In a move that will improve access to autism care for West Valley families, Arizona-based Axis for Autism has opened a new clinic in Avondale at 12725 W. Indian School Road, Suite C102. The company, which has served families across Arizona since 2021, provides autism evaluations using a proprietary model that streamlines diagnoses and cuts wait times, ensuring families have access to lifechanging interventions and therapies faster.
The new location will enable Axis for Autism to expand care while improving convenience for West Valley children and adults. Diagnostic evaluations are available in English and Spanish. This is noteworthy, as families across Arizona often wait a year or longer for an autism evaluation. What’s more, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 36 Arizona children has autism, up from 1 in 64 in 2008.
“Demand for autism evaluations is through the roof, yet families face so many obstacles just trying to get an appointment with the right kind of doctor,” said Christine Ehrich, founder and CEO of Axis for Autism. “Our new clinic in Avondale will allow us to serve more families and help them connect with critical interventions more quickly,” she said.
A wealth of research shows early interventions can improve a child’s overall development, from boosting social and language skills to mitigating behavioral challenges and improving IQ. To that end, Axis for Autism aims to bring down the average age of diagnosis – from 4 years 10 months to 2 years.
Axis for Autism’s new Avondale clinic will provide diagnostic services to children as well as adults. Services will be available in English and Spanish to ensure language is not a barrier for families seeking care.
“Our goal with this new clinic is to remove all roadblocks to an autism diagnosis,” said Ehrich.
As demand has increased and wait lists have grown longer, the cost of an evaluation also has gone up, creating an additional barrier to care. Many providers charge up to $4,500 for screenings and do not accept health insurance. Axis for Autism and its network of providers are covered by commercial insurers and Medicaid, meaning families have no or low out-of-pocket costs. The company also offers a cash-pay option.
Physicians can make a referral to Axis for Autism, or families may contact the company directly to schedule. Evaluations take place at Axis for Autism’s locations in Central Phoenix, Gilbert, Glendale, Avondale or Tucson.
Axis for Autism also offers applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, a highly effective, evidence-based practice that helps children, adolescents and adults with autism strengthen important skills and achieve developmental milestones. While ABA clinics are now open in Gilbert and Tucson, the company plans to expand to West Valley later this year.
