Heart Full of Gratitude

Reflections from My Journey with Arizona Institute for Autism

As I look back on my journey with AIA, my heart is overflowing with gratitude, for our learners, their families, and the remarkable team who pour their hearts into every session, every plan, and every breakthrough moment and continue to bring our mission to life every single day.

When I began this journey, my vision was to create more than a clinic. I wanted to build a space where every child is seen, understood, and valued for exactly who they are, a place where learning, compassion, and understanding come together to change lives.

What I didn't realize at the time was just how profoundly our learners would shape me, both personally and professionally.

Each child who walks through our doors has taught me something far greater than any textbook ever could:

• Patience: real growth takes time, and every small victory deserves to be celebrated.
• Perspective: through their eyes, I've learned to slow down and appreciate the world in new, beautiful ways.
• Compassion: understanding others begins with genuine listening, not judgment.
• Love: unconditional, pure, and freely given, the kind that fills a room without words.

There is a deep, quiet joy in this work. Every day at AIA brings me a soothing internal satisfaction that words can't fully capture or describe.

• It's the joy of watching a learner master their first mand ("I want more bubbles!") after weeks of work.
• It's hearing the once-silent room fill with spontaneous laughter during social play.
• It's seeing a child who used to avoid social interaction proudly share materials with a peer during a group task.
• It's watching a learner self-regulate, choosing a "break" card instead of melting down.
• It's the pride in an RBT's eyes when their client generalizes a skill in a new setting for the first time.
• It's the teamwork between BCBAs, technicians, and parents who celebrate the same small victory, knowing how much heart went into that single moment.

Every day at AIA, I witness growth, resilience, and connection, not only from our learners but within our entire team. These moments remind me about development, dignity, and discovery.

To our families: Thank you for trusting us with your child's growth and your heart. To our AIA team: Your dedication, creativity, and compassion make this journey possible. And to our learners: You teach us what true resilience and joy look like every single day.

This journey fills me with endless gratitude and purpose.

AIA isn't just a workplace, it's a growing community built on love, patience, and hope.

Thank you,
Rula Diab