Autism rates are surging in Utah, new treatment center to open in Ogden
Jun 24, 2024, 5:30 AM | Updated: Jul 23, 2024, 2:15 pm
(ABS Kids)
OGDEN, Utah — Across the state, autism rates among children are surging.
1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism in Utah. The need for added support is imperative, said Executive Vice President of Operations at ABS Kids, Mellanie Page.
Page said ABS Kids is opening another center in Ogden, to keep up with the demand for treatment.
ABS Kids offers therapy to those with autism. At this time, they have 13 locations all across Utah, from Provo to Logan. They also have a location in St. George.
“We used to just sort of be in that central Salt Lake area and now we’ve expanded because there’s a need, and families expressing that they’d love something closer,” she said.
Page said their Layton center is one of their busiest centers.
The new Ogden center will offer a wide range of services like therapy, or even just allowing kids to connect with other children who they can relate to.
The Ogden center will house ABS Kids’ “applied behavior analysis” service as well.
Page said most insurances will cover their services. She said she hopes more families will take advantage of this added access to resources that can help them and their families.
“There are so many people here to help, to walk you through next steps for treatment, next steps for how to manage your daily life,” she said.
To celebrate the opening, ABS Kids is hosting a a free event, the Sensory Friendly Summer Fest on June 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Riverdale.
Read more stories about mental health from KSL NewsRadio.