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News & Updates

April 2024

Invest in Arizona

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is working to celebrate differences all month to recognize the multitude of experiences within the Autism community. Because no family or individual’s story is the same, this Autism Acceptance Month is vitally important that we work together to meet the specific needs of everyone in the Autism community.   


This month you can also celebrate differences by participating in Arizona Gives Day on Tuesday, April 2nd. AZ Gives Day is a statewide day of giving to your favorite organizations. The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is an approved AZ Gives Day Charity and early giving is now available!

 

Be the connection today and support the Autism Society in honor of

Autism Acceptance Month.

 

Together, we can demonstrate acceptance in action and empower everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. 

DONATE TODAY

"I Am"

As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, we'd love to hear from you! Join our "I AM" Campaign. The purpose of the "I Am" Campaign is "1:36 doesn't define me" and aims to break stereotypes of Autism. This campaign is designed to feature our community and showcase our community members for who they truly are.


This campaign is intended for Autistic individuals of any age. Self advocates are encouraged to participate. Parents and caregivers are welcome to participate on behalf of their child(ren).


Submit your "I AM" statement and high resolution photo today to participate! Photos should be vertical or able to be cropped vertically. Join the campaign today by clicking on the link below! "I AM" will be showcased throughout the month of April!

SUBMIT YOUR "I AM"

Community Partner

Parent Training at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center


SARRC’s Parent Training program aims to provide lasting benefits to both your child and family throughout a lifetime. Parent Training equips parents and caregivers with strategies to help teach appropriate language, social, and play skills. Additionally, SARRC is offering this program at no cost to families living in select areas of Arizona.


LEARN MORE

Highlights

We love connecting with YOU! Check out some highlights from our recent events.

Panda Express Fundraiser on 4/26

Join us for a Panda Express FUNdraiser for the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix on Friday, April 26th! Place your order for pickup or delivery.


Where: Any Panda Express - Available at Panda Express locations Nationwide!


Valid on ONLINE ORDERS ONLY for pickup or delivery but available NATIONWIDE!


Apply code 921922 in the Fundraiser Code box during online checkout at www.pandaexpress.com or via their app.


Thank you Panda Express for supporting the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix!


T-Shirt Shop Sale!

Are you ready to show the love this April for Autism Acceptance Month?


Find your next favorite shirt in our T-Shirt Shop from ThelmaLou Creations!


You'll find a variety of t-shirt designs that are available in multiple color options and available in sizes small through 4XL! You're sure to find something that meets your style. All proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix!


Now through April 30th, use discount code ACCEPT2024 at checkout to receive 10% off your order!

VISIT OUR SHOP

Celebrate Autism Acceptance

Celebrate Autism Acceptance on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The Autism Society will be hosting Kickin' It with Autism : An Autism Acceptance Celebration. Join us at DreamCatcher Park in Surprise for food, games, family photos, community resources, a stroll around the park, friends and fun! This event is free for all ages. DreamCatcher Park is a fully accessible athletic facility and is gated.

RSVP HERE

Is your organization interested in joining us? We have a limited amount of exhibitor spaces available for as little as $50! Contact us at Olivia@PHXautism.org to inquire!


Interested in volunteering at the event? Volunteers are needed starting at 9 AM until 1 PM. Click the button below for more details! 

VOLUNTEER

Caregiver Support Groups

Connect with other parents & caregivers on this journey! Share your challenges, successes and gain support. Each group is led by the parent of a child with Autism. Join us at one or all of our groups!

When: Friday, April 12th

Time: 9:30 - 11 AM

Where: Panera Bread

I-10 & Pebble Creek Rd


Led by Sarah Blank

RSVP HERE

When: Friday, April 12th

Time: 9:30 - 11 AM

Where: Panera Bread

3rd St & Bell Rd


Led by Cynthia Cypher

RSVP HERE

When: Friday, April 12th

Time: 9:30 - 11 AM

Where: Panera Bread

Guadalupe & McClintock


Led by Rachel Lack

RSVP HERE

When: Mon., April 15th

Time: 6:30 - 7:45 PM

Where: Good Shepherd of the Hills in Cave Creek.


*This meeting is not religious based


Led by Angela Ajamie

RSVP HERE

This group is for dads of children with Autism of any age.


When: Saturday, April 13th

Time: 7:00 PM

Where: Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap – Rittenhouse in Queen Creek


RSVP required due to limited seating!


Led by Dave Taylor

RSVP HERE

NEW Evening Group! Held the 1st Wednesday of each month starting in May!


When: Wednesday, May 1st

Time: 7:30 – 8:30 PM

Where: Online via Zoom


Gain support from anywhere! Registration is required to receive the meeting link.


This meeting is led by ASGP staff.

RSVP HERE

When: Tuesday, April 16th

Time: 11 AM - 12 PM

Where: Online via Zoom


Gain support from anywhere! Registration is required to receive the meeting link.


This meeting is led by ASGP staff.


RSVP HERE

Grupo de apoyo en español.


¡Únase a nosotros para recibir apoyo, compartir estrategias y ser escuchado!


Esta reunión está dirigida por Terry Perez


Cuando: Viernes, 26 de Abril

Hora: 9 - 11 AM

Dónde: Wesley Community & Health Centers: Golden Gate en Phoenix

RSVP AQUÍ

Moms' Night Out: Spa Day!


When: Saturday, May 11th

Time: 3:30 – 5:30 PM

Where: MeTime Wellness Spa, Goodyear

Cost: $10 per attendee


Let every Mother feel special.


Join us for a special Moms’ Night Out – Spa Day! Join us for a beautiful afternoon to celebrate Moms of Neurodiverse children! Moms can enjoy refreshments, support and a relaxing spa service * if they choose.


This is an adults only event & makes for a great Mother's Day gift!


*Spa services may include: infrared sauna, halo therapy, tanning, 700 point massage chair, red light therapy and more. 


Due to capacity limits, there are limited spots available. RSVP is required. 

RSVP HERE

Online Trainings

Thanks to the generous support of the Arizona Coyotes and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, all of our 101 Trainings are available online in English and Spanish! Visit our website or YouTube channel!

Autism 101: Come and learn about how to navigate the systems of care in Arizona. Perfect for newly diagnosed, families new to Arizona or those needing a refresher!


When: Tuesday, April 16th

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Where: Online via Zoom

RSVP HERE

Transition 101: Come and learn about the services and resources that are available after high school and into adulthood.


When: Wednesday, April 24th

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Where: Online via Zoom

RSVP HERE

Safety 101: Come and learn about keeping your loved one safe across all stages of life. Some safety topics discussed are home, water, school, online, wandering and more. Held quarterly.


When: Thursday, May 9th

Time: 9 - 11 AM

Where: Online via Zoom

RSVP HERE

Autistic Adult Groups

These support groups are for Autistic adults. Diagnosis is not necessary. Come and connect with other adults to share your experiences and opinions in a safe and nonjudgmental space.

ONLINE support group for ages 18+.


Led by Sue Golubock and Tara Marshall


When: Sat., April 13th

Time: 1 - 3 PM

RSVP HERE

IN PERSON support group for ages 17-35. Online option too!


Led by Dawn Oliver


When: Sat., April 27th

Time: 11 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: Foothills Christian Church of Glendale

RSVP HERE

IN PERSON support group for ages 18+


Led by Sue Golubock


When: Sat., April 27th

Time: 1 - 3 PM

Where: Friendship Village of Tempe

RSVP HERE

Autistic Adult Meetup

Join us for a meetup in the West Valley! Gather with old and new friends to make connections and have fun. Pizza and refreshments will be provided at this meetup. This group is intended for Autistic adults who are 20+ years old. Registration is required. This meetup is led by Teri Beardsley.


There will NOT be a meeting in April.


When: Saturday, May 4th

Time: 12:30 – 2:30 PM

Where: Peoria Community Center

Cost: $5 per attendee

RSVP HERE

LEGO Club

Come and play: We supply the LEGO bricks and you bring the creativity! Parents must supervise their children. This club is free and open to the whole family. All ages are welcome!

When: Thursday, April 18th

Time: 6 - 7:30 PM

Where: All-Into Therapy, Tempe


Offered in partnership with All-Into Therapy.

RSVP HERE

When: Friday, April 19th

Time: 6 - 8 PM

Where: Goodyear Recreation Center


Offered in partnership with the City of Goodyear Adaptive Program.

RSVP HERE

Virtual Game Night

Teens and young adults, join us for Virtual Game Night! We will be playing Super Smash Brothers Ultimate on the Switch each month. This is a safe and monitored session only available to those that register.


When: Monday, April 22nd

Time: 6 - 7:30 PM

RSVP HERE

Let's Connect Social Events

Donuts with Grownups: All Ages


When: Saturday, May 4th

Time: 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Where: 8444 N 90th St, Suite 130, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Cost: $5 per attendee


Join us for a special breakfast to celebrate the connection between Neurodiverse individuals and the special grownups in their lives. Celebrate, relax and connect with other families in a supportive and understanding environment. This event is open to all parents and caregivers and their neurodiverse children of any age. The cost is $5 per attendee. Registration is required and spots are limited so RSVP quickly.

RSVP HERE

Sensory Friendly Job Fair

The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, along with Arizona Department of Economic Security: Arizona @ Work and Rio Salado College, are joining forces to host a Sensory Friendly Job Fair in the Phoenix area. Hundreds of teens and adults will have the opportunity to speak with employers willing and excited to hire them. 


What makes this event Sensory Friendly? The job fair will be spread out into multiple rooms to allow for quieter areas to meet with employers. We will be offering 3 arrival times to help spread out the amount of attendees. Parents and job coaches are welcome to attend but must RSVP.


When: Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Where: Rio Salado College Southern

Time: 1 – 4 PM

Cost: FREE!


An attendee workshop will be held at 1 PM and repeated at 2 PM. Learn about the job fair, how to find and keep a job.

LEARN MORE & RSVP

If you are an employer, or offer a related community resource, and are interested in participating, please contact Tim Stump at TStump@azdes.gov.

D-backs Autism Awareness Day

Take me out to the ball game! 


Join us on Friday, April 12th at 6:40PM for D-backs Autism Awareness night as the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the St. Louis Cardinals. Tickets are available at special discounted rates. These special event tickets will also include a D-backs Autism clear drawstring bag and option to participate in a pregame parade around the warning track! Tickets from this special event using the link below only, benefit the Autism Society.

BUY TICKETS

Resource Corner

One stop shop expo!


The Autism Expo hosted by the Arizona Autism Coalition is a FREE resource fair for families, caregivers and individuals with ASD to connect with local service providers and support organizations in Arizona! The event will take place on Saturday, April 13th from 9AM to 2PM.


Featuring over 70 exhibitors, 5 informative workshops, complimentary directory, an event tote bag and free parking!


*RSVP not required to attend, but it helps the organizers get an estimate of the number of attendees to prep for!

LEARN MORE

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