The Autism House opens as Idaho's first dedicated autism resource center
The new facility in Star will launch with free support services, educational classes, and a community gathering on Wednesday.
By Aiko Nakamura ·
The Autism House will open its doors in Star on Wednesday, November 11, marking the launch of the state's first autism resource center. The grand opening event runs from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and invites the public to tour the facility and meet the staff. This opening concludes a four-year effort to establish a local hub for families navigating autism-related needs.
The project began with Dana Batts and her husband, who created the center in response to their experience raising a daughter on the autism spectrum. They identified a gap in local support systems and sought to build a space where families could access specific resources and connect with others facing similar challenges. The center aims to reduce the isolation many families report when seeking answers or understanding.
The facility will provide free one-on-one support and social groups for families. Educational classes will cover practical topics including individualized education plans, estate planning, music therapy, and speech and language development. The curriculum also includes sessions on understanding ADA laws to help families access public accommodations. All services are designed to offer direct guidance on managing daily life and long-term care planning.
A key feature of the center is the Coffee Connects program. This morning initiative allows parents to gather, share coffee, and converse with other families. The program focuses on informal peer support, providing a low-pressure environment for caregivers to discuss their experiences and build a local network. Dana Batts described this connection as a vital component of the center's daily operations.
The center is currently closing its sponsorship window, with deadlines set for the end of the day on Monday, November 2. Businesses and individuals can still join as sponsors by contacting Dana Batts at dana.batts@theautismhouse.org or visiting theautismhouse.org. Sponsorship opportunities provide financial backing for the new resource center's ongoing programs.
The organization is also running a fundraising challenge tied to the grand opening. Participants can join as individuals or teams to raise funds, with the top group receiving a $250 SCHEELS gift card. Information for joining the challenge is available on The Autism House's social media pages. The winner will be announced during the Wednesday event.
Source: KIDO Talk Radio · original report published
