Autism "centers of excellence" are opening up around the Valley, hoping to ease the burden on families by providing a variety of resources and care under one roof.
The Southwest Autism Center of Excellence opens Tuesday near the I-17 and Cactus.
"We really wanted to collaborate and bring everybody's strengths together," said Dr. Ramiro Guillen, Chief Medical Officer for Southwest Behavioral Health Services.
"Our idea is to help all of these individuals throughout the different stages of their life," he said.
The centers are the first of their kind in the state and funded in part by Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care. Patients on AHCCCS are welcome.
Guillen said there will be a special focus on connecting with African Americans and Hispanics, who are often under-diagnosed.
The centers are located at:
- Southwest Human Development (Birth to 5): 2850 N. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (6 Through Adulthood): 11221 N. 28th Drive, Building E, Phoenix, AZ 85029
- Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (6 Through Adulthood): 1255 W. Baseline Road, #138, Mesa, AZ 85202
- Touchstone Health Services: 3602 E. Greenway Rd., Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85032
