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OGDEN — Across the state, autism rates among children are surging.
One in 36 children is diagnosed with autism in Utah and the need for added support is imperative, says Mellanie Page, executive vice president of operations at ABS Kids.
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, there are 13 locations all across Utah, from Provo to Logan. There is also a location in St. George.
"We used to just sort of be in that central Salt Lake area and now we've extended because there's a need in families expressing that they'd love something closer," she said.
Page said their Layton center is one of its 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 center will also house ABS Kids' first-ever "applied behavior analysis" service.
Page said most insurance companies will cover the 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 there to help, to walk you through next steps for treatment, next steps for how you just manage your daily life," she said.
To celebrate the opening, ABS Kids is hosting a free event, the Sensory Friendly Summer Fest, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Riverdale.
