Dana Batts opens Idaho's first autism resource center in Star
The Autism House launches with free support groups and educational classes on November 11.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
Dana Batts will open The Autism House in Star, Idaho, on Wednesday, November 11. The facility marks the state's first dedicated autism resource center. Batts and her husband founded the organization after navigating the challenges of raising their daughter on the autism spectrum. They sought to create a space where families could connect and access specific resources.
The center aims to reduce the isolation many families report when seeking answers. Batts stated that the goal is to provide a place for families to ask questions and support one another. The facility will offer free one-on-one support and social groups for parents. It will also host educational classes covering individualized education plans and estate planning. Additional topics include music therapy, speech and language development, and ADA laws.
One featured program is Coffee Connects. This morning session allows parents to meet for coffee and conversation. Batts described the value of sitting with others who understand the daily realities of raising a child with autism. The center is located in Star, a community in southwestern Idaho.
The grand opening runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on November 11. The public is invited to tour the building and meet the team. Batts is also managing a fundraising challenge where the top individual or team earns a $250 SCHEELS gift card. The winner will be announced during the event.
Sponsorship opportunities for the resource center close at the end of the day on Monday, November 2. Businesses and individuals can contact Batts at dana.batts@theautismhouse.org or visit theautismhouse.org for details. The organization has worked toward this opening for four years. The team will officially welcome families through the doors on Wednesday.
The center provides a physical location for the programs Batts has promoted through her work. It serves as a hub for the specific services listed in its initial launch. Families in the region can now access these structured support systems in a single building. The opening concludes the four-year preparation period for the organization.
