Revolutionary Clinic Launches to Transform Autism Care

The newly opened Life Skills Autism Academy aims to provide tailored support and education for children on the autism spectrum (photo by Ericka Rodriguez).

A new clinic dedicated to supporting families and individuals with disabilities has opened in Phoenix. Located near Dunlap Avenue and the Black Canyon Highway, the Life Skills Autism Academy began operations on August 28. The facility focuses on providing customized education and therapy for children on the autism spectrum, with a strong emphasis on compassion and client-centered care.

This new clinic fills a crucial gap for local families seeking Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. Andrea Jackson, a recent addition to the team, highlighted the urgent need for such facilities in the area, stating, “This can open the door for more growing opportunities and also help the kids get what they need in the long run.”

The clinic’s director, Kate Walker, who has been with Life Skills Autism Academy for nearly three years, expressed enthusiasm about the clinic’s rapid expansion. “We are growing like crazy,” Walker noted, recognizing the significant demand for such services.

Ryan McMillen, the clinic’s senior specialist recruiter, discussed the academy’s innovative hiring approach. “We do not require prior certification to work on the team,” he stated, explaining that incoming staff receive paid training to obtain necessary certifications. This model not only broadens the recruitment pool but also cultivates skilled professionals committed to aiding children with autism.

Once employed, staff members participate in a structured training program, including Centria-based training, which is an entry-level standard for behavior technicians across the United States. “Once they obtain their BT certification, they start Centria base training,” McMillen added, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to effective therapy.

Life Skills Autism Academy distinguishes itself with its focus on client-based therapy, prioritizing comfort and engagement. “What separates us from the group is our client-friendly approach,” McMillen emphasized. This method allows children to ease into new learning experiences, fostering engagement in enjoyable activities rather than pushing them into discomfort.