“Autism is not a tragedy. Running out of bacon is a tragedy.” – Jordan Hilkowitz
In the spring of 2007, a mother in Northwest Colorado found herself navigating the overwhelming landscape of raising a child with autism—without a map. Resources were scarce. The only structured support she could find came from BOCES, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, which offered services within the school system but little else for families feeling lost and isolated.
One day, a preschool teacher gently suggested she connect with another mother facing similar challenges. That conversation led to another, and then another, until six women—each raising a child on the spectrum—found themselves gathered around a kitchen table. Wine was poured. Tears were shed. Stories were shared. And amidst the chaos and confusion of parenting, something beautiful began to emerge: community.
These women weren’t therapists or specialists. They were just mothers desperate to find a better way—more for their kids, and more for themselves. They recognized, in each other, the same longing for support, understanding, and hope. Over time, what began as informal gatherings turned into something more purposeful. They started brainstorming, dreaming, and building. From these raw, emotional, wine-fueled conversations, the Yampa Valley Autism Program—YVAP—was born.
Back then, public understanding of autism was shallow at best. The cultural narrative was shaped largely by films like Rain Man, which cast autism as something both mysterious and tragic, defined by savant-like quirks and social disconnection. Many still saw autism as a disease to be cured, or a problem to be fixed. But these six mothers were already beginning to see things differently. They didn’t see their children as broken—they saw them as beautifully unique, with a different way of engaging with the world.
As awareness of neurodiversity grew across the country, YVAP grew with it. What started as a grassroots support group slowly evolved into a vital nonprofit organization offering life-changing services to autistic individuals and their families across the Yampa Valley. While the world around them shifted its lens on autism—from deficit to difference—YVAP adapted its programming and expanded its reach, always centering the needs of the local community.
Today, YVAP continues to be rooted in the same values that sparked its founding: empathy, empowerment, and inclusion. Children are supported from their earliest years, often beginning with speech and occupational therapy tailored to their individual needs. As they grow, the support grows with them, adapting to the classroom, helping them form friendships, express themselves, and build confidence. These aren’t cookie-cutter interventions—they’re deeply personal, guided by professionals who see the whole child, not just a diagnosis.
In the schools, YVAP has become a trusted partner. Teachers and therapists work together to create learning environments where neurodivergent students can thrive. Instead of forcing kids to conform to rigid norms, the focus is on making space—physically, emotionally, and socially—for different ways of thinking and being. This isn’t just beneficial for autistic students; it creates a more compassionate, flexible learning culture for everyone.
But YVAP’s reach doesn’t end when the school day does. Therapy sessions, group meetups, and social skill-building activities help young people connect with their peers in safe, encouraging spaces. For parents, YVAP provides more than education—it offers understanding. Support groups, counseling, and workshops help families build stronger relationships and create inclusive home environments where kids feel seen and celebrated.
As children become teens and teens become young adults, the program evolves yet again. YVAP helps these individuals build life skills, explore job opportunities, and find their place in the wider community. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, neurodivergent young adults are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully—proving, time and again, that difference is not a limitation but a strength.
Perhaps what’s most remarkable about YVAP is that all of this is happening in a rural mountain community. The kinds of services and support offered here are typically only found in bigger cities. But thanks to the vision and persistence of those original six mothers—and the countless others who’ve joined their mission—YVAP has defied the odds and built something extraordinary.
It’s easy to look at an organization like this and see just the programs and services. But at its core, YVAP is still what it was in the beginning: a circle of people choosing connection over isolation, compassion over judgment, and love over fear.
Autism isn’t something to fix. It’s a way of experiencing the world that deserves to be honored, understood, and included. YVAP’s work has not only changed lives—it’s transformed a community. It’s made space for differences, lifted up voices that once went unheard, and reminded us all that inclusion isn’t just a value. It’s a practice.
Never underestimate what a handful of determined moms can do with a little courage and a lot of heart. What started around a kitchen table has become a lifeline for families across the Yampa Valley—and a legacy of healing that continues to grow.
“Every time women gather together in circles, the world heals a little more.” – Unknown
To hear more about the Yampa Valley Autism Program, listen to the Elevating Steamboat podcast featuring Heidi Mendisco, Executive Director, and Jessica Charpentier, Therapy Director.
Elevating Steamboat: Stories of Impact and Inspiration is dedicated to the people and organizations working to uplift our community presented by The Carpet Shoppe, where they can elevate your space as the top flooring choice in Steamboat.