Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

12/25/2025

When every child is on the nice list, of course Santa has to visit! 🎅🎄Thank you to these cheery Santas for bringing some ho-ho-holiday spirit to our Community School campuses. Wishing everyone the happiest of holidays! 💜

12/23/2025

Looking for social skills support for teens and young adults with autism? 🗣💬 Spots are still open for SARRC’s PEERS program in Mesa, but enrollment closes January 2!

Both PEERS for Adolescents (ages 13–18) and PEERS for Young Adults (ages 18+) offer weekly group sessions that include instruction, role-play and activities focused on building and maintaining friendships. Topics across the programs include conversational skills, joining activities, using humor, handling disagreements, managing reputation, navigating teasing or bullying, planning hangouts, conflict resolution, dating, and more.

Enrollment is open now in Mesa! 📝 Contact us at 602-606-9806 to learn more or visit:
➡ Peers for Adolescents: autismcenter.org/peers-for-adolescents
➡ Peers for Young Adults: autismcenter.org/peers-adults

SARRC Is Here to Help Navigate Your Next Steps We offer services to meet the needs of autistic teens and adults as they begin to transition and navigate adult life […]

12/22/2025

Only a few more days to participate in the Blick Art Materials 2025 Holiday Give & Get campaign! 🤩🎨

Until Wednesday, Dec. 24, customers who purchase and donate specific art supplies to SARRC will receive an exclusive 20% off discount coupon to use on a future purchase. Art supply donations will directly support SARRC's Community School and Comprehensive Behavioral Programs 🙌.

This campaign is offered at the Glendale BLICK Art Materials location only (17520 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308). Be sure to mention SARRC at checkout! 💜

12/21/2025

Do you have land or property you no longer need? 🏠 Donating personal or commercial real estate to SARRC offers tax benefits, including a federal income tax deduction and reduced or eliminated capital gains tax. You'll also avoid property maintenance, taxes, insurance, and the hassle of selling. Simply deed the property to SARRC or include it in your will.

Learn more by visiting autismcenter.planmylegacy.org/real-estate or call 602.218.8183.

12/19/2025

We’re excited to now serve North Phoenix families through our home- and community-based ABA therapy program! 🤩 Skip the wait for ABA services and access personalized, 1:1 support for children 13 and under — provided in meaningful settings like home, school, or the community.

We partner closely with families to create flexible, individualized plans that truly support each child’s unique needs.

To learn more, visit autismcenter.org/Comprehensive or contact our team at 602.606.9806.

12/18/2025

When you make a gift to SARRC, you ✨multiply hope✨ for thousands of families that turn to SARRC for support. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue creating opportunities, strengthening futures and ensuring that individuals and families have access to high-quality autism services.

Your year-end donation goes directly to the critical services we provide for the children, teens, and adults across Arizona. Make a gift at autismcenter.org/donate 💜.

12/17/2025

Now forming interest lists for our 2026 CommunityWorks program! 📝

Through this hands-on pre-employment program, autistic teens ages 13 to 18 build experience and independence by volunteering in community settings and attending sessions with partner organizations across Greater Phoenix. Both teens with autism and teen peer mentors can look forward to developing communication and job-readiness skills together in fun, interactive environments. Weekly group sessions are held on Thursdays at various locations.

➡️ To learn more about upcoming session dates, partner organizations, and more, call our Family Resource Team today at 602.606.9806 or visit autismcenter.org/communityworks.

12/16/2025

This is why access matters ⬇

Amy lives in Southern Arizona with her husband and five children, including Weston, her youngest, who is almost six. As a special needs educator, Amy recognized early signs of autism in her son, but Weston’s diagnosis still came as a shock. Processing took time, but she realized a diagnosis opens doors to critical services.

Through SARRC’s JumpStart program, Amy learned what resources were available and how to begin. “It got me past the overwhelming part of receiving a diagnosis,” she shares. “If you don’t have access, you’re less likely to get that early support. And that changes everything for a child’s future.”

Read the full blog at autismcenter.org/finding-hope-and-understanding-amys-journey-with-sarrc.

Life in Southern Arizona Amy lives in Southern Arizona with her husband and five children, including Weston, her youngest, who is almost six and full of energy. “He never stops […]

12/15/2025

To all those who celebrate, wishing you a warm and bright Hanukkah this season ✨

12/12/2025

'Tis the season for giving! ✨ There are so many unique ways to give back to SARRC! Each one helps to advance SARRC’s mission to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families.

💜 Autism License Plate: Purchase Arizona’s first specialty autism license plate and $17 will benefit SARRC and First Place AZ
💜 Vehicle Donation: Donate your old car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or RV to SARRC and receiving a tax deduction
💜 Donor Advised Fund: Recommend a grant, a recurring grant, or future charitable gifts using a donor advised fund
💜 Volunteering: Explore volunteer opportunities as an individual, group, or company

For more ways to get involved and support SARRC, visit autismcenter.org/giving.

12/11/2025

In-home ABA services are now available in North Phoenix! 🥳 SARRC is excited to offer our in-home and community-based ABA services to families living in North Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria. 🏠

Our Comprehensive Behavioral Program provides one-on-one intervention for children ages 13 and under, offering individualized care in natural settings. With a flexible approach tailored to each child’s unique needs, we meet families where they are — at home, in school, or out in the community.

To learn more about service availability, please contact our Family Resource Team at 602-606-9806 or visit autismcenter.org/Comprehensive

12/10/2025

Is your family navigating a new autism diagnosis? Available in person (Phoenix & Tucson) or remotely statewide, JumpStart is a six-week program designed to support families with children (ages 18 months to 7 years) on their autism journey. Receive practical strategies and personalized coaching from a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst — all tailored to your child and your family’s needs.

Aside from a $25 enrollment fee, there’s no cost to participate!

📞 Call 602.606.9806 or visit autismcenter.org/jumpstart to learn more.

JumpStart (ages 18 months – 7 years old) JumpStart® is designed for Arizona families of young children waiting for a diagnostic evaluation or report, and those who have been recently […]