AAC and Visual Supports 101: Helping Your Child Be Heard
Learn how AAC and visual supports help autistic children communicate, reduce frustration, and build routines at home, school, and ABA therapy.
Welcome to
Rula Diab is a passionate clinician and entrepreneur dedicated to supporting children with autism. She founded the Arizona Institute for Autism (AIA) to provide high-quality, individualized ABA therapy in a nurturing and culturally competent environment. Committed to integrity, empowerment, and excellence, Rula ensures that AIA prioritizes both learner success and staff development. Her vision stems from a deep desire to help children reach their highest potential, creating a positive impact on families and the community. Through perseverance and dedication, she has built AIA into a trusted center for autism care. Beyond her work, Rula enjoys the cultural and natural beauty in and around Scottsdale, from Old Town’s charm to the Desert Botanical Garden and Sedona’s red rock landscapes.
Learn how AAC and visual supports help autistic children communicate, reduce frustration, and build routines at home, school, and ABA therapy.
Learn how to build communication and social skills in autistic children. Discover practical strategies, AAC tools, and ABA techniques for daily connection.
Learn practical autism and ABA-informed strategies parents and caregivers can use to support communication, routines, behavior, and regulation.
Learn what happens before, during, and after a child’s autism evaluation. See who you’ll meet, how long it takes, and how results guide next steps.
Learn early autism signs by age (12–24 months and 2–4 years), what patterns matter most, and how screening and evaluations can help.
Learn autism signs by age, who can diagnose in Arizona, and next steps after diagnosis. Get ABA, speech, and OT support. Schedule a free consultation.
Your child can talk yet struggles socially. See how pragmatic language, inference, and nonverbal cues shape connection, and how ABA builds skills.
Clinic Director Rula Diab reflects back on her journey so far with Arizona Institute for Autism and all of the awesome people that make it great.
Why emotional regulation should lead ABA therapy. Learn co-regulation steps, coping tools, and family tips from the Arizona Institute for Autism.
Help your autistic child navigate fall break with flexible daily routines, visual supports, quiet breaks, and plans for changing activities.