Utah, USA – Utah has the highest percentage of Autism diagnosis in America, and the University of Utah has just unveiled a new clinic that will offer tailored therapies for children and adults with a diagnosis.
The ASD Clinic will centre on behavioural therapies and will work with parents and the community to enhance the well being of those with a diagnosis.
Clinical director is Psychologist Julia Connelly, and she has worked closely with some of the artists who have contributed to the colourful murals that decorate the walls.
She said:
“I do think that we’re a state that’s very good at identifying autism,” she said. “We have some of our school districts that are very good at supporting people with autism, but outpatient services like, ‘Where do I go as a parent to get help with these behaviour problems?’, I think that’s been difficult to find a specific place to go to to find those answers: That’s a niche or hole we’re trying to fill in the community.”
Dr Deborah builder, medical director at the facility said:
“I think just the fact that we’re just a clinic that serves individuals and outpatients with autisim spectrum disorder is definitely unique to this area. One of our particular strengths is to be able to use gold standard instruments as needed for autism diagnostics, for children through adulthood. I think outpatient therapy is another new addition that we’re providing that is difficult to find out in the community, which is a therapist who can see adults or children with autism spectrum disorders to help them with life stressors or other issues that emerge ”