Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- The Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center hosted an open house in Salt Lake City.
- The event aimed to guide families through autism services, addressing common challenges.
- Attendees explored resources, with experts emphasizing early intervention and awareness benefits.
SALT LAKE CITY—Families searching for autism resources had a valuable opportunity Thursday night as the Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning hosted an open house. The event aimed to provide support and guidance for individuals and families navigating the often complex landscape of autism services.
Kay Harden, program director at Pingree, emphasized the challenges families face when finding the right services.
"First, a lot of families are unsure where to start or what services they need. Then, it can be really overwhelming to filter through the options for services, and navigate waitlists," Harden explained.
With autism awareness growing, new data from the CDC shows that one in 31 children is now identified as being on the autism spectrum.
Harden sees this increase in diagnoses as an opportunity for improved awareness and understanding.
"More awareness around autism is a good thing. Talking about autism is a great thing," she said.
Attendees explored sensory-friendly exhibits and spoke with professionals about available therapies. Among them was Korey Castles, a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. Castles expressed gratitude for the support and resources. "We're always learning more and more about what's out there," he said.
Natasha Palo, a teacher at Pingree and a mother, said, "It makes a huge difference." She said the event reinforced the critical role early interventions can play.
"The sooner (children) can get therapies, the sooner they can see that it's possible for them to accomplish things, the more they're willing to try harder, and then the better life they have in the long run," Palo explained.
Beyond the open house, families can turn to the Utah Parent Center, a free resource offering updated information and parent advocates who can help navigate available services.
As awareness grows, events like these continue to foster connections and provide much-needed support for families seeking autism-related resources.
