Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

02/02/2026

This February, we're celebrating SARRC’s 2026 Donor & Volunteer Appreciation Month! 😍💜 Throughout the month, we’ll highlight the generosity and dedication of our donors and volunteers by sharing inspiring stories and the impact they have on the families and individuals we serve 🙌.

Kicking off this month of gratitude is a special message from SARRC’s President & CEO, Daniel Openden!

01/31/2026

We’re Climbing for Autism — and you’re invited! 🥳

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience inside State Farm Stadium! On Saturday, Feb. 21, join the Arizona Cardinals Foundation for the inaugural Cardinals Climb, where participants of all ages will hike trail-inspired routes throughout the stadium in support of the special needs community.

Every step taken and every dollar raised helps local nonprofits — including SARRC 💜

After the climb, the stadium will transform into a celebration! Participants receive exclusive access to the Cardinals Climb After Party presented by SeatGeek, featuring live performances by Switchfoot and Gavin DeGraw, plus a DJ and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Enjoy food trucks, beverages, beer garden, explore interactive experiences and photo opportunities, and connect with community partners — all in a fun, relaxed atmosphere to celebrate your climb and our shared mission.

➡️ Join Team SARRC and climb with us:

I'm supporting The Arizona Cardinals Foundation at the inaugural Cardinals Climb charity event!

01/30/2026

Dealing with irritability and agitation can be tough for anyone, and it's no different for individuals with autism. SARRC is exploring an investigational study drug as a potential treatment for irritability and agitation in individuals with autism ages 13-17.

Interested in learning more about the Intracellular Study? Reach out to us at 602-606-9877 or research@autismcenter.org, or visit autismcenter.org/research.

01/30/2026

This January, we celebrate ✨10 YEARS✨ of Tempe Community School! 😍

Since opening in 2016 as our second preschool location — marking the beginning of a journey to expand the program — our Tempe Campus has grown into a place where learning, support, and community come together every day. Today, with additional campuses in Mesa and Scottsdale, that journey continues. This achievement would not be possible without the extraordinary team behind it. Their dedication, consistency and heart have shaped the program from the very beginning, creating an empowering environment for students and families.

Cheers to a decade of learning, growth and meaningful moments — and to the incredible people who make Tempe Community School such a special place! 🥳

📰 Want an extra blast from the past? Read this 2016 EastValley.com article about our Tempe opening: bit.ly/4bYQ05B

01/29/2026

Volunteers play a vital role in advancing SARRC’s mission! 🙌 From supporting special events to assisting with projects and providing behind-the-scenes support, you can choose the volunteer opportunities that best match your interests 🧠, skills ✂, and schedule ⏰.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Serenity Mitchell, volunteer & events coordinator, at SMitchell@autismcenter.org or to learn more, visit autismcenter.org/volunteer.

01/28/2026

Enrollment closes on Feb. 6! 🚨 If you're looking for social skills support for young adults with autism, SARRC's PEERS program in Mesa offers structured, supportive group sessions designed to build confidence and meaningful connections! 🙌✨

PEERS for Young Adults (ages 18+) includes weekly group sessions featuring instruction, role-play, and interactive activities focused on building and maintaining friendships. Topics include conversation skills, joining social activities, using humor, handling disagreements, managing reputation, navigating teasing or bullying, planning hangouts, dating, conflict resolution, and more.

Weekly group sessions are held on Wednesdays from 2:00–3:30 p.m. at SARRC’s Mesa Campus (2165 N Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215) starting February 11 – May 13.

To learn more, contact SARRC at 602-606-9806 or visit autismcenter.org/PEERS.

01/27/2026

This Saturday! 🚨 Join SARRC at our free research open house and autism screening event on Saturday, Jan. 31!

From 10 a.m. to noon at SARRC’s 16th Street Campus (2225 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006), you can:
💜 Tour our 16th Street campus
💜 Get free developmental screenings for children ages 1-12
💜 Participate in the SPARK Study (all ages welcome!)
💜 Meet our research team
💜 Engage in mock medical procedures
💜 Enjoy special guest reptiles – fun for the whole family!

REGISTER
Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend signing up for a time slot to ensure a dedicated spot! Sign up at form.jotform.com/SARRC/sarrc-open-house-invite.

01/26/2026

Meet Serenity Mitchell, our Volunteer & Events Coordinator! 🤩 Serenity works closely with our incredible volunteer community — recruiting, training, scheduling and celebrating the amazing individuals who support SARRC every day. Her passion for bringing people together and supporting meaningful experiences helps ensure our volunteers feel informed, appreciated and connected to SARRC’s mission 💜.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to help support our programs and events throughout the year! 🙌Interested in getting involved as a SARRC volunteer? Learn more about available opportunities and sign up at autismcenter.org/Volunteer.

01/25/2026

Put your pickleball skills to the test! 🏓 Join us on Saturday, Feb. 28 for Rally for Autism — a high-energy pickleball tournament benefitting SARRC — where all skill levels are welcome to enter & play! ⭐

Hosted by SARRC's NextGen, an up-and-coming professionals group, this event brings the community together to play and connect with other mission-driven professionals. Proceeds directly support SARRC’s mission to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families.

EVENT DETAILS
📆 Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
📍Location: Center Court Pickleball Club - 7000 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054

Register your team at autismcenter.org/RallyforAutism!

01/23/2026

Anxiety is a challenge for everyone, and autistic people are no different. SARRC is conducting a study to test the safety and efficacy of a marijuana-based investigational drug to help people with autism (ages 18-45) manage anxiety. ➡ To learn more about the Ma*****na Anxiety Reduction & Safety (MARS) Study, contact us at 602-606-9877 or visit autismcenter.org/research.

Research Opportunities at SARRC SARRC’s Research Department is committed to identifying best practices for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening, diagnosis, and intervention, but we cannot do it alone. We look […]

01/23/2026

Volunteer Highlight ✨ For over two years, OneAZ Credit Union have been dedicated SARRC volunteers. During the busy holiday season, their team helped our Community School staff with developing curriculum materials for classroom use and created handmade holiday cards for Operation Santa Claus beneficiaries. Their professionalism and positive energy were exceptional, and we sincerely appreciate the time and care they invested in supporting SARRC! 💜

01/22/2026

Spend the day with us at SARRC's Community School! 📓🍎 From playtime to purposeful learning and peer connections, every day at the Community School preschool builds growth and connection! 🙌

To learn more about the Community School, visit CommunitySchoolAZ.org.