Denver Public Schools Expanded Autism Classrooms

The district opened 28 new classrooms as the number of students requiring autism services grew by nearly 75%.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Autism

A serene, sensory-friendly classroom with wooden tables and green carpet, designed to provide support for students with autism. — Denver Public Schools added 28 specialized classrooms as the number of students requiring autism services grew by 75% since 2021. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local school district prioritize funding for specialized autism classrooms over other budget needs?

Denver Public Schools opened 28 new multi-intensive autism center-based programs over the past two years. This expansion addresses a surge in students with autism requiring special education, which grew from 1,315 in 2021 to 2,280 last year.

Why it matters

The rise in diagnoses is attributed to improved screening and expanded definitions of autism. Changes to Medicaid rules also mean more children with autism are now enrolling in public school programs instead of receiving full-time private therapy.

Official district records show a 75% increase in students requiring autism services over five years. Whether this trajectory continues as the district manages current staffing shortages remains under investigation.

The players

Denver Public Schools

The public school district serving the city of Denver, responsible for managing specialized education and staffing for students with autism.

The details

The district supports these students through center-based programs, each costing over $230,000 annually to operate. To meet the rising demand, the district has shifted staffing, with teacher counts dropping 2% since 2019 while the number of paraprofessionals rose 28%. These paraprofessionals provide essential support by working one-on-one or in small groups with students, while placement in specific programs is managed by each student’s dedicated special education team.

Between 2019 and 2025, teacher counts decreased 2% while paraprofessionals increased 28%.
In 2021, 1,315 students were enrolled in autism special education services.
Last year, the enrollment for these services reached 2,280 students.
Over the past two years, Denver Public Schools opened 28 new autism classrooms.
Voters will consider a tax increase for special education in November 2026.

Health Landscape

This growth follows the requirements set by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide free, appropriate public education for students with autism. The expansion reflects a broader shift toward integrating students into public districts rather than relying on private, full-time therapy models.

Parents of students with autism should coordinate with their child's school special education team to evaluate current placement and support needs. If you have concerns about your child's access to services in the district, consider discussing these options with your pediatrician or family physician.

The takeaway

The rapid rise in students needing specialized support highlights the importance of proactive screening and district-level resource planning. Families should track how proposed tax measures may influence the availability of specialized support staff in their local schools.