Autism Council of Utah

What Autism Council of Utah does

The Autism Council of Utah (ACU) is a Utah-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 2005 that operates as a community-led convener and resource hub for individuals with autism, their families, and the agencies that serve them across the state. Its functional mandate is to coordinate fragmented autism services and fill gaps, particularly for families navigating a new diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. The organization maintains no proprietary technology products; its assets are content-driven and include an A-Z provider directory, the Fast Start Checklist, an Autism Acronyms reference, the BIG Blue Envelope Program for autistic drivers, the Caring Through Connections healthcare professional training program, and a Utah-focused events calendar. ACU is also the beneficiary of the Utah DMV Autism Awareness specialty license plate program and administers a small Grants & Sponsorships program (typical awards ranging from $100 to $5,000) funded primarily through specialty plate proceeds, individual donations, and community sponsorships.

The business model is that of a small, volunteer-driven nonprofit: voluntary membership with virtually no overhead, one paid Coordinator, donation intake via PayPal and mail, grants and sponsorships passed through to partner organizations, and in-kind cost support through state-level partnerships. The council does not sell to or invoice any traditional customer; its beneficiaries are Utah families and individuals with autism, while its funded partners include healthcare providers (Kids on the Move, Valley Behavioral Health), charter and higher education institutions (Spectrum Academy, UVU, USU, U of U, BYU), government agencies (USBE, DHHS, DSPD, Orem City PD), and recreation and arts organizations (National Ability Center, Utah Grizzlies, Megaplex, Utah Metropolitan Ballet). Go-to-market is content-, event-, and partnership-led rather than sales-led, with awareness distributed through a Wix-hosted website and social channels on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Name

Autism Council of Utah

Legal name

Autism Council of Utah

Website

https://autismcouncilofutah.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Autism Council of Utah is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2005 that serves as a community-led resource hub and coordinator for autism families, agencies, and providers statewide in Utah, delivering provider directories, the Fast Start Checklist, grants, and event sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Advocacy and Disability Support Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Autism Support Instructional Materials (Structured Teaching, Visual Supports) (EDAGAMAK)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Disability advocacy resources
• Community nonprofit programs
• Family resource directory
• Grant funding autism

Headquarters

HQ city

Murray

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations: The organization accepts tax-deductible cash donations from individuals and organizations. Donations can be made online via PayPal, by mail, or in person at their office location. The organization also sells Autism Awareness License Plates through the Utah DMV.
2. Grants and Sponsorships: The organization provides funding to programs, initiatives, research, or projects within Utah that support its mission. Grant requests range from approximately $100 to $5,000, with larger amounts considered based on fund availability. The organization is funded by the Utah Autism Specialty Plate grant fund.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Autism Council of Utah is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) council that serves as a centralized resource hub for Utah families and agencies affected by autism. It provides free informational resources (A-Z provider directory, Fast Start Checklist, evaluation provider listings), support programs (BIG Blue Envelope for autistic drivers, Caring Through Connections training), and distributes grants and sponsorships ranging from $100 to $5,000+ to qualifying programs serving individuals with autism statewide.

Product overview

The Autism Council of Utah offers a portfolio of informational resources, support programs, and community services rather than a unified software product. Core offerings include The BIG Blue Envelope Program (for autistic drivers), the Fast Start Check List (newly diagnosed parent guide), A-Z Providers Directory (resource listings), Diagnosis & Evaluation Provider information, Caring Through Connections (healthcare training), Autism Acronyms reference, and a Grants & Sponsorships program. The organization functions primarily as a resource hub connecting Utah families affected by autism with service providers, information, and funding opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The BIG Blue Envelope Program A program providing blue envelopes for drivers with autism to carry during traffic stops, helping law enforcement understand their needs and streamline interactions. Envelopes are distributed through the Utah Parent Center and available by mail request.
• Fast Start Check List A comprehensive guide created to help parents who are concerned their child may have autism, providing a fast start in learning how to obtain support through the evaluation and initial treatment process. Available free to families on the ACU website.
• A-Z Providers, Services & Resources A comprehensive online directory listing autism evaluation providers, ABA therapy providers, and various support services available in Utah, helping families navigate service options.
• Diagnosis & Evaluation Providers Information and links to autism evaluation providers in Utah, helping families find professionals who can diagnose autism spectrum disorders.
• Caring Through Connections A training program written and presented by parent educators and self-advocates for healthcare students and professionals, providing guidance on providing excellent care to individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Autism Acronyms A reference list of acronyms related to autism, special education, disabilities, and support services to help families and professionals navigate terminology.
• Grants & Sponsorships Program A funding program providing grants to programs, initiatives, research, or projects within Utah that support individuals with autism and their families. Grant requests from $100 to $5,000 are considered, with larger amounts considered based on fund availability. The program is funded by the Utah Autism Specialty Plate grant fund.

Quantifiable outcome

• Provides grants ranging from $100 to $5,000+ to support autism programs, events, and services across Utah

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Utah Department of Health and Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner providing support through the Utah Autism Initiative and Adult Autism Treatment Account Advisory Committee. Colin Kingsbury serves as Chairperson for both the Utah Autism Initiative and Adult Autism Treatment Account Advisory Committee.
• Utah State Board of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTanya Semerad serves as Autism Specialist at USBE, providing agency support to the Council. The organization works with schools on autism programs and initiatives.
• Valley Behavioral HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCheryl Smith serves on the board of Valley Behavioral Health. Julia Hood serves as Chief Clinical Officer IDD. The organization sponsors Valley Behavioral Health events including the Rise Gala.
• Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgency represented on the Council that provides services for people with disabilities including autism. Michelle Hiles is contracted with DSPD to provide Support Coordination.
• Utah Parent CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalleen Kenney works as Parent Consultant for Utah Family Voices at the Utah Parent Center. The organization collaborates on resources, events, and provides referrals. Blue Envelopes are distributed through the Utah Parent Center.
• Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of LearningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCheryl Smith serves on the board of the Pingree Center for Children with Autism. Jessica Kerr serves on the board. The center provides comprehensive treatment, education, and services for children with autism.
• University of UtahmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple collaborations including U of U Dept of School Psychology, College of Education, School of Medicine, Center for Disability & Access, and Feeding Clinic. Julia Hood received degrees from U of U and previously served as Adjunct Faculty.
• Utah Valley University (UVU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUVU Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism is a key partner. ACU sponsors the UVU Autism Conference. UVU Passages Program supports individuals with autism pursuing higher education.
• Utah State University (USU)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on Autism ECHO programs through the Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice. USU's Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) is represented on the Council.
• The Children's CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgency represented on the Council providing autism services on a sliding fee scale for low to moderate income families.
• Easter SealsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgency represented on the Council. Easter Seals Goodwill has provided sensory processing classes and other programs for children with autism.
• Autism SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization represented on the Council contributing to autism initiatives and advocacy in Utah.
• Utah Autism CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization represented on the Council working on autism advocacy and services.
• National Autism AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization represented on the Council contributing to autism initiatives.
• Utah GrizzliesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors sensory-friendly hockey games for families affected by autism. Provides inclusive recreational opportunities.
• National Ability CentermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides adaptive recreation programs for individuals with autism including skiing, snowboarding, aquatics, equestrian, archery, camping, and cycling. ACU provides grants and sponsorships to support scholarships.
• Spectrum AcademyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutism charter school in North Salt Lake and Pleasant Grove providing individualized instruction and social skills curriculum.
• SpectropolisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganization connecting autistic individuals and their families through shared interests and activities with programs including Open Court, Open Door, and Creative Hour.
• Kids on the MoveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides ABA therapy services for children with autism using a fun, gentle, trauma-informed approach.
• Megaplex TheatresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for sensory-friendly summer movie events at $2.50 per ticket for families.
• Utah Metropolitan BalletminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides sensory-friendly ballet performances for individuals with autism and their families.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Organization for Autism Research (OAR): Autism-focused nonprofit funding research and producing applied resources for families and professionals. Comparable as a grantmaking/knowledge-translation body serving the autism community.
• National Autism Association: National autism advocacy nonprofit already represented on ACU's council. Comparable mission of family support, resource provision, and community safety/awareness programming.
• Autism Research Institute: National autism-focused nonprofit providing research-based information, resources, and advocacy. Comparable to ACU's mission of translating autism information for families and providers.
• Autism Society: National autism advocacy and support organization with state/local affiliates that operate as resource hubs and convening bodies. Directly comparable to ACU's mission of connecting families to providers, advocating for services, and supporting community programming.
• Utah Parent Center: Federally funded Parent Training and Information Center in Utah and a direct ACU partner. Operates a near-identical model of family-resource aggregation, parent education, and cross-agency referral coordination.

Broad incumbents

• Autism Speaks: Large national autism advocacy organization with broader fundraising, research, and policy scope. Comparable as a higher-resource peer operating in the same autism family-services and policy-advocacy space.
• The Arc: National intellectual and developmental disability advocacy organization with state chapters. Comparable as a grassroots convening body that aggregates resources and advocates for individuals and families.
• Easter Seals: Established disability services nonprofit already a partner of ACU. Operates as a multi-state service aggregator and resource hub similar to ACU's convening function, but at significantly larger national scale.

Emerging players

• Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning: Utah-based autism service provider with overlapping board members to ACU. Directly comparable regional player providing treatment, education, and direct services that ACU supports through grants and referrals.

Regional players

• Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): Regional autism support organization providing resources, education, and community programs primarily in New England. Comparable as a community-resource and education hub model that could be replicated in other geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/autismcouncilut
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AutismCouncilOfUtah
• Facebookfacebook.com/autismcouncilofutah.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/autismcouncilofutah
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autism-council-of-utah

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Autism Council of Utah