Community Highlights: Meet Rula Diab of Arizona Institute for Autism
Check out the following article from Voyage Phoenix about our Clinical Director Rula Diab. Read how Rula's passion to provide accessible ABA therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder drove her to create the Arizona Institute for Autism. You may also read the original article on the Voyage Phoenix website.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Rula Diab.
Hi Rula, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Arizona Institute for Autism was founded in 2018 by a licensed Behavioral Analyst, Rula Diab, and was initially based in Scottsdale, Arizona. To improve special education and strengthen communities across Arizona, the institute began by offering ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy services for children with autism in home and school settings. In 2020, our first clinic location opened in Scottsdale, driven by core principles of integrity, excellence, and empowerment. Our primary objective was to make ABA therapy accessible to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ensuring that services were delivered at a level that supports long-term progress and helps children reach their fullest potential. Fast forward to 2023, the Arizona Institute for Autism has evolved into an integrated ABA Model. In alignment with our commitment to deliver more comprehensive services, we have relocated to a larger facility to accommodate the diverse needs of our learners better. As we look toward the future, AIA remains unwavering in its focus on delivering Quality Care in line with ethical standards of practice. We are dedicated to maintaining effective, data-driven treatments and to continuously supporting families through education and resources. This enables parents to understand the treatment process better, equipping them to support and advocate for their children effectively.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
In the process of operating the Arizona Institute for Autism, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about various potential challenges and to concentrate on enhanced planning and more effective problem-solving strategies. Throughout our journey, we have encountered many obstacles, including recruiting qualified clinicians who share our vision and the assurance of delivering high-quality ABA services. Additionally, employee retention presents its own challenges, owing to the work’s emotionally and mentally demanding nature.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the Arizona Institute for Autism, we are dedicated to providing specialized clinical care for children and teens diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. We serve families in the Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix Metropolitan areas.
Our range of services for children and teens includes:
- Autism Advocacy Support
- Evaluation & Assessment Services
- ABA Therapy Services for Children & teens
- Community Autism Outreach Programs
- Family Training and Support
- Academic Readiness Programs
- Clinical Supervision
Our multidisciplinary team—comprised of highly-trained clinicians, paraprofessionals, educators, and consultants—focuses on fostering our learners’ behavioral and educational development. We achieve this through evidence-based clinical treatments and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services tailored to meet the unique needs of each child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In collaboration with Special Education (SPED) teachers and school administrators, we strive to address specific educational challenges and enrich the learning environment for students. Every day, we work diligently to empower every one of our learners in their path toward achieving individual excellence and independence.
What matters most to you? Why?
As the founder of the Arizona Institute for Autism (AIA), my primary concerns are deeply shaped by my core values, objectives, and mission that define our organization. Paramount among these is our unwavering commitment to delivering evidence-based, individualized treatment plans aimed at achieving measurable improvements in the lives of our learners, setting them on a path to long-term progress. Equally important are the principles of Integrity and Accountability, foundational to the AIA ethos, shaping how our team interacts with the communities we serve. We diligently adhere to ethical practice guidelines to safeguard the well-being of all our AIA Learners. Moreover, attracting and retaining qualified, dedicated clinicians is crucial to the success of our mission. To achieve this, we cultivate a work culture that fosters professional development and strongly emphasizes work-life balance. This approach enhances our staff’s professional satisfaction and enriches the quality of care provided to our learners.
Pricing:
We accept a variety of insurance carriers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealth, Optum, and United Health AHCCCS. Additionally, we accept the Empowerment Scholarship (ESA).
Contact Info:
