Mesa, An Autism-Friendly city that Abs Is proud to be part of

By: Cristina Martínez M.B.A, M.S, BCBA, LBA Coauthor: Ariadna Martin MS

In 2019, Mesa, Arizona made history as the first city in the United States to earn the Autism Certified City designation — a milestone that reshaped how communities nationwide think about inclusion. Granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the designation reflects a citywide commitment to accessibility, staff training, and genuine awareness of autism and sensory needs. Since then, Mesa’s journey has become a model of how collaboration among civic leaders, families, and service providers can create lasting, meaningful change.

The movement began with a personal story. Marc Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Mesa, was inspired after traveling with his son, who is on the autism spectrum, and encountering the same challenges many families know too well — unpredictable environments, untrained staff, and limited sensory supports. Determined to make a difference, Garcia led a coordinated effort that united city departments, schools, tourism offices, and behavioral health providers. Over the years, more than 7,900 residents and 50 businesses have earned autism certification, transforming Mesa’s hospitality, education, and recreation sectors into a more welcoming and understanding community.

For families, that progress is easy to see. Hotels, museums, and public venues across Mesa proudly display Certified Autism Center designations, signaling that staff are prepared to communicate effectively and accommodate sensory differences. Many sites now offer quiet rooms, sensory kits, and visual supports, while Mesa’s Accessibility Travel Guide helps caregivers preview environments and plan stress-free outings. The city also adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a discreet way for individuals to signal that they may need extra understanding or support. These initiatives turn what might once have been stressful experiences into opportunities for connection, comfort, and joy.

Mesa celebrated the fifth anniversary of its 2019 certification with the “Live Life Limitless” campaign, launched in late 2024 and continuing through 2025. The campaign highlights the city’s growth and reaffirms its long-term commitment to inclusion through sensory-friendly community events, partnerships with certified businesses, and the introduction of an Accessibility Champion Program recognizing organizations that go above and beyond in creating inclusive environments. Mesa’s leadership has also inspired nearby communities, such as Queen Creek, to begin their own certification processes, extending the autism-friendly movement across Arizona’s East Valley.

American Behavioral Solutions (ABS) is proud to be part of this evolution. With an office located in Mesa, ABS has grown alongside the city’s autism-friendly initiatives, contributing to the expansion of high-quality ABA therapy, caregiver training, and professional collaboration throughout the region. The organization’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its accreditations: the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) recognition for Accredited Practice (2025–2027), earned for two consecutive periods since 2023, and its status as a BACB Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider. These certifications highlight ABS’s adherence to the highest clinical, ethical, and educational standards in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. As Mesa strengthened its inclusive culture, ABS continued to support families through individualized programs that mirror the city’s mission — fostering understanding, reducing barriers, and helping every child reach their fullest potential. Together, Mesa’s vision and the daily work of providers like ABS show how partnership can transform inclusivity from an idea into a lived reality.

For autism families, Mesa represents more than a destination: it’s a community that listens, learns, and leads. Each trained employee, accessible space, and sensory-friendly event reflects years of dedication and compassion. As the city moves forward, it stands as proof that when communities and providers rise together, the outcome is not merely a certification, but a culture where every individual truly belongs.