In a move that will improve access to in-demand autism care for Arizona families, Axis for Autism has launched applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and opened a new clinic offering ABA as well as autism diagnostic services at 2451 E. Baseline Road, Suite 420, in Gilbert.
The healthcare company, whose care model has drastically cut wait times for autism evaluations, introduced ABA to support families beyond initial diagnosis and provide lifechanging, evidence-based therapies to children and adults.
“When we first launched Axis for Autism, our No. 1 priority was to help families access autism evaluations in a matter of weeks versus a year or more, but we always planned to offer a continuum of care that would support children and families throughout their journey,” said Christine Ehrich, founder and CEO of Axis for Autism. “Launching ABA enables families to connect with highly qualified therapists right away rather than getting stuck on another long wait list and delaying care further.”
Considered the gold standard in autism care, ABA is an evidence-based, highly individualized practice that helps children, adolescents and adults with autism strengthen important skills and achieve developmental milestones. Its benefits are well-documented: A wealth of research shows ABA therapy is effective in improving communication, social skills, academic performance and other functional skills while also mitigating challenges that may interfere with day-to-day living.
Axis for Autism’s team of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA) comprises veteran providers who have worked with thousands of children and adults and offer expertise in designing, implementing and evaluating ABA programs for individuals of every age group and across a wide range of skill deficits. They work in partnership with families and caregivers to create specific goals and help individuals engage more fully in the environments where they live, learn, work and play.
“We took great care to build a talented and experienced team of people with a true passion for their work and the families they serve,” said Jessica Reese, BCBA and vice president of clinical services for Axis for Autism. “We’re also continually working to expand our expertise and training to ensure we’re leveraging the best techniques and providing the highest level of care.”
Axis for Autism’s ABA services begin with a functional behavioral assessment to evaluate an individual’s strengths and identify skills deficits or behavioral excesses. From there, providers work in tandem with parents and caregivers to create an individualized care plan to help the child succeed at home, within the family, in the classroom and in the community. Parent training and collaboration, combined with regular outcomes measurement, ensure children are making progress and learning needed skills.
In addition to the new Gilbert location, ABA therapy is available in Tucson. Later this year, Axis for Autism plans to open another clinic to serve West Valley families.
“Our goal with these new clinics is to fill gaps in care now and in the future as the East and West Valleys continue to grow,” said Ehrich. “Our providers offer deep expertise in autism care and are passionate about their work. We believe we can make a real difference for the families we serve.”
Physicians can make a referral to Axis for Autism for autism evaluation or ABA therapy, or families may contact the company directly to schedule. With approval from Medicaid and commercial insurance plans, Axis for Autism services are available to many local families at little to no out-of-pocket cost. Services are also available on a cash-pay basis.
