The facility will serve as an extension of the nonprofit Utah Autism Academy and will offer treatment to autistic adults older than 22, as well as community opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels.

A grand opening ceremony was held Thursday afternoon, where community members toured the facility and enjoyed free activities.

“The main point of today is just to welcome everyone from the community to have an opportunity to come and see just the amazing resources that are going to be available here at this facility,” said Bridgette Clonts, a training supervisor at the academy. “And not only for individuals with autism, but for their families and for the community at large. So we’re excited about it.”

When autistic individuals turn 22, they age out of special education services provided through public schools. Clonts said the state has a number of services available to adults who need them. The new facility will serve as an extension of those services.

“Things don’t change when you turn 22,” she said. “You still need a lot of help, and so I think it’s so great that we have this center here to be able to provide those resources for individuals even after 22 and far beyond that as well.”

The new building, located at 1875 S. Geneva Road, features a number of amenities, including medical and dental practices, a salon, movie theater, learning kitchen and arts and crafts rooms.

Clonts said the building was designed by people who live every day with individuals who have autism.

“So they were able to meet with architects and build into this facility the things that they knew would directly help and be functional for folks that have autism,” she said.