Firefly.
• Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): National ABA therapy provider offering center-based and in-home services for individuals with autism across the lifespan. Overlaps with Firefly's ABA core and adult-services positioning, though with broader geographic reach.
• Behavioral Innovations: Multi-state ABA provider with center-based clinics delivering individualized ABA therapy for children with autism. Closely comparable clinical and operational model to Firefly's center-based program.
• Acorn Health: ABA and behavioral health provider operating across multiple states with center-based and home-based autism services. Comparable in clinical model and pediatric autism focus to Firefly's core offerings.
• Learn Behavioral: National ABA provider delivering center-based and home-based ABA therapy with emphasis on clinical quality and staff training. Comparable to Firefly on clinical rigor and pediatric autism focus.

Direct peers

• Autism Learning Partners: ABA therapy provider delivering center-based, in-home, and telehealth services for individuals with autism, including adult services. Closely comparable to Firefly across delivery channels and lifespan coverage.

Emerging players

• Cortica: Multi-site provider combining ABA, speech, occupational therapy, and medical care for children with autism and developmental differences. Overlaps directly with Firefly's ABA + speech + OT offering but operates on a larger integrated-care model.
• Surpass Behavioral Health: ABA therapy provider focused on center-based and home-based services for children with autism in selected US markets. Comparable in clinical model to Firefly, though smaller scale and emerging geographic footprint.

Regional players

• JFK Partners (University of Colorado): University-based Colorado program addressing autism and developmental disabilities through clinical service, training, and research. Comparable to Firefly as a Colorado autism-services provider with a training and workforce-development mission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fireflyautism
• Facebookfacebook.com/fireflyautism
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/firefly-autism
• Instagraminstagram.com/firefly_autism

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Firefly Autism