3 ways Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital supports children with autism

This article about children diagnosed with autism is sponsored by Intermountain Health. 

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If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you might find yourself wondering, “Now what?”

Autism services for kids are expanding at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital to help children and families get the assessment, support, and specialty help they need.

“We want children with autism and their families to know, we’re with you on this journey,” said Katy Welkie, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health. “We’re expanding services thanks to a generous community that’s helping us turn bold visions of building a model health system for children into reality. We’re so grateful.”

Historically, there have been few programs for families to receive care quickly, and few providers who can diagnose autism, evaluate developmental disabilities, and provide services.

But earlier this month, Primary Children’s Hospital patients, families, leaders and supporters celebrated the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinic opening at its Outpatient Services Clinic at Intermountain Riverton Hospital. The clinic offers early intensive services for children aged 2-6 years old, including behavioral assessment, individual and group therapy services.

Autism services expansion is helped by a $3 million gift to Primary Promise by Sandi Summer Hendry, along with her family and company Minky Couture, of which she is founder and chief executive officer.

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain develops, often leading to differences in social communication and the presence of restricted or repetitive behaviors.

The Centers for Disease Control this month updated its estimates of autism prevalence to 1 in 31 children nationwide. That’s up from 1 in 36 children at last estimate, and would equal more than 25,000 children in Utah alone.

If you’re concerned your child may have autism, you should talk to your primary care provider to request a screening, said Dr. Casey Clay, PhD, program director of ABA Services for Intermountain Children’s Health.

If your child receives a referral for evaluation, here are three Primary Children’s Hospital programs to help you:

1. Make an appointment at a Developmental Assessment Clinic, available at Primary Children’s Hospital Salt Lake and Lehi campuses and the South Main Clinic in partnership with University of Utah Health. Evaluations begin for kids as young as infants, and therapies and ongoing care are available. In 2023, these clinics served 8,165 patients.
2. The new Primary Children’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinic provides early intensive behavioral intervention for kids ages 2-6 years.
3. Use the Adaptive Care Program during Primary Children’s Hospital visits. Patients receive a customized plan to make challenging appointments go more smoothly. The program has served more than 350 children.

“It’s completely natural for parents to feel overwhelmed after an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis,” Dr. Clay said. “But they’re not alone. With expanded services and the new ABA center, we can help families better connect to the supports and treatments children need to reach their full potential.”

To learn more about Primary Children’s Autism Services, visit PrimaryChildrens.org/AutismServices. To donate, visit PrimaryPromise.org.  

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