Arizona Autism Family Medicine: A Valle del Sol Clinic Opens Doors in Phoenix

For families of children and young adults with autism, even a routine visit to the doctor can present challenges.

Bright lights, unfamiliar surroundings, noisy waiting rooms and procedures such as blood draws or immunizations can quickly become overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities, while traditional appointment times may not provide enough time for providers to meet a patient’s individual needs.

Now, a first-of-its-kind clinic in Phoenix is working to change that experience.

In recent weeks, community leaders and autism-impacted families gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Arizona Autism Family Medicine: A Valle del Sol Clinic, Arizona’s first primary care clinic specifically designed around the needs of children and young adults with autism and other developmental differences.

Located at 1430 E. Indian School Road on the Phoenix campus of Arizona Autism Charter Schools, the clinic is operated by Valle del Sol, a community health care provider with more than 50 years of experience and was developed to create a medical home where care adapts to the patient rather than asking the patient to adapt to a traditional medical environment.

The need is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 36 children is diagnosed with autism, meaning thousands of Arizona families may benefit from specialized care. Arizona Autism Charter Schools has experienced that demand firsthand, now serving nearly 1,000 students across five campuses and an online program while maintaining a waiting list of approximately 700 students.

The idea for the clinic grew from the same personal experience that led Arizona Autism Charter Schools founder Diana Diaz-Harrison to create a specialized educational environment for her son and other children with autism. As the school grew, so did her vision for providing families with access to health care designed with the same understanding of their needs.

That vision became Arizona Autism Family Medicine through a partnership between Arizona Autism Charter Schools, Valle del Sol and Mercy Care.

The clinic offers well-child and sick visits, immunizations, developmental screenings and preventive care as well as integrated behavioral health services, health education, peer-support groups and wraparound services. Bilingual professionals are trained to support patients across the autism spectrum, including those with higher support needs and individuals experiencing co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, gastrointestinal issues or seizure disorders.

The physical experience has also been rethought. Extended appointments give patients additional time to become comfortable with providers and procedures, while a state-of-the-art sensory room and behavioral supports help reduce some of the stress that can accompany a medical visit.

Location was equally important. Nearly 600 students attend the Phoenix campus each day, with some families traveling as far as 60 miles to get there. Co-locating medical care on campus gives students access to providers in a familiar environment while creating opportunities for medical professionals to collaborate with school nurses, educators and board-certified behavior analysts.

And the clinic is not limited to students.

Arizona Autism Family Medicine is also open to siblings, parents, caregivers, school staff and families throughout the community seeking an autism-friendly primary care provider.

This project became a reality through a $355,000 grant awarded by Mercy Care through its Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Program, which supports strategic initiatives that increase health care access, expand behavioral health services and improve health and wellness among vulnerable populations. The investment builds on nearly $45 million Mercy Care has invested during the past decade to address basic needs, increase health access, manage chronic conditions and support mental health and well-being.

For the organizations behind Arizona Autism Family Medicine, however, opening the clinic is only the beginning.

Partners hope the collaboration can eventually serve as a model for autism-focused health care across Arizona, with opportunities to expand into additional services, including dental care. There are also plans to explore using the clinic as a training site for future health care professionals, helping more providers learn how to effectively care for individuals with autism.

For families, the impact is more immediate. By bringing medical, behavioral and educational expertise together in one familiar place, Arizona Autism Family Medicine is creating another layer of support designed to help children stay healthy, remain in school and receive care from professionals who understand their individual needs.