Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Speech and Language Therapy
Using an integrated approach of speech and hearing sciences with applied behavior analysis, our program implements a best practices methodology for helping children with autism learn how to communicate.
Applied Behavior Analysis
ABA is the most effective research-based intervention available for children with autism and involves up to 40 hours per week of direct therapy to teach children a comprehensive range of life skills.
Family Coaching
This program assists families experiencing very high levels of challenging behavior and life circumstances, so that children can remain in their own home and families can achieve a high quality of life.
Diagnostic Evaluations
In order to get government or private insurance funding for treatment and care, individuals must have a detailed diagnosis of their condition. Qualified diagnosticians in the state of Arizona are scarce and families typically must wait several months to begin a diagnostic evaluation. In 2021, we began offering this service to Arizona families to help ease this complicated process.
Mental Health Counseling
Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems that cause emotional turmoil, improve communication and coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, increase resiliency, and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. AZA United’s Resilient Hearts Counseling Program is built upon evidence-based treatment models, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Where we work
Awards
Best Places to Work in the Valley 2008
The Business Journal - Phoenix
Best Places to Work in the Valley 2009
The Business Journal - Phoenix
Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues 2015
City of Phoenix
Top Workplaces 2021
Arizona Republic
External reviews

Photos
Videos
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
To make all services accessible to any family in need regardless of financial or other barriers.
To serve the autism community statewide.
To serve and support autism throughout the lifespan.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Develop and sustain a broad array of funding sources for direct services including government, insurance, schools, private pay, and fundraising for family scholarships.
Expand office locations and replicate programs/staff throughout the state.
Develop more program for adults by collaborating with other groups and organizations doing excellent work.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
500+ direct support staff, multiple funding sources, solid and rapidly improving operational infrastructure, culture of family-centered care and employee development.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Multiple funding sources secured, and some programs now available to any family in need through Family Scholarship Fund.
Working on a 5-year plan to expand offices and programs to other counties.
Starting small collaborations with other organizations to support adults with autism.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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Who are the people you serve with your mission?
Individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, neurodiversities or behavioral health conditions, and their family members.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.),
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,
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What significant change resulted from feedback?
Adding new programs based on family needs and gaps in the community.
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
The people we serve, Our staff, Our board,
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We act on the feedback we receive,
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback,
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Arizona Autism United
Board of directorsas of 09/29/2022
Ms. Melissa Hulke
CVS
Term: 2022 - 2024
Neely Burkhardt
Magellan Health
Laurent Badoux
Buchalter Law Firm
Lynda McKay
HR Extension
Melissa Hulke
CVS
Kenneth Webdale
R-C Healthcare Management Services
Stacy Harkins
JP Morgan Chase
Jamey Zurawski
Design Works Gaming
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 09/28/2022GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.