Autism Journey Academy

Imagine a place where your child's unique strengths are celebrated, their challenges are understood, and their potential is nurtured. 

At Autism Journey Academy, we are a dedicated community providing specialized education for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental differences. We serve students from kindergarten through eighth grade, focusing on developmental, academic, and behavioral growth during these critical school years. 

Our school empowers your child to thrive in all aspects of life and offers them a place where they can truly be themselves.

We combine evidence-based methods of instruction, including ABA methodologies, with a deep understanding of the special education needs of children with ASD. 

As the only CMS-certified school, we follow The CMS Approach™, a unique Class Management System developed to equip educators with the tools to foster emotional and academic growth in students with autism

At Autism Journey Academy (AJA), we know that your child is so much more than just a student in a classroom. They are a whole person with thoughts, feelings, and incredible potential. Our approach ensures we take their whole person into account, and that’s why we focus on more than just academics. 

We support every part of your child’s development to help them grow into a confident, capable individual. Beyond academics, we prioritize helping them develop crucial life skills:

• Social Skills: Helping children build meaningful connections, make friends, and feel more confident in group settings
• Communication: Supporting children in expressing their thoughts and needs effectively, both verbally and non-verbally
• Independence: Encouraging self-sufficiency by teaching life skills that empower children to take charge of their own lives, both within and outside the school

By nurturing growth in these core areas, we are creating a foundation for long-term success and meaningful progress. Our team focuses on giving children the tools they need to thrive in every aspect of life, in school, at home, and in the community. 

Autism Journey Academy is a specialized educational institution dedicated to supporting the unique needs of students on the autism spectrum. 

Founded and led by Donna M. Neill, MS, ITDS, L-BCBA, the academy was built on the belief that children with autism deserve a learning environment that honors their individuality. This means creating a space that adapts to their strengths, supports their challenges, and respects their individual pace of learning.

A simple but powerful mission drives us: Empower students with autism to navigate their unique educational journeys with confidence, compassion, and success. 

We enroll children from kindergarten through 8th grade, with a school day running from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This means consistent routines, supportive staff, and a nurturing environment for growth.

At Autism Journey Academy, your child is part of a community that believes in them. Our experienced educators and therapists work collaboratively to develop individualized learning plans tailored to each student’s needs. 

Through these carefully designed learning plans, we meet each student where they are - academically, socially, and emotionally. We nurture independence, self-expression, and meaningful progress.

At Autism Journey Academy, we follow a unique and transformative educational model that empowers both our students and educators: The CMS Approach™. 

Our approach to special education focuses on building a meaningful and supportive experience that helps students with ASD thrive both in and out of the classroom.

We use structured, autism-informed teaching methods combined with genuine care and empathy. This helps your child feel safe, confident, and ready to learn, not just facts and figures, but also how to navigate the world in their own way.

At the heart of everything we do is The CMS Approach™, a student-centered methodology for educating children with autism. 

This model was developed by our founder, Donna M. Neill, and forms the foundation of how we teach, connect, and care. The CMS Approach™ is specifically designed to equip teachers and educators with the tools they need to create structured and supportive learning environments that meet the needs of children with ASD. 

The CMS Approach™ focuses on:

• Enhancing learning through clear, step-by-step instruction tailored to how each student processes information
• Reducing challenging behaviors by identifying their root causes rather than reactive responses
• Promoting emotional growth by helping students feel safe, supported, and seen

To implement this approach, we use techniques such as:

• Creating Calm & Organized Spaces: We carefully design each classroom to reduce distractions and sensory overload. This helps your child stay focused and learn without becoming overwhelmed by their surroundings.
• Using Prompt Fading: When teaching a new skill, we start with hands-on guidance, such as providing step-by-step guidance to the child on how to complete a task. As they become more confident, we gradually reduce support and prompting so they can perform independently.
• Using Positive Reinforcement to Shape Behavior: We use positive feedback as a purposeful strategy to encourage helpful behaviors and reduce those that may interfere with learning. This means that rather than punishing undesirable behavior, they are rewarded for desired behavior. This is achieved through meaningful rewards, such as verbal praise, tokens, or access to a favorite activity. 
• Using Visuals & Sensory Tools: Many children with autism understand the world better through pictures, routines, or sensory input. We use visual schedules, charts, and other support devices to help your child process information in a way that makes sense to them.
• Tailoring Lessons to Your Child’s Learning Style: Not every child learns the same way. Some thrive with hands-on learning, while others with repetition or movement. We adapt our teaching to your child’s strengths and needs so they can make real progress at their own pace.

The tools offered by The CMS Approach™ help us support each child’s ability to learn new skills, stay engaged, and manage emotions or behaviors that might otherwise get in the way of progress. We are able to meet students where they are and build a strong foundation for lasting academic and behavioral success.

A key part of The CMS Approach™  is the development and implementation of individualized, student-centered plans to address both academic and behavioral growth. 

At Autism Journey Academy, each child receives two essential plans: ISAP and ISBP.

Individual Student Academic Plan (ISAP)

Every student at Autism Journey Academy is supported by an Individual Student Academic Plan (ISAP). ISAP is a customized academic plan that is tailored to their learning style, strengths, and developmental needs. 

These plans are dynamic and evolve with your child, ensuring they receive the right support at every stage of their journey.

Each ISAP includes:

• Clear, measurable learning objectives that are achievable
• Specific strategies tailored to each student’s learning style
• Regular progress tracking so that we can adjust and fine-tune the plan along the way

ISAPs serve as collaborative roadmaps and a shared guide that helps everyone stay connected, informed, and focused on the student's evolving growth. 

Individual Student Behavior Plan (ISBP)

Alongside the ISAP, each student is also supported by an ISBP, an Individual Student Behavior Plan. This structured, individualized plan is designed to reduce challenging behaviors and teach positive, functional alternative behaviors. ISBPs help:

• Promote a consistent approach to behavior support across home and school
• Help our team respond with understanding and intention, rather than reactive responses
• Ensure your child’s behavior strategies are compassionate, function-based, and tailored to your child
• Encourage long-term growth in behavior, social skills, self-regulation, and independence 

We create these plans through close collaboration with families, therapists, and educators to ensure each child’s educational experience is both effective and meaningful.

Together, the ISAP and ISBP provide a strong foundation for your child’s growth, academically, socially, and behaviorally. 

At Autism Journey Academy, being different is not just accepted, it is embraced and celebrated. 

We believe that neurodiversity brings powerful strengths, fresh perspectives, and unique beauty to the world. That is why we intentionally create an environment where students feel valued for who they are, not who they are expected to be. 

Our inclusive practices include:

• Affirming each student’s unique way of thinking, communicating, and learning
• Highlighting diverse role models and stories that reflect neurodiverse experiences
• Creating spaces where students can advocate for themselves and their learning needs

We are not just helping children succeed in school; we are helping them feel confident in who they are. With support, respect, and understanding, each student can shine in their own way and feel proud of every step they take.

When your child joins Autism Journey Academy, they are not just stepping into a classroom; they are stepping into a supportive community built just for them.

We have thoughtfully designed our program to support children from early childhood through middle school. We combine professional expertise with genuine care. 

Every detail, from classroom structure to therapeutic services, is designed to help your child grow, learn, and shine at their own pace. 

We currently accept the following funding options:

• Insurance
• Medicaid 
• Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Funds

ESA is a program that provides eligible Arizona families with state-funded scholarships to help cover the cost of private education for students with ASD. Our team at Autism Journey Academy supports you through the entire step-by-step ESA application process. 

To learn more about your options, please contact our team. 

Each service at Autism Journey Academy is carefully chosen to help your child build essential life skills and reach their fullest potential. 

ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most trusted and effective methods for teaching children with autism. At Autism Journey Academy, ABA therapy is the cornerstone of our teaching model. 

The CMS Approach™ is deeply rooted in the principles of ABA, using it as a guiding framework to help students with autism develop essential life and learning skills. It shapes how we teach new skills, manage challenging behaviors, and support positive growth. 

We use structured, positive guidance to help your child build essential life and learning skills. ABA involves breaking tasks into small, manageable steps and using positive reinforcement to help students learn desired behaviour and skills in a way that feels doable.

Early Intervention Program (Ages 2–5)

If your child is between 2 and 5 years old, you are in one of the most important chapters of their development. At this young age, your child’s brain is growing rapidly and is highly responsive to early interventions. 

Our early intervention program focuses on giving toddlers and preschoolers a nurturing, play-filled space to grow. In these early years, we help your child begin developing:

• Language and communication skills
• Social interaction 
• Motor coordination and sensory regulation
• Self-help and routine-based skills

We work gently and purposefully, laying a foundation that will support your child’s confidence and success in school and beyond.

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Many children on the autism spectrum experience challenges with language. These can include difficulty speaking (verbal communication) as well as understanding or expressing themselves through gestures, facial expressions, or other nonverbal ways.

Our speech-language pathologists work one-on-one with your child to strengthen their ability to express needs, understand others, and engage socially.

We support communication in all its forms, helping your child:

• Improve spoken language (expressive and receptive)
• Recognize and use nonverbal cues
• Learn conversation skills like turn-taking and asking questions
• Use alternative communication tools when needed

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Our occupational therapy services help students strengthen the skills they need for daily life. These include fine motor abilities like handwriting and broader skills like sensory processing, coordination, and self-care routines. 

We use personalized, hands-on therapy to support greater independence both in and out of the classroom.

Parent Training & Advocacy

You are your child’s biggest advocate, and we are here to support you, too.

We offer training and guidance to help you feel more confident at home and more prepared in meetings or IEP discussions. Whether you need help understanding behavior, applying strategies at home, or navigating the school system, we are in your corner.

Every day, we help children grow with confidence and work hand-in-hand with the families who support them. Here is what makes Autism Journey Academy unique:

• Certified Experts: Our team includes highly qualified teachers, BCBA-certified staff, and specialized therapists like ABA therapists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and occupational therapists (OTs). Together, we create a collaborative, highly skilled support system for your child.
• Sensory-Considerate Classrooms: We have created learning spaces that are intentionally calm, safe, and structured. Our classrooms are designed with your child’s comfort in mind. From calming colors and quiet zones to visual schedules and sensory tools, every detail supports a sense of safety and structure.
• Adaptable Curriculum: Our curriculum is personalized to meet each student where they are. We focus not only on academics but also on the social and emotional skills that prepare them for success beyond school. 
• Ongoing Support: At AJA, we believe in strong partnerships with families. From academic progress to emotional well-being, we offer continuous support to ensure your child’s success in all areas of their development.

Enrollment is now open for the new school year, and we are here to make the process simple, supportive, and stress-free. Start the process by scheduling a pre-enrollment meeting with us.

Once enrolled, we provide regular check-ins to discuss your child’s progress and ensure continued growth.

Autism Journey Academy accepts Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds for tuition support and educational services.

If you are considering using ESA for your child, we offer guidance to help you understand the process and submit the necessary documentation.

Helpful Resources

• Apply for ESA on the Arizona Department of Education Website
• Download ESA Parent Informational Handbook (PDF)
• Download AJA Behavioral Services & ESA Voucher Application (PDF)

Use this form to share your child’s background and allow us to assist with ESA documentation.

Our team is happy to support you with questions about eligibility, documentation, and the application process.

Every student with autism deserves a learning environment that truly sees them and supports their full potential. At Autism Journey Academy, we are not just a school, we are a community, a team, and a place where your child’s unique journey is understood and celebrated.

Enrollment is now open!

Whether you are just starting to explore your options or ready to begin the enrollment process, we invite you to reach out. Our team is here to answer your questions, understand your child’s needs, and help you feel confident in your decision.

We accept Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds. Our team is happy to assist families with the ESA application process to make tuition more accessible.

To get started, please call us today or schedule a pre-enrollment discussion.