Denver START Impact Story: One Young Man’s Journey Toward Stability and Independence

April 23, 2025

With support from the Denver START Program, a teenager named JB gained the tools to manage his anxiety, build independence, and re-engage in his community.

JB, a 19-year-old diagnosed with autism (Asperger’s Syndrome), ADHD, and anxiety, began struggling with his mental health after his brother experienced a crisis that required repeated hospitalizations. Feeling isolated and aware that his grandparents and caregivers were already overwhelmed supporting his brother, JB fell into a deep depression and heightened anxiety.

As his mental health declined, JB developed severe phobias, including an intense fear of water. This anxiety interfered with daily activities like washing dishes and even stepping outside when it rained or snowed.

The pandemic further disrupted his life, limiting his participation in computer programming at TACT and art classes at Access Gallery. The loss of routine and lack of adequate support only worsened his condition.

“He couldn’t go anywhere on his own,” his grandmother recalled.

Recognizing that JB needed more help than they could provide, his grandparents reached out to Denver START, a program of Rocky Mountain Human Services. Denver START offers mentoring, coaching, and 24/7 crisis support for Denver residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who also face mental health challenges.

Working with Denver START to Build a Foundation for Success

JB’s partnership with Denver START began with support from both a START-certified therapeutic coach team lead, Joshua Cunningham, and therapeutic coach, Wendy Juarez. Therapeutic coaching quickly became a vital part of his progress, helping him process his feelings about his brother’s hospitalization, manage his emotions, build life skills, and grow more independent.

His START therapeutic coach team also helped him identify the signs of his generalized anxiety and develop effective coping strategies. The START team worked flexibly, adapting to JB’s needs and respecting his boundaries while gradually helping him rebuild confidence.

They also supported his grandparents in adjusting their parenting approach to better align with JB’s needs.

“As a parent, my expectations didn’t match what JB needed at the time,” his grandmother explained. “The START team did a lot of parent coaching to help my husband and me see what JB needed. The coaching helped to relax our parenting style. My ability to release him and allow him independence was enhanced by the combination of services he was receiving.”

At the same time, JB was also receiving support from ABA Services of Colorado and attending Denver Public Schools’ 18–21 Transition Program. Members of his Denver START team, including his therapeutic coach and mentor, attended IEP meetings and through their consistent support, empowered and persuaded JB to eventually attend his own IEP meetings. This combination of services played a key role in his progress and increased autonomy.

With the support of Denver START’s dedicated team, JB found a safe space to express his anxieties, process emotions, and work toward greater stability and improved mental health.

Rediscovering Independence

JB’s progress with Denver START was transformative. Initially fearful of leaving the house, JB now confidently navigates his community. He also takes a daily 30–40-minute walk through his neighborhood, often greeting neighbors and their dogs along the way. Where he once feared riding the bus, JB now commutes independently to school, his internship, and back home.

Additionally, JB has developed valuable life skills through Denver START coaching, ABA therapy, and the DPS 18-21 Transition Program. As a result, he now manages his own grocery shopping, does his laundry at the laundromat, and completes daily chores. He also practices conversation skills and is learning to make his own appointments.

“He’s become more confident,” his grandmother said. “We used to have to take him everywhere, and now he goes on the bus by himself. It’s amazing to see.”

JB graduated from the Denver START program after a little over a year, once he could apply the strategies he developed with his coach and mentor independently.

With his increased independence, JB began an internship with Denver Community Media, where he’s expanding his skills in media production and working to fulfill his goal of becoming a media producer.  Last summer, he also completed a different internship with an ABA service provider.

“He gets up now with an attitude of, ‘I’m going to work,’” his grandmother shared. “He’s proud of what he’s doing.”

Inspired by his creative passions, JB is also in the process of launching his own YouTube channel, turning an original character he designed into a video game. Both his involvement in the media center and the creation of his YouTube channel illustrate the purpose and passion he finds in connecting computer work with art.

A Decrease in Caregiving Responsibilities with JB’s Increase in Independence

JB’s grandparents credit Denver START with helping them grow as caregivers. Through the coaching they received, they gained a deeper understanding of his unique needs and learned how to better support his journey toward independence.

“We grew exponentially in the ability to release him,” they reflected. “We can now say, ‘If you need us, call us.'”

His grandparents explained that families should know Denver START’s support evolves over time. It begins with hands-on guidance and crisis support, then gradually shifts to backup support as the person supported and their family build confidence and skills.

“They came when we needed them,” his grandparents shared, “but over time, we didn’t have to call as often— we just knew they were there, which was comforting, and we felt supported.”

Looking Ahead

JB has one year left in the Denver Public Schools’ 18-21 transition program where he continues to build essential skills for adulthood. He is now seeking paid internship opportunities to expand his skills in media production.

“Before START, we were focused on the now instead of the future. As a result of being able to relax and get a better perspective, we now see a bright future for JB,” his grandparents shared.

Through his determination and the support of his family and Denver START, JB has grown from a young man overwhelmed by anxiety and depression to one who confidently navigates his community, pursues his passions, and is taking the next steps to creating the future he wants.

Learn more about the unique supports and services that the Denver START program offers and get information on how to submit a referral for to Denver residents with I/DD suffering from mental health challenges.