March 2024 | ISSUE 199

Highlights from our 3rd Annual Run for Autism



AZA United recently hosted our 3rd Annual Run for Autism at Freestone Park in Gilbert. We had over 400 individuals participate, and 42 teams gather together to celebrate autism and neurodiversity community awareness and acceptance! We want to sincerely thank each and every participant and volunteer that leant their support to make this event a success. We would also like to thank our sponsors - Design Works Gaming, Mercy Care, Mr. Appliance, Core Chiropractic, Mikey's League, Cadence Running Company, Marsh McLennan Agency, & Fuller Strength - for their generous contributions to help make this event possible. We are proud to say that this community awareness event raised funds through sponsorships and donations to support our expansion of programs to reach more underserved families across the state of Arizona.



Children enjoyed the Kid's Dash, lawn games, face painting, and a Spiderman appearance! To see some highlights of the event, click on the link to watch our recap video. Hope to see you there next year!

Save the Date for Arizona Gives Day

Each year, Arizona residents join forces to support nonprofits focused on making a difference in the community. On April 2nd, and you are invited to support local families impacted by autism for Arizona Gives Day. Your support is an investment in their future!

When you make a donation to AZA United, you are helping our valley-wide and statewide expansion initiatives to reach more underserved Arizona families. Funds raised will contribute to the opening of a new center in the Northwest valley, expansion of services in Tucson & Prescott areas, and a wide variety of programs designed to provide children and families the skills needed to succeed.

Arizona Autism United is qualified through the state of Arizona for the Charitable Organization Tax Credit. This unique program allows donors to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $421 for individuals, or $841 for married couples for 2023. For 2024, donors can receive up to $470 for individuals or $938 for marries couples. You can decide how your tax dollars impact the community when you make a contribution to AZA United and receive a refund when you file your taxes. It's that easy!

ABA Glossary for Parents

If your child is receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, you may have encountered a whole new vocabulary that can seem overwhelming at first. ABA therapy is an evidence-based approach that can be highly effective for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD and other developmental challenges). To help parents better understand the terminology and concepts commonly used in ABA therapy, we have put together a list of 10 ABA therapy words or phrases you are likely to hear and their meanings.

To continue reading this blog post, visit the button below.

Take Action for Autism - Shop at Bashas' in April

Throughout the month of April, Arizona Autism United is teaming up with Bashas' Supermarkets and other nonprofit organizations--Autism Society of Southern Arizona, First Place AZ, and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)-- to Take Action for Autism. We are proud to celebrate April as Autism Awareness Month by raising understanding and acceptance of autism across Arizona. Your donation at checkout will help AZA United and our partnering nonprofits to continue our work in communities across the state!

Help us spread the word, share this article and our social media posts with your contacts! Let's shop at Bashas' and support local families living with autism!

Other Announcements & Resources

Support Group for Spanish-speaking Families

Our Grupo de Apoyo Unidos en Bienestar (Therapeutic Support Group in Spanish for parents) will meet again on Thursday evening, March 28, at 5:30 PM and Wednesday morning, April 10, at 9:30 AM. For more information contact Apoyo@AZAunited.org or 602-932-2227.

Free Summer Camp near Show Low

With 65 years of dedicated service to the special needs community, Lions Camp Tatiyee will offer your camper a life-changing summer camp experience, all while promoting their confidence, independence, and emotional health. Since 1958, Camp Tatiyee has been entirely free of charge. Before completing an application, contact the Camp Director at Pam@camptatiyee.org to inquire about the behavioral expectations and other eligibility criteria.

Vote the Spectrum

Vote the Spectrum is a voter registration movement designed to empower and amplify the voices of adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (A/I/DD) and those who care about them. To learn more about this incredible organization and register to vote, visit their website here.

Job Opportunities with Team AZA

AZA United is a growing organization and we are always hiring great people to join our team! Click on any of the featured jobs below to learn more or view all job openings here.

ABA Therapist / Behavior Technician

Our ABA Treatment Services program is growing across the valley! Positions can be full-time or part-time, either in-home or at one of our children's therapy clinics in Mesa & Avondale.

Direct Support Provider - Habilitation, Respite & Attendant Care

If you or someone you know is interested in providing in-home care services for individuals with developmental disabilities, use the link above to apply for a position as a Direct Support Provider. This role is available statewide and is a great opportunity to gain experience and make a difference.

Parent Provider - Habilitation & Attendant Care

AZA United helps parents become paid providers for their own child, where parents are able to provide Habilitation and Attendant Care Services. For more information on if you or someone you know qualifies for this position and how to apply, please click the link above.

Arizona Autism United | 602-773-5773 | www.AZAunited.org