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As we prepare to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in April, 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.
For example, the photo displayed was submitted with the statement, "I am strong!"
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 in April!
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Meet the Author Event - This Weekend! | |
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Join the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and SARRC as we partner for a
Meet the Author Event. Children’s book author, Megan DeJarnett presents a captivating event featuring her personal journey with a disability and her children's picture book, "No Such Thing as Normal." Families will have the opportunity to engage with Megan to learn about the significance of disability inclusion through interactive discussions on empathy and age-appropriate exploration of disabilities and differences. Megan will be visiting from Nashville! All ages and abilities are welcome.
When: Saturday, March 16th
Time: 10 - 11:30 AM
Where: SARRC - 300 N 18th Street, Phoenix 85006
Cost: $5 per Family
Price includes a No Such Thing as Normal (inclusive) Coloring Book
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Creative Therapy Solution
Creative Therapy Solution is currently accepting clients for their ABA services, providing personalized and evidence-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disorders. In addition, CTS offers a PEERs program in a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering social skills and emotional resilience for individuals of all abilities. Creative Therapy Solution is committed to developing and providing high-quality, affirming services to all!
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Welcome Jessica Bolaños
Please join us in welcoming Jessica Bolaños to the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix Board of Directors!
Jessica’s engagement with the Autism community began in 2013, embarking on a path of diverse roles that emphasized her passion for the community. In 2021, she received her bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work at ASU.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Jessica is a widowed mother to a daughter who was diagnosed with Autism in 2022. When not focused on school or her child’s needs, Jessica is a support at her local American Legion in various capacities. Jessica belongs to a large extended Mexican family and enjoys gatherings with them as often as possible.
Jessica’s advocacy is particularly towards Spanish-speaking families, with a concentrated effort on early intervention to ensure that support services are both accessible and individually tailored.
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Congratulations Dana Woods
Congratulations to Dana Woods, current ASGP Board member, on recently being elected Board Secretary!
Dana Woods is the mother of an Autistic child and has over 30 years of experience caring and advocating for those with physical and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about the power of networking in the service of her goal – to improve the quality of life for individuals on the spectrum and their families. To that end, she has volunteered with numerous Autism non-profits in various capacities for the past 12 years. Dana interviews experts on social media for the Autism Research Coalition and she has been interviewed by several notable publications including Smithsonian Magazine and Discover Magazine. Additionally, she has made an appearance on PBS and on Patricia Lemer Spear’s radio show, The Autism Detectives. The subjects of these interviews are wide-ranging, some include information about her son’s remarkable results in Arizona State University’s Microbial Transplant Therapy study. In her free time, Dana is an amateur photographer and videographer who dreams of perfecting her skills someday.
Thank you so much to these two wonderful ladies for their dedication and passion to serving our community. Learn more about our Board of Directors here.
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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. | |
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! | |
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! | |
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When: Friday, April 12th
Time: 9:30 - 11 AM
Where: Panera Bread
I-10 & Pebble Creek Rd
Led by Sarah Blank
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When: Friday, April 12th
Time: 9:30 - 11 AM
Where: Panera Bread
3rd St & Bell Rd
Led by Cynthia Cypher
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When: Friday, April 12th
Time: 9:30 - 11 AM
Where: Panera Bread
Guadalupe & McClintock
Led by Rachel Lack
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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, 22 de Marzo
Hora: 9 - 11 AM
Dónde: Wesley Community & Health Centers: Golden Gate en Phoenix
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When: Mon., March 18th
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
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When: Tues., March 19th
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.
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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
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Thanks to the generous support of the Arizona Coyotes and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, all of our 101 Trainings are now available online in English and Spanish! Visit our website or YouTube channel! | |
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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, March 19th
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
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Transition 101: Come and learn about the services and resources that are available after high school and into adulthood.
When: Wednesday, March 27th
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
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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
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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. | |
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ONLINE support group for ages 18+.
Led by Sue Golubock and Tara Marshall
When: Sat., April 13th
Time: 1 - 3 PM
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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
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IN PERSON support group for ages 18+
Led by Sue Golubock
When: Sat., March 23rd
Time: 1 - 3 PM
Where: Friendship Village of Tempe
This month's topic will be Autism and employment.
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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.
When: There will NOT be a meeting in April
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Where: Peoria Community Center
Cost: $5 per attendee
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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! | |
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When: Thursday, March 21st
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
Where: All-Into Therapy, Tempe
Offered in partnership with All-Into Therapy.
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When: Friday, March 15th
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Where: Goodyear Recreation Center
Offered in partnership with the City of Goodyear Adaptive Program.
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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, March 25th
Time: 6 - 7:30 PM
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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!
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Let's Connect Social Events | |
Let's Connect Kids: Make & Take Sensory Bin Event
When: Saturday, March 23rd
Time: 12 – 1 PM
Where: Peoria Main Public Library
Cost: $5 per participant making a bin
Join the Let’s Connect Kids Group as we make sensory bins! Explore multiple senses while having fun! Each paid participant will make a sensory bin that they get to take home. Registration is required and spots are limited so RSVP quickly. This event is intended for Neurodiverse children, ages 12 and under.
Important Note: Please only register the person making the bin. There will be a comment section to include the parent/caregiver/guardian name. One adult is permitted per child due to room capacity.
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Join the City of Surprise Parks and Recreation for an Adaptive Egg Hunt!
When: Saturday, March 30th
Where: DreamCatcher Park in Surprise
Cost: The event is free and pre-registration is highly recommend to ensure everyone is accommodated.
There are two groups available.
Ages 10 & Under will be at 9 AM.
Ages 11+ will be at 10 AM.
Please bring a basket to fill with eggs and goodies. Games and crafts will be available during the first half hour, followed by an egg hunt! Siblings 12 & under are welcome to join in the fun! The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is a proud supporting partner of this event.
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Sensory Friendly Job Fair | |
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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.
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If you are an employer, or offer a related community resource, and are interested in participating, please contact Tim Stump at TStump@azdes.gov. |
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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. | |
There's Still Time To Claim A Tax Credit | |
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You can make a difference. Donate today to help strengthen your local Autism community. Donations to the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix qualify for the Arizona Charitable Organization Tax Credit and support individuals and families across Arizona by keeping events and programs free or low cost! We are families helping families.
In 2023, we held 175 events that were attended by over 5,000 people, including individuals and families of all ages!
You have until April 15th to claim this credit for 2023! Thank you for your support!
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Transition to Adulthood
Transitioning out of high school and into adulthood doesn’t have to be scary! Let us help guide you! We have a page on our website designed to help with the transition process, including post secondary transition planning, higher education, housing and more. The transition process should begin by 16 but starting at age 14 is best!
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Follow us on social media for exclusive giveaways and contests! | | | | |
