Laura Newcomb

Laura Newcomb has dedicated over 35 years to the field of education, serving as a teacher, coach, administrator, and special education director across Texas, Colorado, and Arizona. While working as a special education director for a charter school in Arizona, Laura encountered a challenge that would ultimately lead to a transformative mission. In seeking an appropriate placement for a student with autism, she recognized a significant gap in individualized programming and quality education for students across the autism spectrum.

Determined to fill this need, Laura and her late husband, Don Newcomb, established the Autism Academy for Education & Development in 2013 with a clear mission, vision, and core values—commonly referred to as the 4 Building Blocks—designed to address the unique needs of children with autism. Their goal was to create a learning environment where students received personalized support, families felt reassured, and hope was restored through the right interventions and adjustments.

Laura's unwavering vision has always been to provide the best possible programming for students with autism, ensuring that education is not only exceptional but also accessible to all families and school districts in need. She believes that education is the key to opening doors for individuals, and her work continues to positively impact not just the students but their entire families. Her passion and dedication have made Autism Academy a beacon of excellence in autism education, transforming lives and shaping brighter futures.

Laura and Don’s commitment to the autism community has also inspired the next generation. Their three adult children have all pursued careers dedicated to working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, continuing the family’s legacy of advocacy, education, and support.