Autism is a complex condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, think, and interact with others.
The disorder can also affect how a person learns and processes information.
Because autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are so diverse, no one therapy or treatment works for everyone with this condition.
However, some schools offer specialized programs designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum who want to pursue higher education or obtain employment in fields like science or technology. Read on as we explore these autism schools in Utah.
Primary School Options For Autistic Children
Your autistic child may have a variety of primary school alternatives in Utah since all children over the age of six are required to attend school.
Options for schools include:
- Mainstream government schools are also called public or state schools.
- Mainstream private schools, which include Catholic schools and independent schools.
- Specialist units in mainstream government or private schools.
- Specialist government or private schools.
- Home-schooling.
- Dual enrollment.
Mainstream Government and Private Schools
Many kids with autism attend regular elementary schools.
If your kid satisfies the requirements, they may receive additional support in a mainstream school in the form of specialized teachers, aides, training, or resources.
Many kids with autism attend regular elementary schools. If your kid satisfies the requirements, they may receive additional support in a mainstream school in the form of specialized teachers, aides, training, or resources.
Specialist Unit in Mainstream Government or Private Schools
There are classes expressly for autistic students in certain regular primary schools.
This implies that your child might take part in some classes in a regular classroom while receiving more specialized instruction and support in a different classroom.
Specialist Government or Private Schools
Children that require additional educational support attend specialized schools.
Some offer services for kids with a variety of requirements, such as intellectual disabilities, which can include kids with autism.
Some are designed specifically for students who are autistic.
A select few specialized schools provide boarding options. Your child must meet the enrollment requirements of the specialist school in order to attend.
Home-schooling
Another alternative for the autistic child is home-schooling, which offers the advantage of absolute environmental control and allows the child to completely concentrate on their education and treatment plan.
It can make eventual assimilation into larger society challenging because there is a lack of outside socialization and it is also quite stressful for both parents.
Make sure your child receives outside assistance from therapists who specialize in autism if you decide to homeschool your child.
Dual Enrollment
Children may alternate weeks between several kinds of schools in some states.
They might, for instance, alternate between attending a normal school or homeschooling and a government specialist school throughout the week.
Dual enrollment is what is meant by this.
Are you a concerned parent looking for autism schools in Utah that are dedicated to providing children with learning challenges support in a values-based setting?
Quit searching all around the country for solutions, and locate any of these listed Autism Schools in Utah to satisfy your child’s needs.
There are far more Children on the autistic spectrum in the state of Utah than previously believed, according to new data compiled by experts at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
Improvements in the detection and diagnosis of autism, according to researchers, may contribute to the rise.
Autism Schools in Utah create a learning environment providing the necessary training so that people with learning disabilities might reach their full potential.
Autism Schools in Utah work with families and professionals with years of experience to offer assistance to autistic children.
The List of Top Autism Schools in Utah
Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning
The Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning is an autism treatment center that provides comprehensive treatment, education, and related services for children with autism and their families.
This Autism Treatment Center uses and develops best practices validated by research while treating students and their families.
Services for children with autism include education, ABA therapy, learning programs, and related services and skills including communication skills, reading, social skills, self-care, and life skills.
- Visit School’s Website.
- Location: 780 Guardsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States
- Apply here.
ScenicView Academy
ScenicView Academy is a nonprofit transitional school for young adults with autism and other learning differences.
This school empowers students with skills needed to live independent, productive, and fulfilling lives, building the autonomy, competence, and connections of young adults with neurodevelopmental differences.
Students become part of a unique community that respects the challenges, strengths, and contributions of each individual while working to develop their skills.
Location: 5455 River Run Dr, Provo, UT 84604, United States.
Viair The Website.
Autism & Behavioral Intervention
Autism and Behavioural Intervention is a center in Utah that specializes in ABA Therapy and Autism
ABI provides intensive one-on-one ABA therapy to get significant results. And also, individualized programs based on the child’s strengths and needs.
Services Offered Include:
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Skills (ABA techniques to teach important social skills)
- Behaviour Reduction Plans
- Behavioral Intervention
- Food Interventions
- Life Skills
- Toilet Training
- Ongoing Assessments
- One-on-One Services
- Guidance After Diagnosis
Location: 12637 S 265 W #300, Draper, UT 84020, United States.
Visit The Website.
New Focus Academy
New Focus Academy is a therapeutic residential program and specialized school that serves adolescents (ages 12-18) struggling with social and functional challenges.
This school handles teens with Autism or other neurodivergent diagnoses and gives them a chance to gain the necessary skills to live independently.
New Focus Academy helps students gain the skills necessary for greater independence and success. Students engage in educational, experiential, vocational, and social training based on their unique abilities and needs.
Services include
- Education & Experiential Learning
- Social Development Groups
- Physical Health & Recreation
- Learning Life Skills
Location: 1268 N Valley Heights Cir, Heber City, UT 84032, United States.
Visit The Website.
Utah Autism Academy
Utah Autism Academy (UAA) is designed to offer center, home and community-based intensive therapeutic interventions and instruction for individuals across the range of the autism spectrum and their families.
Therapists and staff are broadly trained in the most up-to-date practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Verbal Behavior, Discrete Trial Training, and other methods of treatment.
This is to appropriately fit the Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs) that are developed by qualified professionals.
Location: 7434 State St, Midvale, UT 84047, United States.
Visit The Website.
Spectrum Academy
Spectrum Academy is a school in Utah for students with High Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other special cases.
Spectrum Academy is a charter school in Utah dedicated solely to the academic, behavioral and social success of students with high-functioning autism.
Instructors and teachers are highly-qualified with dual certification and training in social–cognitive deficits and are actively contributing to making a difference for students.
They also offer
- Small Class Sizes
- Individualized Learning
- Utah Core Curriculum
- Teacher and Paraprofessional in Every Classroom
- Speech Therapy and Assistive Technology
- Occupational Therapy, Sensory Rooms, Manipulatives
- Behaviour Strategies, Level Up Program
- Individual Counseling
- Accommodations and Modifications
- Social Skills Curriculum
- CTE (Career Exploration and Training)
- S.T.A.R.S (Spectrum Transition & Academic Resource School)
- Athletics, Clubs, Student Council
Location: 867 S 800 W, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062, United States.
Visit The Website.
Kids World Academy
Kids World Academy is a special school that offers a great experience for all abilities with the use of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) method to teach.
The school offers a low teacher to students ratio which allows each child, both special needs and typical, a good deal of one-on-one time with a teacher each day.
Kids World Academy offers Specialized Teaching for:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Individualized Therapy and Tutoring
- Developmental Delays
- Learning Delays
- Difficult behaviors
- Speech Delays
- Auditory Processing
- Speech Therapy | ABA
- Occupational Therapy | PECS
- Tutoring in Math, Reading, & Handwriting
- Behavioural Therapy
Location: 1328 W 6170 South Taylorsville, UT 84123.
Visit The Website.
Northern Utah Autism Program
Northern Utah Autism Program (NUAP) is a preschool program for children ages 3-5 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
NUAP currently serves students who reside in Davis School District and Ogden School district. They strive to provide resources and additional information to assist special children to live their best lives.
Location: 1950 Monroe Blvd bldg 8, Ogden, UT 84401, United States.
Visit The Website.
Maple Lake Academy
Maple Lake Academy offers a unique program for students with challenges due to Autism Spectrum and/or Social, Emotional and Academic challenges.
With a mix of expertise and dedication accompanied by individualized programs, they lead students to success.
Maple Lake Academy serves adolescents struggling with:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder/ High Functioning Autism
- Asperger’s Disorder
- Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder
- Nonverbal Learning Disorder
- Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD NOS)
- Reactive Attachment Traits
- ADHD
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Learning Disabilities
- Executive Functioning Deficits
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Emotional Dysregulation
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Location: 6155 S 2400 W, Spanish Fork, UT 84660, United States.
Visit The Website.
Giant Steps Autism PreSchool
GIANT Step is a day-treatment program for preschool-aged children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder either before or at the time of assessment.
They help children learn through various methods to develop the skills it takes to cope with planned and unplanned changes in routine.
Among a wide variety of services they offer, some include:
- Behaviour Management
- Following Directions
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Naturalistic Teaching Principles
- Applied Social/Interpersonal Skills
- Mental Health and Autism Diagnostic Evaluation
- Pre and Post-Developmental Test
- Psychiatric Services
- Individual and Family Therapy
And more, including Alternative Communication Methods such as simple Sign Language, Picture Exchange Communication systems (PECS).
Location: 921 N 1240 E St, Orem, UT 84097, United States.
Visit The Website.
Logan River Academy
Logan River Academy founded in the year 2000, is a school that specializes in treating students with neurodiverse profiles.
This is achieved through efforts from the family, treatment teams and an individualized treatment plan.
Teachers and therapists strive to meet the individual learning needs of students struggling with a wide range of social and emotional issues.
Logan River Academy handles the following issues:
- Academic Struggles
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Depression
- Digital Addiction
- Executive Functioning Deficits
- Family Relationships
- Grief/Loss Issues
- Mild Substance Abuse
- Trauma
Location: 1683 US-89, Logan, UT 84321, United States.
Visit The Website.
Redcliff Ascent
Redcliff Ascent is a private school in Utah that has been providing educational programs for students with autism spectrum disorders since 1997.
The school offers a wide range of classes and activities for kids on the spectrum, including:
- Social Skills Groups
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Services
The cost of attending Redcliff Ascent depends on the student’s age and level of need.
Students can pay one-time fees or monthly tuition rates that vary by grade and program.
There are also no application fees associated with enrollment at this school!
- Visit School’s Website.
- Location: 757 S Main St, Springville, UT 84663, United States
Waterford School
Waterford School is located in Sandy, Utah. The school provides educational and behavioral services to students with autism and other developmental disabilities.
It was founded by Dr. Richard Jolesz and his wife Sonya in 1989 as a private, non-profit school that focuses on the needs of students with special needs who are learning disabled or have emotional problems related to their disabilities.
Waterford School has been accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools since 2004 and currently operates under its own charter granted by the state of Utah Department of Education (DOE).
The DOE also licenses all public agencies that operate schools within its jurisdiction so they must meet certain requirements before being licensed by them.
However, there is no specific licensing process for private schools like Waterford because this type does not fall under any particular category such as religious institutions or trade schools like vocational programs offered at community colleges during summer months when classes are not being held due to inclement weather conditions outside during those times when courses aren’t being held.
Yet again, another reason why it’s important for parents who reside near these areas where these facilities exist don’t think twice about sending their kids here because if anything happens later down the road then maybe something else might happen instead!
- Visit School’s Website
- Location: 1480 E 9400 S, Sandy, UT 84093, United States
- Apply here
Top Autism Colleges In Utah
In the state of Utah, there are a number of colleges and universities that offer courses in autism.
These schools often have an interdisciplinary approach to teaching students with special needs, allowing them to learn alongside their peers. Some of these include:
- 1. Brigham Young University (BYU)
- 2. University of Utah
- 3. University of Phoenix
Brigham Young University (BYU)
Informally known as The Y[10], Brigham Young Institution is a private research university in Provo, Utah.
Brigham Young, a prominent religious figure, founded it in 1875, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is its sponsor (LDS Church). Informally known as The Y[10], Brigham Young Institution is a private research university in Provo, Utah.
Brigham Young, a prominent religious figure, founded it in 1875, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is its sponsor (LDS Church).
BYU provides students with disabilities access to opportunities at BYU.
They have different educational programs for individuals with autism and also award different degrees.
- Visit School’s Website
- Location: Provo, UT 84602, United States
- Apply here
University of Utah
In Salt Lake City, Utah, there is a public research institution known as The University of Utah (U of U, UofU, or just The U).
It serves as the Utah System of Higher Education’s flagship university. Utah’s oldest school of higher learning was founded in 1850 as the University of Deseret (/dzrt/ (listen)) by the General Assembly of the temporary State of Deseret.
It moved to its current position in 1900 and was given its current name in 1892, four years before Utah became a state.
Their Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic (ASDC) offers treatments and interventions that can help people with ASD learn important social and behavioral skills, cope with the challenges related to ASD, and manage their ASD symptoms.
Their treatments and interventions may include:
- Social skill and recreational groups for children, adolescents, and adults.
- Individual/family therapy.
- Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
- Behavior intervention school consultations
- Early intervention services
- Parent training
- Opportunities to participate in research to help us better understand ASD
- Visit School’s Website
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Apply here
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is a private for-profit university headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.
Founded in 1976, the university confers certificates and degrees at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels.
The University of Phoenix offers courses designed to address common social skill deficits in autism spectrum disorders: social cognition, social communication, social initiation, and social reciprocity.
Identification of various ways to assess social skills is addressed.
Participants focus on interventions that promote social skill acquisition and enhance social skill performance. Instructional tools and adaptations necessary to foster the development of social skills are also explored.
Other Autism Schools in Utah
- Utah Parent Center
Location: 5296 Commerce Dr Suite 302, Murray, UT 84107, United States.
Visit The Website.
- Seven Stars RTC
Location:
Visit The Website.
- Jordan Valley School
Location: 7501 S 1000 E, Midvale, UT 84047, United States.
Visit The Website.
- Daniels Academy
Location: 3725 S Big Hollow Rd, Daniel, UT 84032, United States.
Visit The Website.
- Arches Academy
Location: 280 S 400 E, Orem, UT 84097, United States.
Visit The Website.
- Davis County Special Education
Location: 45 E State St, Farmington, UT 84025, United States.
Visit The Website.
- Blue Autism Center
Location: 2540 Bengal Blvd Suite 300, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121, United States.
Visit The Website.
- Alpine Academy
Location: 1280 E Whispering Horse Dr, Erda, UT 84074, United States.
Visit The Website.
FAQs
What Type of School is Best for High-Functioning Autism?
Private schools
Private schools are typically families with high-functioning autistic students.
They want the child to have a tailored education, and special-ed class in public schools don’t seem effective.
Parents who can’t cover the high fees may not feel ready to take advantage of the benefits.
Are Utah charter schools free?
Charter schools are tuition-free public schools open to any Utah student.
A public school is defined as a school that is open to the public, funded by the public, and accountable to the public.
Charter Schools are governed by independent boards and held accountable to a legally binding written contractual agreement with their authorizer.
It is this charter agreement that allows for the operation of the charter school.
Is Mainstream School Good For Autism?
Research has shown that mainstream schools are frequently neither fully educated nor equipped to deal with the needs of autistic children and give them the necessary support.
How Much Do Private Schools Cost in Utah?
The average tuition for private schools in the state is $11,007 for elementary schools and $13,324 for high schools.20 Jul 2022
Does Utah Have a School Voucher Program?
Under Utah’s Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship Program, students with disabilities may be eligible to receive vouchers to attend private schools.
Individual voucher amounts vary. To qualify, students must be between the ages of five and 21 and must be identified as disabled according to federal standards.
At What Age Do Kids Start School in Utah?
How old does my child have to be to enter Kindergarten?
Children need to be five years of age before September 2 of the year in which admission is sought.
How Much Does Utah Pay per student?
The average per-student spending was $8,968 while New York took the top spot for spending an average of $28,704 per student.
Does Autism Get Worse After Age 3?
Autism does not change or worsen with age, and it is not curable.
Autism isn’t like a pair of sneakers that has to be broken in for full comfort, because no matter what you’ve read, the notion that you’ll wake up one day no longer autistic is, was, or will ever be real.
How do I choose a school for my autistic child?
Get to know the staff.
Whether private or public, specialized or mainstream, the providers(teachers and staff within the organization) make a big difference to the school.
Take the time to interview the team, ask questions and get to know the feel of how the staff is prepared to deal with your student’s needs.
Conclusion
If your child has high-functioning autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental problems, there will be concerns if they will be able to create relationships and acquire the necessary life skills to live independently.
Every child benefits from having peers who are like them in the classroom and they become more understanding of one another.
Autism schools in Utah can handle these and even more!