Arizona has become a leading state in providing comprehensive autism services for adults, offering a robust network of support programs, employment opportunities, and healthcare coverage. With autism prevalence estimated at 1 in 36 births nationwide and 1 in 36 in Arizona as of 2020, and a rate of 1 in 33 children identified on the autism spectrum in 2016 among 4-year-olds, the need for adult autism services continues to grow as these children transition into adulthood.
Understanding Arizona’s Autism Landscape: Key Statistics
The autism landscape in Arizona reveals both challenges and opportunities for adults on the spectrum. Research shows that 85% of autistic adults with a college education are unemployed, and unemployment rates for people with autism are estimated to be 90%, compared with 3.5% for people without a disability. However, Arizona has implemented comprehensive programs to address these disparities.
More than half of children identified with ASD in Arizona had an intellectual disability, with the prevalence of intellectual disability among children with ASD in the state at 65.8%, higher than the national average of 31.1%. This statistic underscores the importance of specialized adult services as these individuals transition into adulthood.
Significantly, 88,000 individuals are on state waiting lists hoping to receive adult housing services, with the rate growing exponentially, highlighting the critical need for expanded services and resources.
Government Programs and Support Systems
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
The Division of Developmental Disabilities empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives, serving more than 59,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Arizona each year.
In Arizona, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) provides services tailored to meet each individual’s identified needs, following state and/or federal guidelines. A support coordinator monitors these services, most of which are delivered through individual and agency contracted providers. The offerings span across various aspects of life, including residential arrangements, employment, healthcare, and community participation.
The Division provides supports and services based upon need, state and/or federal guidelines, member eligibility and the availability of funds. Most services to children and adults with developmental disabilities are delivered at home and in community-based settings.
Healthcare Coverage Through AHCCCS
Arizona Medicaid, managed by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), provides coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for eligible members, particularly for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other diagnoses where therapy is deemed medically necessary.
Arizona’s Autism Insurance Reform Law requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Coverage includes applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other necessary treatments.
For individuals requiring financial assistance, Arizona offers federal funding options such as the Arizona Long Term Care Services (ALTCS) and the Arizona Medicaid Program (AHCCCS) under Title 19. Behavioral Health Services in Arizona, provided by Arizona Complete Health, offer medical and behavioral services to individuals with an autism diagnosis. To qualify for these services, individuals must be eligible for AHCCCS.
Employment Support and Vocational Training Programs
Arizona has developed extensive employment support programs recognizing that meaningful work is crucial for independence and quality of life.
Project SEARCH Program
Project SEARCH aims to provide competitive employment opportunities for students and young adults with developmental disabilities. Over 70% of graduates obtain jobs in host or similar businesses. Programs like Project SEARCH are dedicated to ensuring competitive employment opportunities for students and young adults with developmental disabilities in Southern Arizona. The program works in partnership with local employers, disability organizations, and government agencies to provide job skills training. Over 70% of Project SEARCH graduates achieve jobs in host or similar businesses nationally.
Workability/UCPSA Program
Workability/UCPSA provides a variety of employment supports for transition age youth and adults with disabilities with the goal of competitive and integrative employment. These programs offer services such as work readiness skills, job coaching, self-advocacy training, and disability awareness training for employers.
Wells Fargo Neurodiversity Program
Wells Fargo Neurodiversity Program aims to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including autism, through accessible and modernized hiring processes and employee programs that foster well-being, equity, and inclusion.
Beacon Group Services
Beacon Group offers job training, placement, supported and center-based employment, and day treatment programs to assist individuals with disabilities. It serves over 2,000 people with disabilities annually.
DES Vocational Rehabilitation Program
The DES Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program supports job seekers with disabilities, including ASD, to reach their employment goals. Job seekers with mental or physical impairments (including mental illness and learning disabilities) may qualify for VR assistance.
Nonprofit Organizations and Community Support
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix offers adult autism programs in Arizona, focusing on social support and life skills training. They provide opportunities for individuals with autism to develop essential skills for independent living and engage in recreational activities that promote social interaction.
The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix focuses on individuals who continue to live with autism as they transition into adulthood. This organization offers adult autism programs to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism, providing social support, life skills, job training, and recreational activities.
Phoenix Autism
Phoenix Autism is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive support for adults with autism in Arizona. They offer services such as job training, vocational skills development, and community engagement programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for adults with autism.
Phoenix Autism provides a variety of services for adults with autism in Arizona, including vocational training, job coaching, and supported employment programs. A highlight of Phoenix Autism’s offerings is the Exploring Potential Program. This program focuses on vocational skills training and job coaching. It is designed to help adults with autism secure and maintain employment. This service underscores the organization’s commitment to helping adults with autism integrate into the workforce and lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
Notable nonprofit organizations include Autism Speaks, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), and Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. SARRC provides comprehensive research and support services throughout Arizona.
Residential Support and Independent Living
Arizona Centers for Independent Living
The Arizona Centers for Independent Living offer these services in locations including Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Coolidge, Tucson, and Tuba City. The aim is to offer assistance with home care services, advocacy, employment, and independent living skills.
Group Homes and Residential Options
Group Homes provide staff who are awake 24-hours a day to meet a member’s needs and help them learn skills. Ideal for members who need more assistance with independent skills, including cleaning, hygiene, self-help, etc. Most homes are licensed for three to four members (no more than six).
RISE Services, Inc., a reputable organization, offers residential homes in Arizona that provide around-the-clock care for adults living with developmental disabilities. These homes offer intensive support, a high level of structure, and guidance. The design of these homes is tailored to meet the individual needs, preferences, and background of each resident. The focus is on creating a comfortable environment where residents feel at home, fostering a sense of family rather than just a group of individuals.
Educational and Therapeutic Services
Arizona provides comprehensive educational and therapeutic services for adults with autism, recognizing that learning and development continue throughout life.
Day Treatment and Training Services
Day Treatment and Training Services (Day Programs) provide training, supervision, and activities to a member to develop skills. This service is primarily offered in a community setting. It is intended to help members learn safety skills and socialize. Day Programs are available through DDD or local community resources and may include volunteer opportunities for members such as participation in a local senior activity.
Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic assessments and evaluations play a crucial role. These assessments are essential for identifying and diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults, allowing for the development of personalized treatment plans and determining the appropriate level of support needed. Diagnostic services are conducted by qualified professionals, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, who specialize in the assessment and diagnosis of ASD.
Employment First Initiative
In November 2017, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed an Executive Order making Arizona an Employment First state. This Executive Order highlighted the need for greater opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to find employment allowing them to increase their self-sufficiency. The Division of Developmental Disabilities offers various employment supports and services to members that enable them to gain the skills necessary to obtain and retain employment.
Arizona also emphasizes competitive integrated employment as the preferred outcome for individuals with disabilities through the AZ Employment First initiative. The state provides vocational rehabilitation programs, such as the DES Vocational Rehabilitation program, to assist individuals with disabilities, including autism, in overcoming barriers to employment.
Challenges and Ongoing Needs
Despite Arizona’s comprehensive services, challenges remain. Transitioning to adulthood can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism. They may struggle with independent living, employment, higher education, and social connections.
The rising prevalence of autism in Arizona has placed a strain on healthcare and education systems. The healthcare system must ensure that there are sufficient resources, specialized professionals, and interventions available to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism. This includes providing access to autism therapy goals and comprehensive healthcare services that address the medical, behavioral, and developmental aspects of autism.
Housing and Community Support
Housing Opportunities
The Division of Developmental Disabilities has partnered with County, State, and Federal housing authorities to offer qualified members limited affordable housing opportunities.
Some members may be eligible for the AHCCCS Housing and Health Opportunities (H2O) Program. The goal of H2O is to help individuals who are eligible for AHCCCS and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The AHCCCS Housing & Health Opportunities (H2O) strives to: Increase positive health and well-being outcomes for target populations, Reduce the cost of care for individuals successfully housed, and Reduce homelessness and maintain housing stability.
Specialized Programs and Training
SEEDs for Autism
Initiatives like SEEDs for Autism provide tailored vocational training that prepares young adults for the workforce with practical job skills and real-life experiences.
Career Link Southwest
Career Link Southwest, LLC is a contractor to the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security Vocational Rehabilitation program. They partner with qualified Clients to link them to Prospective Employers, striving for long-term employment. They develop solid relationships with employers to enhance the local workforce with employees who deserve a chance as responsible, productive individuals.
Legal Advocacy and Rights Protection
The Arizona Center for Disability Law, a non-profit law firm in Arizona, assists individuals with disabilities to promote and protect their legal rights to independence, justice, and equality. This organization can be a valuable resource for individuals navigating the legal aspects of accessing services and supports.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), autistic individuals are afforded protections against workplace discrimination. This law mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with autism to perform their job duties effectively.
Insurance Coverage and Benefits
Arizona is another state that prioritizes autism benefits. Certain health insurers in Arizona are required to offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. This coverage encompasses crucial services like diagnosis, assessment, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA therapy is widely recognized as an effective intervention for individuals with autism, focusing on skill development, behavior modification, and promoting independence. By mandating insurance coverage for ABA therapy, Arizona ensures that individuals with autism have access to this essential treatment.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Arizona continues to evolve its autism services, recognizing the growing need for comprehensive adult support. By offering a range of services and programs, Arizona strives to ensure that adults with autism have access to the necessary support to lead fulfilling and independent lives. It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of adult autism services and to continue expanding and improving the available resources to meet the evolving needs of this population.
These nonprofit organizations collaborate with government programs and local support groups to ensure comprehensive support for adults with autism in areas such as education, therapy, healthcare, and independent living. By providing a network of resources and services, these organizations strive to empower individuals with autism and promote their inclusion in society.
Conclusion
Arizona offers one of the most comprehensive networks of autism services for adults in the United States. From employment support programs achieving over 70% job placement rates for Project SEARCH graduates to extensive healthcare coverage through AHCCCS, the state provides multiple pathways for adults with autism to achieve independence and meaningful community participation.
The combination of government programs like DDD, nonprofit organizations such as the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and Phoenix Autism, specialized employment initiatives, and comprehensive healthcare coverage creates a robust support system. However, with 88,000 individuals on state waiting lists for adult housing services, continued expansion and improvement of services remain critical priorities.
For adults with autism and their families in Arizona, the key to accessing these services lies in understanding the eligibility requirements, application processes, and available resources. By leveraging the state’s comprehensive network of support, adults with autism can build fulfilling, independent lives while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
References
- Autism Society of Southern Arizona – Facts & Statistics
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
- Autism Society of Greater Phoenix – Employment Resources
- Arizona Department of Economic Security – DES Helps Adults with Autism Thrive through Fulfilling Employment
- Arizona Department of Economic Security – Developmental Disabilities
For the most current information about eligibility, applications, and available services, individuals should contact the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities at 1-844-770-9500 or visit their official website.