ASCEND (Autism Spectrum Center for Educational and Neurological Development) is a non-profit private AZ Dept. of Education private approved day school specializing in the educational, language and behavioral needs of children with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilites.

We were founded by Keith and Angela Levin, parents of Cade Levin, a 12 year old boy affected by autism. They started the school in 2007 after a challenging journey finding a place for Cade. They live in a rural community in Arizona where Cade’s needs could not be met. They traveled in 2006 approximately 200 miles twice weekly to another private school. After the year of travel, much deliberation, and prayer, they decided to start a school of their own in hopes that Cade and other children with special needs could benefit.

We are staffed in a minimum 2:1 staff to student ratio. All staff are trained in Applied Behavior Analysis and other research based methodologies and techniques utilized in working with children with autism and other language and behavioral disorders. The school provides related specialists and services for speech therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, and behavioral consulting.