Arizona Autism Coalition

04/24/2026

"Throughout April, which is recognized nationally as Autism Acceptance Month, 100 percent of proceeds from sales of a Scottsdale Fire Department Association specialty T‑shirt will help fund autism‑focused training for city firefighters, according to a press release."

For individuals with autism and other forms of neurodivergence, loud noises, flashing lights, unfamiliar faces and disruptions to routine can turn emergency situations into overwhelming experiences. Members of the Scottsdale Firefighters Association are working to improve how those moments are handl...

04/23/2026

"The City of Mesa, Arizona Government recognizes April as National Autism Awareness Month, highlighting its commitment to ensuring individuals of all abilities feel welcome. Mesa was the first city in the United States to become Autism Certified in 2019, the result of a nearly year-long effort by Visit Mesa to tailor travel experiences for individuals with autism and their families. This designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reflects a citywide effort to create accessible experiences for residents and visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities."

Mesa highlights its dedication to inclusivity as the first autism-certified city, promoting accessibility for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.

04/22/2026

Call for Presenters & Sponsors: July 2026 Day of Learning Event!

Submit a Presentation Proposal: https://azautism.wufoo.com/forms/mpd1yxe042v3or/

Become a Sponsor/Exhibitor: https://arizonaautismcoalition.wildapricot.org/event-6406403

04/16/2026

Employees on the autism spectrum and employers that want to embrace neurodiversity can make work environments more welcoming for people who may struggle with job-related social interactions.

04/15/2026

An invitation to a study from New Mexico State University:

You are invited to participate in a research study titled, “Exploring the Role of School-Based Social Support on Gender Diverse Autistic Students’ Mental Health,” to understand the impact of social support in schools on gender diverse autistic students’ mental health. Involvement in this study includes a Zoom interview for approximately 60 minutes, with an optional member checking process following the interview. Additionally, you will be compensated with a $15 Amazon gift card for your time.

Participants must:
- Self-identify as autistic
- Identify as gender diverse (inclusive of transgender, nonbinary, agender, two-spirit, etc.)
- Graduated from a public high school in the United States
Be between the ages of 18-26

If you are interested in participating in this research study, please click the link below or scan the QR code on the attached flyer and complete the forms.
https://qualtricsxmpskrq7t6l.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Y6Ns4vfi1NDlY2

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact PI Riley Schaner at rschaner@nmsu.edu.

04/13/2026

Some photos from our 2026 Autism Expo this past Saturday, April 11th! Thank you again to everyone who joined us!

04/11/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us today for the 2026 Autism Expo - Free Community Resource Fair!!!

We especially want to thank all our sponsors who help make the event possible, all our vendors showing up to support the Autism community, and all our amazing volunteers and staff who help make the event run smoothly!

We can’t wait to see you all in 2027!

04/11/2026

We can’t wait to see you all tomorrow for the 2026 Autism Expo - Free Community Resource Fair from 9am - 2pm at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix!

04/10/2026

04/10/2026

Tomorrow is the day! Brighter Strides ABA is a proud VIP Sponsor of the Arizona Autism Coalition's 10th Annual Autism Expo. Come find us at our table and connect with our team.

Saturday, April 11 | 9AM

Desert Willow Conference Center, Phoenix, AZ

Free admission, snacks, and parking. 80+ vendors, educational sessions, and inclusive spaces for families, caregivers, and providers. We would love to see you there!

04/10/2026

Thank you to our 2026 Autism Expo - Free Community Resource Fair Title Sponsor, Victory Autism Academy!

Victory Autism Academy provides “whole child” education to K-12 students on the autism spectrum. Our curriculum and teachers help build confidence that can lead to independence. Our 1:3 staff-to-student ratio, multisensory, hands-on approach to learning through real-world experiences, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) methodology all work together to foster the skills children need to live full, happy, and productive lives.

K-8 education:
Building a foundation for lifelong skills.
Individualized instruction based on ABA practices and a Structured Teaching Model complements a focus on the generalization of skills. Students are instructed in all academic areas and build proficiency through independent work and small group practice. Positive behavior intervention is paired with a token reward system to motivate students and help them succeed. In addition to academics, students enjoy a variety of enriching therapies and activities.

High school education:
Finding a path to future success.
Victory Autism Academy addresses and develops an individualized program for each student based on their unique interests, abilities, and goals. Our mission is to guide all students on the autism spectrum to find their path in life and equip them with the tools and hands-on life skills needed to achieve their ambitions. To that end, resources for school, work, living, and financial support are provided to parents when students graduate.

Program Highlights:
- General academics
- Music
- Art
- Adaptive PE
- Life skills
- Social skills
- Yoga
- Technology
- Special Olympics
- Animal Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy

Learn more at https://www.victoryautismacademy.com/

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Visit them in-person TOMORROW, Saturday April 11th at our FREE 2026 Autism Expo between 9am - 2pm at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix! Learn more about the event at https://autismexpo.azautism.org/