We recently connected with Hector Serrato and have shared our conversation below.

Hector, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Arizona Autism Diagnostic Center, our mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to providing families with the knowledge and support they need to understand their child’s unique needs. This mission is personal to me because I have witnessed firsthand the impact that timely and comprehensive evaluations can have on a child’s development and a family’s peace of mind. I founded this center with the belief that every child deserves a clear path forward, and every family deserves to be empowered with the right information. By offering compassionate and thorough evaluations, we aim to reduce the uncertainty and stress that often accompany an Autism diagnosis, ensuring that families can focus on helping their child thrive. This mission is not just a professional endeavor for me—it’s a deeply meaningful pursuit to make a real difference in the lives of families navigating the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Hector, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the field of autism diagnostics began over 15 years ago when I started working as a paraprofessional with children as young as three years old. During those early years, I saw firsthand the profound impact early intervention can have on a child’s development, igniting a lifelong passion for supporting children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As I advanced in my career, I took on various roles, from Teacher’s Assistant to Programs Director, and eventually became a school psychologist. Each step in my journey deepened my understanding of the unique challenges within the autism community and reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful difference.

At Arizona Autism Diagnostic Center, I bring over a decade of experience, driven by a genuine passion for helping families navigate the complexities of autism. Our center specializes in providing comprehensive and timely evaluations, offering families the insights they need to understand their child’s unique strengths and challenges. What sets us apart is not just our expertise, but the compassionate and individualized care we provide to each family. I am proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years—families who still reach out to me, even after 15 years, to share the progress of their now-adult children. These connections remind me of the lasting impact our work can have.

The main thing I want people to know about Arizona Autism Diagnostic Center is that our mission goes beyond just providing a diagnosis. We are here to empower families with the knowledge and support they need to help their children thrive. My passion for this work drives everything we do, and I am deeply committed to each family we serve. Whether it’s through early intervention or providing clarity on a child’s needs, my goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the families who trust us with their care.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My pivot into psychology and education began in 2008 during the financial crisis. At the time, I was an intern at a Civil Engineering firm, pursuing my undergraduate degree in engineering. When the financial crisis hit, I was laid off and found myself in need of a part-time job to continue my education. This led me to an unexpected opportunity at an Autism Center, where I worked with children receiving early intensive ABA therapy. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the steep learning curve and wondered if I was in over my head.

However, everything changed during my second week on the job. I was working with a nonverbal child who was experiencing a two-hour behavioral episode, struggling to regulate himself due to sensory needs. There was a moment when I was slow to react as he threw an object. In that brief moment, our eyes met, and it felt like he was trying to communicate something deeper, despite his inability to speak. That moment was transformative for me—it awakened something inside that I hadn’t felt before. I realized then that I wanted to dedicate my career to supporting individuals like him.

From that point on, I knew my path had changed. The following semester, I switched my major and embarked on a journey in psychology and education. I’ve never looked back. That pivotal moment led me to where I am today, as the founder of Arizona Autism Diagnostic Center, where I’m committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate evaluations to support children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met Craig Zinkiewicz during my practicum year while I was in graduate school. Although he wasn’t my direct supervisor, I would often visit his school to shadow him and engage in discussions about evaluations, programs, and assessments. From the very beginning, Craig stood out as one of the most knowledgeable individuals I had ever met, particularly when it came to assessment and report writing. He had an incredible depth of understanding, and his dedication to each student was evident in the way he meticulously crafted his evaluation reports. These reports were filled with rich, meaningful information that truly made a difference for parents and educational providers.

As I continued my education, Craig and I stayed in touch, and I kept learning from him. I admired not just his expertise but also his genuine care for the students he worked with. It was clear to me that I wanted to be the same kind of practitioner—knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply committed. Over time, our professional relationship grew stronger, and I knew that partnering with someone as skilled and respected as Craig would be invaluable as I moved forward in my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://azdiagnosticcenter.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Arizona-Autism-Diagnostic-Center/61558159447065/