Carmen B. Pingree Autism Center of Learning

Carmen B. Pingree, the parent of a child with autism, spearheaded a movement in the late 1970's to fund a preschool for children with autism in Utah. In 1998, David and Susan Spafford created a vision for an elementary school to serve nearly 250 children with autism by establishing a $10 million endowment with an additional $1 million provided by Valley Mental Health. On November 21st, 2002, thanks to many in the community, that vision became a reality. Over 700 people helped celebrate the opening of the new Carmen B. Pingree School for Children with Autism.

Operated by Valley Behavioral Health, the school is a successful example of a private/public partnership. It provides behavioral and educational services to students by conducting and supporting research into the cause(s) of autism and its eventual cure. We assist families in coping with the challenges presented by autism, and train current and future teachers and professionals in best practices and procedures.