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 offering services to families and individuals with disabilities in the Phoenix area opened Aug. 28 near Dunlap Avenue and the Black Canyon Highway. Life Skills Autism Academy aims to provide tailored support and education for children on the autism spectrum, emphasizing a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy.
The location is a significant resource for local families and workers searching for opportunities in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinics in the city.
“I heard the area has a high need for ABA clinics, so this can open the door for more growing opportunities and also help the kids get what they need in the long run,” said Andrea Jackson, a newly hired team member.
Kate Walker, the clinic director of this new location, has been with Life Skills Autism Academy for nearly three years and is excited about the clinic’s rapid growth.
“We are growing like crazy,” Walker said. “The need is huge, and we are expanding quickly to meet it.”
Ryan McMillen, the clinic’s senior specialist recruiter, explained the innovative hiring process that sets the academy apart.
“We do not require prior certification to work on the team,” he said. “We train them to get that certification through a paid program, ensuring that every staff member is well-equipped to support our clients.”
This approach not only opens the door for individuals seeking a career in ABA but also fosters a new generation of skilled professionals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with autism. Once hired, staff members undergo a structured training path, including Centria-based training, recognized as the entry-level standard for behavior technicians (BT) across the United States.
“Once they obtain their BT certification, they start Centria base training,” McMillen said.
This preparation helps ensure that every team member is ready to implement effective therapy strategies, aligning with the clinic’s mission to provide quality care.
Life Skills Autism Academy sets itself apart through its commitment to client-based therapy, a technique that prioritizes client comfort and engagement.
“What separates us from the group is our client-friendly approach,” McMillen emphasized.
Unlike some ABA methods that may push children to continue learning even when they are uncomfortable, this approach helps ease children into new learning experiences, allowing them to engage in activities they enjoy.
“We believe in compassionate and asset-based care,” said Walker, reflecting the clinic’s philosophy of focusing on a child’s strengths and using those assets to guide their development. “Everything is individualized to the client,” she added.
As the clinic continues to grow, its capacity is already showing impressive numbers.
“The capacity of the new clinic is 55, and since opening in August, we already have 33 people enrolled with nine kids in referrals,” Walker said.
The clinic’s growth strategy also reflects a clear vision for the future.
“The size of the center will greatly influence our growth; a well-sized clinic can expand rapidly.” McMillen said.
Clinic leader Timothy Yeager emphasizes the importance of creating an organization that prioritizes quality care, using the company’s “The HRE Podcast” as a platform for discussing the future of the autism treatment industry.
“Can we be an organization that leads this industry down the path we want to go?” Yeager asked. His vision includes creating accessible resources and support systems that help families navigate challenges and make lasting progress.
“So many systemic barriers get in the way of quality care scaling,” he added. “We really care about the clients we are serving,” Yeager said. He explains the clinic’s goal of growing into an organization worth investing in to ensure high-quality care for families for years to come.
Life Skills Academy is located at 9070 N. Black Canyon Hwy. in Phoenix. For more information visit https://www.lifeskillsautismacademy.com or call 888-975-4557.
