Autism and Behavioral Intervention - Draper

Autism and Behavioral Intervention, which also goes by ABI Learning Center, runs an applied behavior analysis program at 12637 South 265 West in Draper. Dr. Anika Hoybjerg, a doctoral level board certified behavior analyst and licensed school psychologist, started the organization in 2013, and a clinical director plus a team of board certified behavior analysts oversee programming. Instruction is one on one and follows a verbal behavior curriculum that assesses verbal milestones and social skills. Assessment is ongoing rather than one time, and plans are modified as a child's needs shift. Hoybjerg also created the Meaningful Outcomes Treatment and Assessment Scale, an instrument built around independence and quality of life for people on the autism spectrum.

Families come for social skills work, behavior reduction plans, life skills, food interventions for restricted eaters, and toilet training. A diagnosis is not required to begin, and parents who have recently received one can get help figuring out next steps. Starting is straightforward: the first consultation is free, and children are welcome to come along so they can see the space and the staff before anyone commits.

On funding, ABI is in network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, EMI, PEHP, Select Health, United Health Care, and University of Utah Health, and it directs families to Utah's Carson Smith special needs scholarship as an additional route. The Draper office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, with Saturday appointments by arrangement.