Little Champs ABA, a clinic offering applied behavior analysis therapy for children with autism, has opened this summer at 1950 E. Fort Union Blvd., Suite 100, in Cottonwood Heights.
The center provides one-on-one therapy sessions, a sensory gym equipped with swings and movement equipment, parent training, and school-based services coordinated with teachers and IEP goals. Children typically receive 10 to 40 hours of therapy per week, depending on their needs and insurance authorization.
Kelsey Anderson, a board-certified behavior analyst at the Cottonwood Heights clinic, described the philosophy she brings to her work in a Fox 13 report Wednesday, July 29, about police interactions with autistic children.
"Being patient and stepping back and trying to see things from their point of view, and really leaning on the people that know the kids," Anderson said.
Anderson began her ABA career in 2017, working across home, clinic, and school settings. The company's website identifies her as lead BCBA for the Utah team.
No waitlist, insurance handled
Most families begin therapy within days of an initial assessment, according to the clinic's website. Little Champs accepts Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and IHC, and handles all insurance authorization on behalf of families. Out-of-pocket costs for uninsured families are not published.
The Utah CSHCN provider directory, updated July 1, lists Little Champs as serving children up to age 15 across Salt Lake, Davis, Utah, Weber, and Morgan counties.
What's inside
The Cottonwood Heights location includes therapy rooms, sensory-friendly play areas, group learning spaces, and parent observation areas, according to the clinic's website. Therapists use play, movement, and sensory activities to help children regulate before working on communication and social skills.
That matters locally. Salt Lake City police responded to roughly 174 calls involving autism last year, according to the department, underscoring demand for services closer to home.
Little Champs also operates in the Denver area and South Jordan, and employs an estimated 51 to 200 people companywide, according to its LinkedIn profile. Another ABA provider, Blue Autism Center, already operates in Cottonwood Heights at 2540 E. Bengal Blvd.
How to enroll
The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday by appointment. Families can start the process by calling 385-494-3500, emailing [email protected], or applying online at littlechampsaba.com. Enrollment begins with an intake call, followed by a BCBA assessment and insurance authorization before scheduling starts.
