Las Vegas can absolutely be autism-friendly if you know where to look. Several shows and other forms of entertainment will sometimes offer sensory-friendly time blocks or scheduled events to accommodate those with sensitivities. It never hurts to ask if you are unsure of what they offer.
AMC Theaters and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts offer sensory-friendly movie screenings and shows. Please visit their sites to determine which options work best for your family.
Northwest Las Vegas’ Gilcrease Brothers Park has a sensory wall designed especially for children with autism who need a place to play and regulate.
Chuck E. Cheese’s Sensory Sensitive Sundays provide families with a less hectic atmosphere, lower lighting, and a more relaxed arcade format. They have a skilled and attentive team at their sensory-friendly events to ensure everyone has a great time.
Special Olympics Nevada provides intellectually disabled people with year-round access to training and tournaments in ten different sports. Their athletes benefit from learning valuable life skills while competing.
Las Vegas’s Adaptive Recreation program welcomes people of all ages and abilities and has several different options for programs that encourage interaction with others, learning new things, and getting exercise.
ACEing Autism’s goal is to help children on the autism spectrum reach their full potential by providing them with access to high-quality tennis classes.
Spectrum on Ice is a nonprofit that promotes inclusion and provides opportunities for athletes with a range of abilities on and off the ice by providing hockey lessons to children and young people with special needs and developmental disabilities.
About thirty minutes is all it takes to reach the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area from Las Vegas. The thirteen-mile scenic drive is a popular way to take in the area’s stunning scenery; however, hiking and horseback riding are other popular options.
In March 2022, JSX became the world’s first airline to receive autism-friendly certification. With the help of Autism Double-Checked, JSX established autism awareness training and practices, such as courses for personnel and providing quiet areas and alternative boarding choices, like early boarding, to aid passengers with autism throughout their travels.
Domestic airlines like Alaska Airlines and Jet Blue have innovative options, such as pre-loaded tablets for rent, the ability to pick and prepay for your food ahead of boarding (eliminating potentially frustrating availability choices), and no extra fees for strollers and car seats. Airport personnel can walk you through check-in, security, and boarding. To accommodate your needs, you can reserve an additional seat at no additional cost and board early on the day of the trip to get situated and ready.
Of course! Taking a trip together as a family is a wonderful way to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. To ease anxiety and improve communication, bring along visual aids. Your child may benefit from a “First/Then” card, a sensory break card, or a coping skill choice board in addition to other approaches when coping with a meltdown. Allow for some extra time in transit—plan for a relaxed journey that accommodates everyone in the family. Arrive at the airport early. The last thing you need is to rush through the airport worried about missing your flight. Bring along some of your child’s favorite books or toys to make the trip more enjoyable. Before you go, get in some pre-flight practice of their favorite games (like I Spy).
Airport “rehearsals” called Wings for Autism®/Wings for All® were developed for those on the autism spectrum and others with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These initiatives aim to make air travel less stressful for families with children with autism or intellectual/developmental disabilities. It’s a good way for families to get experience checking in, getting boarding passes, going through security, and boarding an aircraft before their trip. Ask your airline if they offer this program.
Yes. The United States Department of Labor classifies autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a developmental disability affecting the neurological system. They recognize that there is a spectrum of symptomatic severity from hardly detectable to profound intellectual and developmental impairments. Different cases have widely varying requirements for specialist assistance and care.
Several practitioners are available for autism diagnosis in the Las Vegas area.
David Savarese Pediatrician
UNLV Medicine
Address: 1524 Pinto Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106, third floor
Hours: M-F 8-5 PM
Phone: (702) 992-6868
Fax: (702) 944-2852
Website: https://www.unlvhealth.org/
Childs Ian
Wee Care Pediatrics
Address: 4785 S. Durango Dr., Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89147
Address: 4236 E Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Phone: (702) 889-8444
Office Hours: Mon – Fri: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Website: www.weecarelv.com
Nicole A. Cavenagh, PHD
The Center for Child and Family Development
Address: 3211 E Warm Springs Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89120-3157
Phone: 702-912-5848
Fax: 702-912-0442
Website: www.thecenterforchildandfamilydevelopment.com
Julie F. Beasley, Ph.D. & Mario Gaspar De Alba, M.D., F.A.A.P. & Rooman F. Ahad M.D. Pediatric Neurologist
UNLV Ackerman Center
Address: 630 S. Rancho Drive Suite A, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Hours: 8-5PM
Phone: (702) 998-9505
Fax: (702) 527-7939
Email: autismcenter@medicine.unlv.edu
Website: https://www.unlv.edu/medicine/autismcenter
Karen Leah Cruey, M.D.
Address: 2340 Paseo del Prado suite D303 Las Vegas, NV
Phone: (702) 247-1703
Fax: (702) 247-4082
Email: Drcrueyoffice@gmail.com
Website: www.Karenlcrueymd.com
Davis Rachel M.D. Ph.D., PC
7975 W. Sahara Ave Ste. 104 Las Vegas, NV 89117
Phone: (702) 776-8990
Fax: (702) 776-8548
Website: www.drracheldavis.com
Srinivas Halthore, M.D. & Alfreda Maller M.D. Ph.D.
Address: 2020 E Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Phone: (702) 796-5505
Office hours: Monday-Thursday 8-4:30 PM & Friday 8-3:30 PM
Marilyn Strada PhD
Address: 8565 S Eastern Ave STE 106 Las Vegas, NV 89123
Phone: (702) 635-6555
Website: www.drstrada.com
Email: DrStrada@gmail.com
Sid Khurana, M.D., FAPA & Lisa Durette, MD, DFAPA, DFAACAP
Healthy Minds
Address: 526 S Tonopah Dr. Ste 200 Las Vegas, NV 89106
Phone: Existing patients (702) 440 8440 New patients (702) 622-2491 Office hours: Monday- Thursday 9-5 PM
Email: toscheduling@healthymindslv.com
Website: www.healthymindslv.com
McGuire Michelle PSY.D.
Creative Behavior Connections
5803 W Craig Rd, SUITE 105 Las Vegas, NV 89130
Phone: (702) 901-5200
Fax: (702) 901-5201
Email: info@cbcautism.com
Website: www.cbcautism.com
Jerome Nwokike, MD & Brenda Primero, Nurse Practitioner
Frontier Medical and Behavioral Center
Address: 5105 Camino Al Norte Ste 100, North Las Vegas, NV 89031
Phone: (702) 750-2438
Fax 702.750.2173
Office hours: Mon – Thu: 8am – 5pm & Fri: 8am – 12 PM
Email: Info@Frontiermbc.com
Website: www.Frontiermbc.com
Neuroscientists speculate that ASD has a strong genetic component; however, there is currently no biological method or test of diagnosis for autism, such as a blood test or brain scan. Instead, doctors and psychologists utilize patient histories and behavioral observations to diagnose ASD. Patient observation, patient interviews, cognitive and linguistic tests, and interviews with caregivers/parents all contribute to formulating a diagnosis. However, only a doctor or other medical practitioner should make a diagnosis.
If you think your child has autism, you should seek the help of a seasoned professional.
Experience in diagnosing and treating autistic patients is necessary. If you need help determining where to bring your child, see their doctor for referrals. Those with specialized training in treating children with ASD include developmental pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and pediatric neurologists. Examinations can also sometimes be conducted by specialists in speech-language pathology, child psychology, and occupational therapy.
It’s important to prepare ahead because evaluation wait times vary by location. Please contact your insurance provider and your child’s healthcare provider to coordinate coverage for examination and diagnosis since these benefits must be covered by Nevada law.
Regarding state-mandated insurance, Nevada requires comprehensive coverage for autism spectrum disorder. AB 162 was signed into law in 2009 and is Nevada’s autism insurance law. ABA therapy is covered, in addition to screenings, assessments, diagnosis; psychiatric, psychological, and pharmacological care, along with speech, occupational and physical therapy. This law only applies to those with autism who are minors (or until age 22 if still enrolled in high school). The annual threshold for ABA benefit coverage is $36,000.
Only your insurance provider can answer this question. Most health insurance plans will only cover the expense of ABA therapy if it’s been shown to be medically necessary. Prior authorization is a must; you should check with your insurance provider to discover precisely what they deem medically essential. Although not ideal, you can still have the option of paying for ABA treatment out of pocket.
First-time parents may be less likely to bring up concerns about their child’s speech delay or attention issues to their pediatrician than parents of older children. Early diagnosis of children suspected of having ASD is essential for learning about their potential and challenges. Effective treatment of autism’s long-term consequences requires prompt, intensive early intervention. We recommend beginning ABA therapy as soon as possible.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) accreditation in Nevada is awarded by the Board of Applied Behavior Analysis (NV ABA). Your steps toward accreditation include creating a Certemy® account, undergoing the process for a background check, and taking the Nevada Jurisprudence Exam. You can find detailed information on the application process on their website.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an empirically supported treatment for children with autism. It’s designed to help children gain knowledge, develop their abilities, and overcome behavioral issues. The American Psychological Association and the United States Surgeon General endorse ABA as a viable treatment option and is widely regarded as the gold standard for autism care. Children on the autism spectrum can benefit from ABA’s extensive application and the variety of cutting-edge methods available to their caregivers.
Individuals on the autistic spectrum benefit from ABA because it helps them learn how to interact with others and express themselves more effectively.
A.B. 162 was signed into law by Governor Jim Gibbons on May 29, 2009, mandating that health insurance plans covering inpatient and outpatient care must include coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Outpatient mental health services may not receive more extensive coverage than other forms of outpatient care. Rehabilitative or habilitative care, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), medication, psychotherapy, and psychiatric evaluation and treatment, is considered medically necessary. The yearly benefit for applied behavioral analysis cannot exceed $36,000 per the law. Children under the age of 18, or those under the age of 21 who are still in high school, are required to get coverage for ASD.
A.B. 6, enacted by the legislature and signed into law by the governor in May 2015, changed the maximum out-of-pocket expense that may be charged for medical insurance to include specific types of care. ABA therapy can now be reimbursed at up to $72,000 annually.
Some children with autism get intense therapy for up to 40 hours a week, and in 2021, legislators approved S.B. 96, sponsored by Sen. James Ohrenschall, which raises Medicaid payment rates for ABA therapy and the services of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).
The prior hourly wage of $31 was extremely low. SB96 raises the fee to $52 per hour, and that price includes not only the therapist’s salary but also the expenditures incurred by providers and administrators
The Department of Health & Human Services Aging and Disability Services Division has published Autism spectrum disorder by-laws in Nevada, which focus on guidelines with community support, access, empowerment, and several other aspects of functional living.
Their highly experienced BCBAs and RBTs provide the very best in ABA therapy with a personal touch. In addition to 1:1 treatment, they offer many other exceptional services, like focused summer camps, neurofeedback therapy, school readiness, and much more!
The Las Vegas Autism Center applies behavior analytic principles to aid autistic children and their families by providing them with effective, high-quality service. The team at this center brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a comprehensive grasp of the principles of behavior analysis to the table.
New Horizons Academy Las Vegas
Tuition-based, non-profit school for students with high-functioning autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, social anxiety, learning difficulties, and special needs.
The goal of Variety School is to create a supportive, least-restrictive environment for students to develop academically and professionally. Every student will be prepared for success in post-secondary education, the workforce, and adulthood.
Helen J. Stewart Special School
Students at Helen J. Stewart School have access to a variety of instructional opportunities designed to help them obtain the academic, social, communication, and life skills they need to succeed in the 21st century through the implementation of a comprehensive Community-Based-Instruction program.