Denver: Public schools see 59% increase in autism since 2020; ASD classes open

Sept 1, 2025, 9News, Denver: DPS expands autism center programs to meet demand of growing students on the spectrum 

https://www.9news.com/article/news/education/denver-public-schools-expands-autism-center-programs/73-ac79fdcf-3d14-4074-a97c-6abfd0577403 

Better assessment tools and improved resources are making children with autism easier to identify. That's allowing schools to better serve students on the spectrum.

More children are being diagnosed with autism in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 children has autism spectrum disorder.

Over the years, better assessment tools and improved resources are making children with autism easier to identify. That's allowing schools to better help students on the spectrum.

Inside West High School, their newest classroom may be their most calming.

Jonathan Baker, the homeroom teacher for the new multi-intensive autism (MIA) classroom at West, said the focus here is on ensuring students are comfortable. . . .

Mia Martinez Lopez, principal at West High School, said this is the school's first year with the dedicated MIA classroom.

"It's been going great," Martinez Lopez said. "Our students have really just kind of jumped in. We have been very fortunate to have our support staff in place ahead of time. They've been trained and so it's just been a really hit the ground running and going with it."

"There's a big sense of relief that our schools are able to have the supports needed for our students with autism to thrive," said Dr. Charlie Merrow, director of special education with Denver Public Schools.

Merrow said with changes and improvements in national assessments to identify children with autism spectrum disorder, it's allowing districts like DPS to better serve autistic students. That's led to a significant growth in identifying students with autism.

Since 2020, there has been a 59% increase of students with autism in DPS, Merrow said. The spectrum has a large range, so the district is expanding resources to meet students where they're at with the support they need.

"So in Denver Public Schools, we've seen a significant growth as well, which is why we've opened several new autism centers," Merrow said.

This school year, the district has opened up an additional 14 center-based programs for students with autism with classrooms like the one at West.

"We are trying to focus a little more on like the social aspect, so communication, working together," Baker said. "It's not always about just, 'What did you read in this book? Or can you solve this equation?' Like 'Can you communicate with your partner?'"

Baker said the work happening here is helping kids grow as students and as people. . . .

Merrow said DPS will likely open additional autism centers in schools throughout the district in the years to come to ensure students have access to the resources and tools they need to help them learn.