Check out this article from Shoutout Arizona about AIA's Clinical Director, Rula Diab. Read about Rula's vision and learn more about the Arizona Institute for Autism. You can find the original article on the Shoutout Arizona website.
We had the good fortune of connecting with Rula Diab and we’ve shared our conversation below.
As a clinician who has always been passionate about working with children with special needs, I have dreamed of creating an environment that would enhance our children’s quality of lifestyle and enable them to achieve their highest potential. Starting my own business was a natural step for me to take, as I knew that there was a need in the community that I could address. My vision was to provide children with autism with the services and resources they need in a safe, loving, and caring environment, and I started by offering ABA therapy. I knew that starting a business would be a complex and challenging process, but I was committed and determined to make my dream a reality. It required a combination of hard work, learning, commitment, inspiration, passion, persistence, laser focus, and creativity to put all my thoughts into action at the right time. Despite the challenges, I persevered and continued to work tirelessly to bring my vision to life. Through my experience working with children with special needs, I have discovered a part of myself that I never knew existed. Connecting with my learners has transformed me and my team into a version better than our previous selves. Witnessing the progress that our learners make every day, seeing their confidence grow and their parents’ hopes for their future become a reality, brings me a sense of accomplishment that is truly indescribable.
In conclusion, starting a business is not easy, but the satisfaction and fulfillment that come from creating a positive and healthy environment for our learners make it all worthwhile. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and make a difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families. My work will continue until I put my whole vision in action.
At Arizona Institute for Autism, we are committed to individualized care. We are focused on building a team of skilled and passionate clinicians who prioritize serving vulnerable populations, combined with our emphasis on staff training and development, ensures that we provide the highest quality care to our learners. Recruiting and retaining qualified staff is a challenge in this field, but we have been able to overcome this obstacle by investing in our staff and creating a positive and supportive work environment that values diversity. By prioritizing cultural competence, we ensure that every child receives care that is respectful of their unique individuality and empowers them to reach their highest potential. Our core values at AIA are Integrity, empowerment and excellence. At AIA, we are committed to excellence in everything we do, going above and beyond to provide the best results for our community partners, customers, kiddos, and everyone in the AIA family. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards when communicating with our families and learners, ensuring that they receive the care they need and deserve.
Overall, our dedication to providing high-quality, culturally competent care helps us stand out from other businesses in the behavioral health field. We believe that by focusing on the needs of our learners and investing in our employees, we can build a successful business that makes a positive impact on our community.
Scottsdale is a beautiful city with many interesting places to explore. Downtown Scottsdale/Old Town is a great destination to visit due to its rich history, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. As someone who loves nature and flowers, I will recommend visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, which showcases a wide range of native plant species and provides stunning views of the desert landscapes at sunset. If we have time for a day trip, I will suggest visiting Sedona, a picturesque town famous for its red rock formations and spiritual energy. If the weather permits, hiking in the beautiful Red Rock State Park would be a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.