“She didn’t make it to the hole in the Cheerio, but she was able to swallow it,” said her father, Roger. “She got it down. She did it.”

Lily was diagnosed with autism when she was very young, said her father. The disorder affected her to the point where she didn’t have the ability to eat. When it was time to introduce her to solid foods, her parents knew she wasn’t going to be able to accomplish that feat.

Doctors put her on a feeding tube.

“That’s when we took her to occupational therapy so they could teach her how to eat,” Roger said. “Every kid with autism is different. This is just one example. When we first took her to the doctor, she would hide under the table because it was too intimidating, so for her to be standing here in front of you is a complete miracle, but she’s also going to talk to you today.”

Photo supplied, Melissa Majchrzak

During a press conference, Lily and her parents, Roger and Carrie, who wished not to have their last name published, were in attendance to celebrate the opening and ribbon cutting of a new specialized clinic and expanding services in Riverton to address the growing needs for children with autism.

The new Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic (ABA Clinic) is now open at the Primary Children’s Outpatient Services building at Intermountain Riverton Hospital, thanks to a $3 million charitable donation. The clinic will provide early intensive services that include individual therapy, group therapy for children ages 2 to 6 and behavioral assessments.

“You can do anything if you put your mind to it,” said Lily, now 13 years old. “My dream is to be an actor and singer, and if people say you can’t do it, don’t listen to them. You can make it happen. You can shine.”

Before the clinic opened its doors, parents were forced to place their children on waiting lists that were weeks, months and sometimes years long.

That’s because of a gap in care in Utah and surrounding states, with not enough programs or caregivers to provide a quick diagnosis and care plan.

“The diagnosis of this extraordinary girl changed all of our lives,” Carrie said. “It comes with a variety of emotions and feelings of uncertainty as parents and families let go of expectations they had for their child, and adjust for a future full of the unknown.”

Carrie said the diagnosis also comes with a feeling of inadequacy.

“Parents and caregivers often wonder if they have what it takes to offer their children unique ways to help them manage their struggles and bring out their strengths,” she said. “Services also often come with long waiting lists. As a family, we are so filled with gratitude to the generous individuals willing to close the gap between need and availability.”

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disability that ranges from mild to severe, said Dr. Casey Clay, director of ABA Services for Intermountain Children’s Health. It can affect behavior, communication and social skills as well as cause unusual sensory responses and repetitive body movements. It’s a lifelong disorder that can be managed with interventional help such as occupational, cognitive and behavioral therapy, medication and a positive support network.

“One in 36 children in the United States has autism, including 25,000 kids in Utah,” he said. “It touches every school, every neighborhood and every community in some way. This is a huge milestone and the need is exceedingly great. 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.”

Katy Welkie, chief executive officer of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health, and Todd Neubert, president of Intermountain Riverton Hospital, said with expanded services, children will be able to thrive and grow in a more timely manner.

“We want children with autism and their families to know that we’re with you on this journey. You have a seat at the table,” Welkie said.

Sandi Summer Hendry, who owns the plush blanket company Minky Couture, made the $3 million gift at the grand opening of the clinic. Hendry said nine of her grandchildren have been diagnosed with some form of autism.

“In 2017, this one particular grandchild spent a long time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) and I was visiting a lot,” she said. “It was a sad and dismal place to see all these precious babies and their moms were all so sad.”

Hendry decided to start donating mini Minky blankets across the state and nation as a way to comfort NICU babies and their families.

“This is near and dear to my heart and I pray I will be able to continue to contribute. Every penny counts,” she said.

To learn more about autism services, go to PrimaryChildrens.org/AustismServices. To donate, visit PrimaryPromise.org.