Lyla’s House: Building Hope for Idaho’s Autism Families

Some of the most powerful ideas come from the hardest moments. For Dana Batts, that moment came when her kids were removed from more than one daycare because staff said they “no longer had the resources.” Instead of accepting that answer, Dana and her husband decided to create the resources themselves.

That decision sparked Lyla’s House, a nonprofit built for autism families in Idaho — one that’s helping children and parents find support, understanding, and community when it’s often hardest to find.

At its heart, Lyla’s House stands on three simple but powerful pillars: Sensory, Safety, and Schooling.

1. Sensory — Creating Calm in a Loud World

If you’ve ever seen Lyla’s House at a community event, you’ve probably noticed their sensory tents. These portable, calming spaces are designed for people with autism who may become overwhelmed by noise, light, or crowds. Inside, the lights are dim, the sounds are soft, and the atmosphere is built for peace.

For many families, that small space changes everything, it means they can stay longer, enjoy the event, and not have to leave when sensory overload hits. Dana’s next dream is to turn those tents into a mobile sensory vehicle that can travel anywhere in Idaho, creating safe spaces wherever families need them most.

2. Safety — Building Trust Through Understanding

Before founding Lyla’s House, Dana worked in law enforcement. That experience shaped one of their most impactful programs S.A.F.E. Contact training for first responders.

The program teaches police, firefighters, and EMTs how to better recognize and respond to autistic individuals in high-stress situations. It’s not a lecture, it’s a partnership.

Dana explains, “We don’t just tell first responders what to do. We collaborate with them to create safer cities for everyone.”

Through real-world scenarios, the training helps first responders slow down, assess behavior through a neurodivergent lens, and engage with calm and clarity creating safety built on empathy instead of misunderstanding.

3. Schooling — Helping Families Navigate Education

Every parent wants to see their child thrive in school, but for many autism families, the system can feel impossible to navigate. Lyla’s House helps parents understand IEPs, 504 plans, and their rights under education law, while connecting them to resources and advocates who can walk the journey with them.

And they’re not stopping there. Lyla’s House has a long-term vision — a state-of-the-art autism school built specifically for the way autistic minds learn best. It’s a big dream, but one that grows closer every year as awareness and support expand.

A Giveaway That Gives Back

Right now, Lyla’s House is partnering with Treasure Valley Subaru on a special fundraiser that’s bringing their mission to life in a creative way. A Subaru Crosstrek Giveaway.

When you buy an entry, you’re not just entering to win a brand-new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek you’re directly funding the sensory tents, safety training, and family support programs that keep Lyla’s House going.

Supporters can earn extra entries by referring friends, and the top three referrers win SCHEELS gift cards ($500, $350, and $250). It’s an exciting way for the community to give back, with one lucky winner driving away in a new car right before Christmas.

Dana says it best:

“Every entry helps us serve more autism families across Idaho. Someone will win a car, but every dollar helps us create a world that’s safer, calmer, and more understanding.”

Looking Ahead

Next April, Lyla’s House will host their annual Autism Walk at Treasure Valley Subaru — an event that brings families, supporters, and partners together for a day of celebration, connection, and inclusion.

The funds raised from the walk and the car giveaway will help them reach their biggest goal yet — converting their sensory spaces into a fully mobile unit that can serve families anywhere in the Treasure Valley.

How You Can Help

If Lyla’s House inspires you, here’s how to make an impact:

• Enter the car giveaway at lylashouse.com — every entry fuels their programs and gives you a shot at a new car.

• Share their story with friends, schools, and first responders who could benefit.

• Volunteer, donate, or partner — every connection helps them reach more families.

At The Good Network, we believe real change happens when ordinary people see a gap — and decide to fill it. Lyla’s House was built from that exact spirit. What started with one family’s determination is now a growing movement to make Idaho safer, more inclusive, and more compassionate for families touched by autism.