Your child just received an autism diagnosis. You might feel overwhelmed,
relieved to have answers, or somewhere in between. Whatever you’re feeling
right now is completely normal.

The good news: Phoenix is one of the best cities in the country for autism
resources. You have access to world-class research centers, a strong early
intervention program, dozens of school districts with autism services, and a
growing community of families who’ve been exactly where you are.

This guide walks you through what to do next, step by step.

Step 1: Take a Breath (Seriously)

Before you dive into research mode, give yourself a moment. A diagnosis
doesn’t change who your child is. It gives you a roadmap for how to help them.

Many parents describe feeling a strange mix of grief and relief after a
diagnosis. That’s okay. There’s no right way to process this. What matters is
what you do next, and you don’t have to figure it all out today.

Step 2: Understand What the Diagnosis Means

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how
your child communicates, interacts socially, and processes the world around
them. The word “spectrum” matters because it looks different in every child.

Your child’s evaluation report should include:

• The specific diagnosis and severity level (Level 1, 2, or 3)
• Strengths and areas of need
• Recommendations for therapy and services

If anything in the report is unclear, ask the diagnosing provider to explain
it. You’ll be sharing this report with therapists, schools, and insurance
companies, so it helps to understand what it says.

Step 3: Contact Arizona Early Intervention (AzEIP) if Your Child Is Under 3

If your child is under 3 years old, your first call should be to the
Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). This is a free,
state-funded program that provides developmental services to infants and
toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays.

Here’s what AzEIP offers:

• Free evaluation to determine eligibility
• Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with specific
  goals
• In-home services including developmental therapy, speech
  therapy, and occupational therapy
• Family training to help you support your child’s
  development at home

To get started, call AzEIP at (602) 532-9960 or visit their
website. You can also ask your pediatrician to make a referral. Services are
provided at no cost to families regardless of income.

Important: AzEIP services end when your child turns 3. At that point, your
child transitions to the school district for services. Starting early means
you get the most out of this free program.

Step 4: Start ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
is the most widely recommended treatment for children with autism. It’s backed
by decades of research and covered by most insurance plans in Arizona,
including AHCCCS.

ABA therapy helps children build communication skills, social skills, daily
living skills, and behavioral regulation. It’s delivered by Board Certified
Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and trained behavior technicians.

In Phoenix, you have several options for ABA therapy:

• Center-based therapy:
  Your child attends a dedicated therapy center. This is great for
  socialization and structured learning. Treetop has 6 centers across the
  Phoenix metro area.
• In-home therapy:
  A therapist comes to your home. This works well for younger children and for
  practicing skills in a natural environment.
• School-based therapy: Therapy happens during or around the
  school day.

Most families at Treetop start therapy within 4 weeks. 79% pay $0 out of
pocket. Our minimum is 15 hours per week, and we serve children ages 2 through
18.

Step 5: Explore Phoenix-Area Diagnostic and Research Centers

Phoenix has several nationally recognized autism centers. Even if your child
already has a diagnosis, these organizations offer ongoing support, resources,
and programs:

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

SARRC is one of the top autism research organizations in the country, and it’s
right here in Phoenix. They offer:

• Diagnostic evaluations for all ages
• Early intervention programs
• School programs and vocational training
• Parent workshops and support groups
• Community events and social groups

SARRC is located at 300 N. 18th Street in Phoenix. Their First 1000 Days
program is specifically designed for families with newly diagnosed children
under 3.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Phoenix Children’s has a dedicated Barrow Neurological Institute that offers:

• Comprehensive autism evaluations
• Neurology and behavioral health services
• Feeding therapy and occupational therapy
• Developmental-behavioral pediatrics

Wait times for evaluations can be long (sometimes 6 to 12 months), so get on
the list early if you need additional assessments.

Autism Society of Greater Phoenix

The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is a valuable community resource
offering:

• Parent support groups (both in-person and virtual)
• Social skills groups for children and teens
• Community events and sensory-friendly outings
• Resource navigation to help you find services
• Advocacy and education workshops

Their events calendar is worth bookmarking. Connecting with other Phoenix
families who understand what you’re going through makes a real difference.

Step 6: Connect with Your School District

Arizona has over 30 school districts in the Phoenix metro area, and every one
of them is required to provide a free, appropriate public education for
children with disabilities. This includes children with autism.

Here’s what you need to know:

For children ages 3 to 5 (preschool): Contact your local
school district to request an evaluation. If your child qualifies, they can
receive a free preschool program with special education services through an
Individualized Education Program (IEP).

For school-age children: Request an IEP meeting if your child
doesn’t already have one. An IEP is a legal document that outlines the
services and accommodations your child will receive at school. This can
include:

• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• A dedicated aide or paraprofessional
• Modified curriculum or classroom placement
• Social skills support
• Behavioral intervention plans

504 Plans: If your child doesn’t qualify for an IEP but still
needs accommodations (like extra test time, preferential seating, or sensory
breaks), a 504 Plan may be appropriate.

Some of the larger Phoenix-area districts with strong special education
programs include Scottsdale Unified, Mesa Unified, Chandler Unified, Tempe
Elementary, and Paradise Valley Unified. But every district is required to
serve your child.

Step 7: Check Your Insurance Coverage

Arizona has one of the stronger autism insurance mandates in the country.
Under Steven’s Law (A.R.S. § 20-826.04):

• State-regulated plans must cover up to $50,000 per year for
  children under 9
• Up to $25,000 per year for children ages 9 to 16
• AHCCCS covers ABA therapy with no annual dollar cap

At Treetop, we verify your insurance for free and handle all the authorization
paperwork. See our accepted insurances.

Step 8: Build Your Support Network

You don’t have to do this alone. Building a support network early makes
everything easier.

Join a parent group. The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
runs regular support groups. SARRC hosts parent workshops. There are also
active Facebook groups for Arizona autism parents where you can ask questions
and get recommendations.

Find a developmental pediatrician. Your child’s regular
pediatrician is important, but a developmental pediatrician specializes in
autism and can coordinate care across therapies.

Connect with other families. Other parents are your best
resource for practical advice. They know which therapists are great, which
schools get it, and which restaurants have sensory-friendly hours.

Take care of yourself. Parent burnout is real. You can’t pour
from an empty cup. Respite care, therapy for yourself, and time with friends
are not luxuries. They’re part of the plan.

Arizona Resources at a Glance

• AzEIP (ages 0-3): (602) 532-9960
• SARRC: (602) 340-8717 | sarrc.org
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital: (602) 933-1000
• Autism Society of Greater Phoenix: autismgreaterpho.org
• Raising Special Kids (parent training): (602) 242-4366
• Arizona Department of Economic Security (DDD): (844)
  770-9500
• Treetop ABA Therapy:
  (855) 800-9361

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after my child’s autism diagnosis in Phoenix?

If your child is under 3, contact AzEIP at (602) 532-9960 for free early
intervention services. For all ages, start the process of getting ABA therapy
by contacting a provider like Treetop and verifying your insurance coverage.

How long does it take to start ABA therapy in Phoenix?

At Treetop, most families start therapy within 4 weeks of their first call.
This includes insurance verification, the initial assessment, and
authorization. Wait times at other providers can vary significantly.

Does my child need a formal diagnosis to get ABA therapy?

Yes. Insurance companies require a formal autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
from a qualified provider before they’ll authorize ABA therapy. If your child
hasn’t been formally diagnosed yet, your pediatrician can refer you to a
specialist.

What is AzEIP and who qualifies?

The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides free developmental
services to children from birth to age 3 who have disabilities or
developmental delays. Any child with an autism diagnosis qualifies. Services
are provided at no cost regardless of family income.

Can I get ABA therapy and school services at the same time?

Yes. ABA therapy and school-based special education services are separate.
Many families use both. Your child might receive ABA therapy at a center or at
home, and also have an IEP with services at school. The two complement each
other.

Take the First Step

A diagnosis can feel like a lot. But you’re already doing the right thing by
looking for answers and resources. Phoenix has excellent support available,
and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Call Treetop at (855) 800-9361
or fill out our contact form to get
started with ABA therapy. We’ll verify your insurance, answer your questions,
and help you take the next step.