Discovery Ranch South provides individualized treatment for teenage girls and adolescents assigned female at birth with autism, including:
- Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), formerly known as High Functioning Autism or
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Neurodivergence
- Learning Differences
- Social Skills Deficits
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Co-occurring disorders, including
- Anxiety and autism
- Depression and autism
- ADHD and Autism
- Impulsivity and Autism
- Risky Behaviors and Autism
- PTSD and autism
- Substance abuse and autism
Benefits of Autism Treatment for Teens
As a parent of a teenager with autism, we understand the challenges and concerns you may face as you watch your child navigate the complexities of life. At Discovery Ranch South, our evidence-based autism treatment program is designed to empower your teenager to make positive changes in their life.
Our experienced team of licensed therapists and mental health professionals provide personalized care that focuses on helping your teenager develop healthy coping mechanisms to effectively manage their autism-related stress and anxiety. Our goal is to support your teenager in re-engaging in daily life, healing meaningful relationships, and developing healthy coping skills.
With our autism treatment program, your teenager can experience many benefits, including:
With therapeutic interventions and connections with others facing similar challenges, your teenager will have the resources and support to take control of their autism and live their best life. Don't let prolonged and intense autism-related stress and anxiety prevent your child from participating in daily routines, enjoying simple pleasures, and forming meaningful relationships. Enroll them in our autism treatment program today and give them the opportunity to thrive.
Choosing the Right Autism Treatment Program for Your Teen
Choosing the right treatment for autism in teenage girls and adolescents assigned female at birth can be overwhelming. At Discovery Ranch South's Residential Treatment Center, we understand that personalized care is crucial for addressing the unique experiences, strengths, and treatment goals of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Our residential program offers 24/7 care in scenic lodges that provide a comfortable and supportive home-like environment. Our trauma-informed approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to ensure the best care possible for autism treatment.
With a team of experienced and compassionate therapists, your teenager will receive individualized care that is tailored to her specific needs. Through group, individual, and family therapy sessions, she will learn coping and processing skills that can create long-lasting positive changes and help her lead a fulfilling life. Don't let autism hold your teenager back any longer, enroll her in our residential treatment program today.
You Are Not Alone
Discovery Ranch South is there for you and your family.
Our Holistic Approach to Autism Treatment
At Discovery Ranch South, we understand that autism can present unique challenges for teenage girls and adolescents assigned female at birth. Our premier treatment program offers a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects of autism.
Our team of experienced therapists builds close therapeutic relationships with our clients, ensuring sustained change occurs. With small caseloads, we provide the attention and care needed for overcoming autism and thriving.
Our therapeutic environment is designed to be flexible and responsive to your child's clinical needs. We believe that lasting change comes from providing a comprehensive therapeutic environment that is always available to address clinical issues in the moment. Our integrated treatment team includes clinical, residential, academic, experiential, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle services team members who work together to provide the highest level of care.
By choosing Discovery Ranch South, you can have confidence that your teenager will receive comprehensive and personalized care to overcome their autism-related challenges and discover hope for a brighter future.
Some of the unique therapies & therapeutic activities we offer include:
- Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Brainspotting
- Trauma-focused Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Experiential Therapy
- Equine Therapy
- Cow Therapy
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Adventure & Outdoor Recreation
- Art Therapy
- Therapeutic & Coping Skills Groups
- Mindfulness & Meditation Groups
- Individual Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
Why Choose Discovery Ranch South for Autism Treatment?
Restoring Choice
When autism dominates the lives of teenage girls and adolescents assigned female at birth, it can feel like their choices are limited and out of reach. Autism can be overwhelming, eroding their ability to make healthy choices and leaving them feeling trapped and disconnected from their loved ones. Like all teenagers, your child deserves the chance to explore their own interests and make choices that align with their unique identity, free from the limitations of autism.
Rediscover your teenager's boundless potential and empower your family to take back control of its future, free from the challenges that come with autism. Take charge of your teen's autism treatment by focusing on what you can control and finding a treatment approach that blends clinical sophistication with time-tested values and practices.
Through Nurturing Relationships...
Relationships are the foundation of our most meaningful experiences. Whether it's a family member, friend, or mentor, the people we care about shape our lives in profound ways.
At Discovery Ranch South, we view relationships—with us, with you, with other family members, and with peers—as the most fundamental agents of change in your teen’s life. We know that no other aspect of their care is as powerful in shaping their future success as the connections they make while recovering from autism.
...And Challenging Experiences...
“Experiential” can have a variety of meanings in the world of autism treatment. At Discovery Ranch South, experiential treatment is not just an activity we go and do; it’s who we are. It is the bedrock of our approach.
Learning comes from doing. Therapy can be a powerful tool for developing insights and building coping skills, but by itself, it's not enough. Our experiential program challenges autistic teens to practice what they've learned in a supportive, real-world setting.
Every part of the “Discovery Ranch Experience”—whether feeding a calf, traveling to the local theater and arts festival, or rappelling with staff and peers—is selected and designed to enhance your daughter’s therapeutic progress and “turn experience into understanding.”
...In a Healing Environment
Surrounded by the beautiful sandstone cliffs of southern Utah, we offer a healing environment that mirrors our surroundings, both expansive and embracing. The Discovery Ranch South nestles comfortably into the surrounding desert and mountains, drawing on its quiet beauty, inherent strength, and enduring ability to inspire.
What Makes Discovery Ranch South Different?
Family Program
We recognize the invaluable role of families in the therapeutic journey of teenage girls and adolescents assigned female at birth with autism. At Discovery Ranch South, we offer a comprehensive family program that includes weekly family therapy sessions, on-campus visits, and Parent Seminars. We prioritize the development of healthy, happy family relationships through fundamental communication, life skills, and social and emotional learning, empowering families to actively participate in their child's treatment process.
Student Life
At Discovery Ranch South, we provide a nurturing and supportive community where your child can thrive. Located in the breathtaking landscape of southern Utah, your child will have the opportunity to experience the beauty and adventure of the outdoors while receiving top-quality autism treatment. From outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding to attending the renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival, there are countless opportunities for growth and exploration. With a dedicated team of caring staff members and a focus on lasting change, Discovery Ranch South is the perfect place for your child to heal, learn, and flourish.
Learn More About Our CARE Model
Our research & outcomes show teens can live a life free from mental health issues
75%
75% of students report they are more comfortable sharing feelings with their parents.
75% of students & parents report significantly better family functioning
90%
90% of parents report teen is much better compared to the beginning of treatment
96%
96% of both parents and students showed consistent improvement on problem behavior (Y-OQ) and emotional problems tests (BPFS-C)
100%
100% of students report their problems are much better than when they began
100%
Six months after graduation, 100% of parents and students say that their problems are much better than when they began
Don't Take Our Word For it
(all testimonials were taken from reviews left by alumni families on our google profile)
Have Questions? Ready to Get Started?
Our Trusted Admissions Specialists Are Here to Serve You
We understand that seeking help for your teenager struggling with autism can be incredibly challenging, and we commend your courage in taking that first step. At Discovery Ranch South, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where teenage girls and adolescents assigned female at birth with autism can heal and grow. We believe in the potential of every teenager to thrive, and we are honored to be a part of their healing journey.
We know that navigating the world of mental health treatment can be overwhelming for families, and that's why our compassionate and experienced team is here to offer support and guidance throughout the process. When you start your treatment journey with us, here's what you can expect:
- Speak with one of our friendly admissions team members who'll conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify your teen’s unique treatment needs.
- During the admissions process, your teen and family will have the opportunity to tour our facility and meet our compassionate staff.
- We'll then work with you to create a personalized autism treatment plan tailored to your child's individual needs.
Let us help you begin transforming your teenager's life through our evidence-based autism treatment program. Remember, all calls are always confidential, and we are here to listen and provide guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we're here to help you and your family through this challenging time.
Meet One of Our Admissions Specialists Answering Your Call
You don’t need to provide anything if you hit have some questions about how to help your teenager. If you decide Discovery Ranch South is right for your family, we’ll send you a student profile sheet in order to get more detailed information about your family’s situation.
We understand that the various autism treatment options can be overwhelming. That's why it's crucial to consult with a treatment professional who can guide you through the process and help you make the best decision for your teenager and your family.
We’re happy to spend as much or as little time as you need to answer your questions. If you wish to complete your initial enrollment, typically we can do that in just under 60 minutes.
Marks of Quality Care
Backed by The Joint Commission which ensures programs adhere to the highest quality of clinical and medical practices.
Designated as a NATSAP Research Program, showing our commitment to well-researched practices in our program.
Full member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), which ensure regulation of programs that serve children and adolescents.
Discovery Ranch South is fully licensed in the state of Utah.
An approach to Equine Assisted Services based on the science of relationships
This program is proud to be Cognia Accredited.
Founding member of Choose Mental Health, guiding families with questions about mental health.