Each April, Autism Awareness Month offers an important opportunity to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and celebrate the unique strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum. Experts at Boys Town Nevada are joining the national conversation to help families better understand autism, and spotlighting a growing need in Nevada: faster, more affordable access to autism testing and connecting families with the resources they need.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and processes sensory information. According to the CDC, about 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. Early identification, specialized care, and family support are critical to helping children with autism thrive.
In a state that ranks in the bottom five nationally for access to mental health care, Boys Town is working to change the story. Its southwest Las Vegas Behavioral Health Clinic served more than 360 children last year and continues to grow—offering evaluations, therapy, and support programs for children with autism and their families. The clinic also accepts Medicaid, removing a major financial barrier for families seeking care.
“The earlier we can evaluate and support a child with autism, the better their long-term outcomes,” said John Etzell, Executive Director of Boys Town Nevada. “For many families, that first diagnosis brings clarity and relief—it’s the starting point to get their child the tools they need to succeed.”
While the average wait time for autism testing in the Las Vegas area can be up to 18 months, Boys Town’s clinic currently maintains a waitlist of about four months.
The clinic offers a one-stop shop model for children with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities—providing autism evaluations, therapy, and programs that support not only the child but also parents and siblings.
As autism awareness grows, so does the demand for timely diagnosis and care—especially in underserved communities.
“We know the need is high, but families shouldn’t have to wait over a year for answers,” Etzell said. “Our mission is to make sure they don’t have to.”
Boys Town’s nationally recognized experts in behavioral health and research also continue to advance autism understanding through ongoing studies into how children on the spectrum process sounds, language, and social information.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or behavior, Boys Town is here to help. Visit www.boystown.org/nevada to learn more about local services or request an appointment.
About Boys Town Nevada:
For more than a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of children and families through life-changing youth care, healthcare and research programs. Since opening in 1991, Boys Town Nevada has brought its innovative, family-centered approach to the Las Vegas area—providing care and support where it’s needed most. The site’s continuum of services includes In-Home Family Services, Common Sense Parenting classes and the Behavioral Health Clinic, all designed to prevent family disruption, support reunification and equip families with the tools they need to build safe, stable home environments. In addition, Lift with Boys Town, a neighborhood-based community initiative, partners with schools, organizations and families to address challenges and empower communities from within.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boys Town Nevada served more than 7,400 children and impacted over 36,000 lives across the state in 2024. To learn more, visit www.boystown.org.
