- A new center for adults with autism opens in Orem next week.
- Founded by Tricia Nelson, it addresses the gap in adult autism services.
- The center is partnered with Utah Valley University and the Melisa Nellesen Autism Center to expand opportunities for adults with autism.
OREM — A new center designed to support adults with autism is preparing to open its doors next week, aiming to fill a long‑standing gap in services for individuals on the spectrum after they age out of youth programs.
The Utah Autism Community Center, an extension of the Utah Autism Academy, was founded by Tricia Nelson — a mission that began 22 years ago when her then‑2‑year‑old son, Riley, was diagnosed with autism.
Nelson said the journey from early childhood to adulthood revealed a stark reality: While resources for children are more widely available, services for adults have historically been limited.
"When Riley was diagnosed with autism, I didn't know anything about autism," Nelson said.
Now that her son is 24 years old, she understands the need for access to helpful programs for adults.
"This is a very important mission for me and for those who I've come to really love in the field of autism," Nelson said.
Nelson founded the Utah Autism Academy 12 years ago and has since made it her goal to ensure adults like her son can access appropriate treatment and community support.
"There really is a deficit in our community right now," said Lindi Waldrop, managing director at the academy and a parent of an adult child with autism.
Waldrop said the new center will serve both autistic and non‑autistic community members, offering a space to learn, interact and build understanding. The second floor of the center will be for adults on the spectrum. The first floor will be a community center open to all.
"For those who might know someone with autism but aren't sure how to interact with them, this new space will give you an opportunity to engage in a different way," she said.
The center includes real‑life practice environments: a dental office, hair salon, learning kitchen and a movie theater, all designed to help adults on the spectrum build confidence and independence.
At its core, Waldrop said, the mission is simple.
"Our real mission is to center joy and connection," she said.
The Utah Autism Community Center is partnering with Utah Valley University and the Melisa Nellesen Autism Center to expand opportunities for education, training and community integration.
The grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, from 2:30-5 p.m. at the center in Orem at 1875 S. Geneva Road.
