How many sixteen-year-olds can say that they were thinking of others on their birthday? Damon can! For his birthday, Damon and his mom, Amy, hosted a car show and raffle, and they donated the proceeds to Damon’s former school, Autism Solutions Academy. Damon stands out among others for his commitment to helping others on their educational journey, even as he pursues his own education.
Autism Solutions Academy helped Damon realize his passion for education at a time in his life when other educational institutions were not the right fit. Lacey Anderson, the founder of Autism Solutions Academy, created the academy as a place that would fill a need for effective and inclusive education for students on the spectrum. Her vision is that students will be able to come to a school where teachers believe in their abilities and support them on their academic journey. Autism Solutions Academy did just this for Damon.
Damon and his mom, Amy, recently reconnected with Autism Solutions Academy because of their donation. Amy describes Damon as a helper, and he certainly demonstrated this trait with his donation. For his sixteenth birthday, Amy had the brilliant idea to turn the celebration into something more meaningful. Damon supported the idea and chose to donate the funds raised to Autism Solutions Academy, where he previously attended for five years.
Autism Solutions Academy has a mission to provide effective and inclusive education that is integrated into the community and driven by compassion, connection, and science. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing inclusive and personalized education to students ages 3-22 who have autism. Students receive one-to-one support from a therapist throughout their entire school day. Class sizes are capped at ten students. Autism Solutions Academy originated in West Jordan, but has since grown to add a Draper and Sunset location. Soon, the Sunset center will move to a new building in Clearfield, which will allow us to enroll even more students.
Similar to his enthusiasm for school, Damon has a deep love for cars. When I asked Damon what his interests are, Damon’s quick and simple reply was “cars.” Damon’s family often goes on car cruises, particularly in their Mustangs, driving in processions with friends who share the same passion. Damon recalled one cruise with a mix of Mustangs and Corvettes, and it was clear those memories left a lasting impression. Something else that left a lasting impression on Damon was his time spent at Autism Solutions Academy and his enjoyment of school. It’s no wonder that he chose to mix his love for school with his love for cars via the car show and this donation.
Talking to Damon and Amy, their deep connection and gratitude for Autism Solutions Academy was unmistakable. Damon reminisced about the friendships he made, and Amy shared how the school became a support system for her as a mother and caregiver. Before Autism Solutions Academy, Amy found it challenging to communicate with Damon’s teachers and get him the support he needed. But once they connected with Autism Solutions Academy, she felt an incredible sense of relief. “It was a huge load off,” she admitted.
The Community Engagement Program at Autism Solutions Academy is at the heart of its mission. The school hosts community visitors, who present and instruct students in a variety of activities. Some of our recent visitors have included: Art Haven, Loveland Aquarium, Snapology, Springville Museum of Art, Salt City Swords Fencing Club, Hill Aerospace Museum, Bean Museum, Ogden Nature Center, MyGym in Layton, Taylor’s Traveling Troupe (a petting zoo), Northern Utah Princess Parties, and Part of Your World Princess Parties. Visitors such as these enhance our curriculum and offer students opportunities that otherwise are not accessible to them. The impact these visitors have on helping students get excited about learning cannot be overstated.
One of the things Amy appreciated most about her time with Autism Solutions Academy is the school’s approach to integrating therapy into the school day. This meant that Damon didn’t have to sacrifice his afternoons for therapy sessions, giving him the chance to actually enjoy life after school. Before Autism Solutions Academy, Damon’s schedule was exhausting: school, three hours of at-home therapy, and then straight to bed. Autism Solutions Academy’s structure allowed Damon to not only receive the therapy he needed but also to have a life outside of it—something Amy will forever be thankful for.
What truly stands out from their experience at Autism Solutions Academy, Amy said, was simple: “People didn’t want to give up on him.” It’s a powerful testament to the heart of the school, a place where students aren’t just seen for their challenges but for their potential.
Even though Damon’s time at the Academy ended a few years ago, he and Amy still remember the names of a few individuals who made a huge impact, including Danielle, who was there to greet them when Damon came to drop off his donation. Danielle, who had worked closely with Damon, shared with me: “Watching Damon’s growth in ABA therapy was a remarkable journey. The progress he made – improving his focus, communication, and building confidence – has been nothing short of amazing.”
At Autism Solutions Academy, each student receives continual support from a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) during their school activities, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) oversee behavior plans and treatments. BCBAs regularly engage with students, track their progress, and work with RBTs and teachers to support each students’ strengths and weaknesses.
Damon is no longer a student at Autism Solutions Academy, but Damon’s love for learning that he developed with us has not waivered. Anyone watching Damon talk about school can clearly see his passion for education, and his joy in talking about his future was contagious.
When I asked Damon and Amy why they chose to donate to Autism Solutions Academy, their answer was simple and powerful: “Give back.” Damon and Amy’s donation will support the Autism Solutions Academy Scholarship Fund (ASA Scholarship Fund), helping other families access the same incredible support they received. The ASA Scholarship Fund was established to supplement state scholarship funding, so that every student who attends Autism Solutions Academy can attend for free. Donations like Damon and Amy’s directly impacts individual students and helps keep them in a school designed for them and their needs.
This is what makes Autism Solutions Academy special—the community, the support, and the unwavering commitment to each student’s success. It is students like Damon who remind us why we do what we do. It is evident that Damon’s love for learning blossomed through committed teachers and therapists at Autism Solutions Academy, who chose daily to not give up on him.
Damon currently attends Northridge High School, another school he loves, where he continues to apply his passion for education every day.
Skye Smith
Non-profit Specialist
Autism Solutions Academy
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