New autism therapy center opening in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- In Colorado, families can wait months or even years to get an autism diagnosis due to a lack of doctors and healthcare professionals that are able to provide those diagnostic services.

Hopebridge will open its doors in Colorado Springs in February with the hope to ease those wait times. Right now they don't have a wait for a diagnosis since they are just opening. Colorado Springs families for right now will have to travel to their Centennial location.

Hopebridge will work to provide center-based, comprehensive therapy for children with autism. They get their caseloads from clinicians to work on behaviors and skills so they can be a part of their community.

The center will have gyms and playrooms to help build motor skills, and they'll help kids as young as 18 months.

According to the CDC, autism rates are increasing. One in 54 children will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder by the age of 8.

"Part of Hopebridge's mission is to provide access to therapy for all, so even if they get diagnosed with us they don’t necessarily have to come to us for their therapy. But that helps gives greater access to the therapy that families do need," said Sarah Howell with Hopebridge.

According to Children's Colorado, they see more than 7,000 patients every year with wait times varying from six months to a year.