Arizona Institute for Autism

Leadership

Clinical Director: Rula Diab, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

• Special education and applied behavior analysis (ABA) expert with over 15 years of experience in the field.
• Leads AIA's clinical services, community outreach, and partnerships with local organizations such as Arizona State University and Phoenix-area school districts.
• Focuses on closing gaps in how ABA principles are applied by developing the AIA model of education, which emphasizes each child's individuality, dignity, and natural interests.

Mission

AIA's mission is to improve special education and strengthen communities throughout Arizona by supporting the behavioral and educational development of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

The team aims to:

• Deliver high-quality ABA therapy and educational support
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, and community partners
• Help each learner pursue their individual potential

AIA model and philosophy

Key elements of AIA's approach include:

• Individualized, learner-centered programs that recognize each child's unique interests, motivators, and strengths
• Play-based and engaging instruction, so that learning does not feel boring or punitive
• Integrated behavioral and educational support, blending ABA with academic readiness and classroom collaboration
• Close collaboration with SPED (special education) teachers and school leaders to enhance classroom environments

Core values and commitments

AIA highlights the following commitments:

• Integrity – Operating with honesty and strong ethical principles in all relationships.
• Empowerment – Serving and empowering learners and families, focusing on motivation and encouragement.
• Excellence – Striving for high standards in clinical care, educational services, and community partnerships.

These values guide how services are delivered to learners, families, schools, and the broader AIA community.

What families say (summary of website testimonials)

Testimonials on the website describe:

• Significant gains in learners' development, communication, and happiness
• A caring, professional, and knowledgeable staff
• Clean, sensory-friendly therapy spaces
• A welcoming, family-like environment where staff collaborate closely with parents

Specific outcomes and experiences vary by learner and family, and the website does not offer guarantees of results.

Core autism and ABA services

AIA offers a comprehensive range of services for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including:

• Autism advocacy support
• Evaluation and assessment support (diagnostic and screening support for autism)
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
• Children's autism services (individualized programs)
• Community autism services
• Family training services

ABA and educational program options

Programs are designed to be individualized and integrative, with options that may include:

• In-center ABA and educational services
• In-home services
• In-school services and classroom support
• Early intervention programs for young children
• Academic readiness and educational support
• Clinical supervision by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
• Parent consultation and training
• Individual and group ABA therapy, including social skills groups

ABA therapy approach (summary)

AIA's ABA programs follow an evidence-based, data-driven approach that typically includes:

• Assessment: A BCBA evaluates each learner's strengths, challenges, and environment.
• Program design: Skills are broken into manageable steps, from early communication to more complex social and academic skills.
• Implementation: Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), under BCBA supervision, provide one-on-one instruction using structured teaching and play-based activities.
• Prompt fading and generalization: Prompts are gradually reduced so skills become more independent and carry over to home, school, and community settings.
• Ongoing data collection: Progress is monitored through regular data review and program adjustments.

AIA's programs target areas such as:

• Communication and language
• Social engagement and play
• Daily living skills (e.g., self-care, toileting)
• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• School readiness and academic skills
• Reduction of challenging behaviors through teaching functional replacement skills

Family involvement

Families are considered an essential part of the treatment team. AIA emphasizes:

• Regular parent consultation sessions
• Training caregivers in strategies used in therapy
• Collaboration on goal-setting and reviewing progress data

Recommended therapy intensity

• Research cited by AIA indicates that 20–40 hours per week of intensive ABA therapy can significantly impact developmental trajectories.
• At Arizona Institute for Autism, there is a minimum requirement of 20 hours per week of ABA therapy, with final recommendations determined through a comprehensive needs assessment during intake and initial evaluation.

Specific schedules and availability are not listed on the website; families should contact AIA directly to discuss current openings and recommended hours for their learner.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBS AZ)
• Aetna
• Optum
• Tricare
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan / AHCCCS
• UnitedHealthcare

Coverage, copays, deductibles, and prior authorization requirements are not detailed on the website. Families should contact AIA and/or their insurance provider to confirm individual benefits.

Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)

• Many Arizona learners may qualify for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which can provide approximately $4,000–$6,500 per year per learner toward private education tuition, home-based education, and related services (amounts and rules are set by the State of Arizona, not by AIA).
• Arizona Institute for Autism is approved by the Arizona Department of Education as a vendor for parents whose learners qualify for the ESA program.
• Families who are eligible for ESA can use ESA funds toward tuition for AIA's ABA programs, in accordance with ESA program rules.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• AIA accepts Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards directly.
• These accounts may allow families to pay for qualified clinical services using pre-tax dollars, depending on plan rules.

Families should confirm eligible expenses and documentation requirements with their HSA/FSA administrator.

Financial assistance

• Arizona Institute for Autism states that it offers flexible financial assistance to uninsured families.
• This assistance is intended to help families get needed care and pay over time.

Specific financial assistance eligibility criteria, payment plans, and discounts are not detailed on the website. Families should contact AIA directly to discuss current options, required documentation, and any available programs.

Opening hours are not listed on the website. Please contact us directly for current hours and scheduling.

Service areas

Arizona Institute for Autism (AIA) primarily serves families in the following areas:

• Scottsdale
• Gilbert
• Mesa
• Tempe
• Phoenix metropolitan area

Services are delivered through a combination of in-center, in-home, and in-school programming, depending on the learner's needs and the specific service plan.

Ask anyway — the agent will say plainly that it is not published rather than guess.