Kids on the Move Inc

Kids On The Move (KOTM) was started in 1984 by two mothers of children with Down Syndrome. They both experienced a lack of support for their child’s disability and decided to start their own educational facility for those with Down Syndrome. That organization was originally called “Up With Downs” and has since evolved into what is now called “Kids On The Move” which serves any children in Utah with disabilities, developmental delays and low-income.

Our organization has four pillar programs which are Early Intervention (children age 0-3 with developmental delays), Early Head Start (children 0-3 in poverty), KOTM Autism Center (children 3-6 with autism), and KOTM Respite Care Center (children 0-12 with developmental delays or autism). These services are not only provided by qualified therapists, social workers and health specialists, but they are also provided at little or no cost to families.  The average cost of qualified therapy is typically $90 to $100 per hour. That is why our services at KOTM are so vital to the community.

Utah communities especially need our services, with one out of every 58 children being affected by autism according to the CDC. If these children receive early intervention services, their chances of functioning normally later on in life skyrocket. The Utah Autism Coalition explains that 47% of autistic individuals who receive intensive early intervention are able to obtain normal intellectual functioning whereas only 2% function normally with no intervention.

One of our past Autism Center students, Addison, came to KOTM because of her social anxiety. She used to get so distraught going out in public that she would sometimes vomit or accidentally hurt herself. Her parents began to feel like prisoners, not daring to venture out to the grocery store or even attend church. After nine months in our Autism Center, Addison transitioned so drastically that she can now go to most public places with no issues. She even started making friends in her classes, learning how to feel safe and develop relationships.

It’s children like Addison that we strive to serve here at Kids On The Move. Our mission is to integrate or reintegrate children like her into the social fabric of their communities. Overall we work to empower families to effectively address their child’s developmental challenges in order to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. 

For a free assessment or volunteer opportunities, contact us at www.kotm.org or at (801) 221.9930.