Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

11/26/2025

If learning to live more independently is a 2026 goal for your young adult with autism, this program may be a good fit! 💪 The First Place Transition Academy is a two-year, on-site residential program at First Place AZ designed to help build crucial independent living and career-readiness skills.

🏠 During the two-year program, participants live in their own private bedroom in a four-bedroom suite at First Place–Phoenix while benefitting from career services like volunteer work, internships, and employment.
📚 Participants also maximize their capacity to live more independently through the two-year Learn4Independence® curriculum—taught by SARRC—and individualized supports developed for adults with autism and other neurodiversities.

Learn more about tuition, qualifications, and more at bit.ly/TransitionAcademySARRC.

11/25/2025

With professional coaching and meaningful connections, families can gain the confidence and skills to support their children effectively with SARRC's parent empowerment programs 💪✨.

Take a look at some of our most popular parent training programs:
💜 Milestones: Whether you are a first-time parent of an infant or you have an infant with an older sibling who has autism, SARRC’s Milestones program provides parents of infants 6 to 18 months with helpful information to make the first year and a half of your infant’s life a supported experience.

💜 JumpStart: SARRC's six-week JumpStart program supports families of children ages 18 months to 7 years who are newly diagnosed with autism, providing expert coaching from a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst, essential information, and effective strategies. Offered in person or remotely.

💜 Parent Training: Working alongside a dedicated coach, parents of children ages 2-12 will set meaningful goals and learn effective strategies to support your child’s communication, social, play, and daily living skills—right in their everyday routines. Offered via telehealth.

💜 Second Gear: This 8-week program provides expert guidance, personalized coaching, and practical strategies to help support your child’s development, reduce challenging behaviors at home and build more effective coping and communication skills. Offered in person or remotely.

To learn more, visit autismcenter.org/childrens-services.

11/25/2025

This season, we’re grateful for you 🙏💜

Because of your support, families across Arizona are getting the care, connection, and hope they need. Thank you for being part of our journey and the journeys of all the inspiring individuals and families with autism in our community 🙌.

Your generosity changes lives 🌟. Make a gift at: autismcenter.org/Donate

11/24/2025

Now inviting applications for the 2026 Spring Cohort of our Advancing Diversity in Autism Professional Training (ADAPT) Internship Program!

The ADAPT Internship at SARRC is an educational opportunity for high school students and young adults to explore a variety of professions within the fields of autism research and services.

Eligibility Requirements
✅ Ages 16-24 years old
✅ Duration: Minimum of 10 weeks
✅ Weekly commitment: 6-10 hours per week
✅ Bilingual; in any language
✅ Current enrollment at a college, university, or high school is desirable but all applicants 16 and above will be given full consideration
✅ Must be flexible and willing to work within the regular office hours of SARRC (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday); a specific schedule will be determined based on the needs of the departments included in internship rotations and the intern’s availability. An example of an intern’s schedule could be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2:30-5:00 p.m.
✅ Please note that the ADAPT Internship Program is available in-person only.

Interns will complete a two-week orientation period, during which they will be exposed to all departments within the organization. Interns will then rank their preferences and will complete an eight-week assignment in the department of their choice. If interested and available, interns can extend their internship beyond 10 weeks.

To learn more or apply, please contact Melissa Mitchell at MMitchell@autismcenter.org or visit autismcenter.org/adapt-internship-program.

Inviting Applications for 2026 Spring Cohort: Advancing Diversity in Autism Professional Training (ADAPT) Internship Program The ADAPT Internship at Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) is an educational opportunity […]

11/23/2025

Do you suspect your child may have autism? Take advantage of SARRC's Diagnostic Services for children ages 7 and younger!

The Diagnostic Process:
💜 Developmental History Interview: This is completed by phone with the parent or caregiver.
💜 Observational Assessment (remote or in our office): This assessment allows us to observe behavior and skills directly and provides valuable information that helps us to make a diagnostic determination.
💜 Home Questionnaire: This will help us to measure your child’s skills and compare it to typically developing children in the same age group.
💜 Results Review: A psychologist will meet with you to review the results of the evaluation and guide your next steps.

Scholarships are available to assist with diagnostic cost. Please note, we routinely experience a high volume of callers in need of an evaluation. Evaluations are scheduled between 4 to 12 weeks from the time of our call.

Learn more at autismcenter.org/diagnosis or call our Family Resource Team at 602-606-9806 to learn about next steps!

Get an expert autism diagnosis for children under 7 at SARRC, with comprehensive evaluations and supportive treatment options.

11/21/2025

Last weekend, our clinical team had an incredible time at the Arizona Association For Behavior Analysis (AzABA) 2025 Annual Conference! 🤩 From new connections to familiar faces, we loved every conversation with those who visited SARRC’s booth. To the event staff, speakers, and fellow attendees, thank you for helping strengthen collaboration and innovation across our field! 💪💜

11/21/2025

NOW ENROLLING for our 2026 ✅ Our popular PEERS® for Adolescents and PEERS® for Young Adults programs for teens and adults with autism are officially open for enrollment!

These evidence-based programs are designed to help autistic teens and adults strengthen social skills, foster meaningful relationships, and prepare for career success. Guided by SARRC clinicians and supported by peers, participants build confidence and develop key life and employment skills in a collaborative and encouraging environment. Programs are offered at both our Phoenix campus and our new Mesa location.

To learn more, contact our Family Resource Team at 602-606-9806 or visit our website:
📌 PEERS for Adolescents (ages 13-18): autismcenter.org/peers-for-adolescents
📌 PEERS for Young Adults (ages 18+): autismcenter.org/peers-adults-now-enrolling

11/20/2025

Giving Tuesday is almost here! 📆 Your gift to SARRC this holiday season will help support the programs, services and research that have been a vital part of our community since 1997.

Every day, more families turn to SARRC for help, and we need your support now to meet the growing need. Your gift today will ensure individuals with autism continue to receive the life-changing support and opportunities they deserve 💪✨.

Donate at autismcenter.org/Donate.

11/20/2025

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! 🏠

This comprehensive 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.

11/19/2025

SARRC's Milestones program provides support and specialized services for parents of infants 6 to 18 months at no cost! 💜

Whether you are a first-time parent of an infant or you have an infant with an older sibling who has an autism diagnosis, SARRC’s Milestones program provides parents with helpful information to make the first year and a half of your infant’s life a supported experience 🙌.

Services include:
📌 Evidence-based information on developmental milestones
📌 Parenting strategies
📌 Ongoing developmental monitoring
📌 Access to early intervention for infants showing early signs of autism

To learn more, contact our Family Resource Team at 602-606-9806 or visit autismcenter.org/milestones.

The Milestones program provides support and specialized services for parents of infants 6 to 18 months. Whether you are a first-time parent of an infant or you have an infant […]

11/19/2025

When Camilla Goodluck was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, her mom, Jackie, noticed early developmental differences, and when others dismissed her concerns, Jackie trusted her instincts. After a long journey to secure evaluations and support, Camilla was diagnosed with autism in 2023 and began attending SARRC’s Community School in Tempe. There, Camilla found her voice — first through gestures, then an augmentative device and now with spoken words 🤩

Today, Camilla is thriving in Pre-K, spelling, learning math, and full of confidence. Inspired by her daughter’s progress, Jackie now advocates for autism awareness in Indigenous and rural communities, helping families access early intervention and the tools they need to succeed 💪✨

“I share Camilla’s story with everyone to inspire early detection, and I’m encouraged by the reaction of people taking an interest, says Jackie. "Knowledge is a spectrum, and in the journey toward it, that’s where resilience is found."

To read the full blog, visit autismcenter.org/the-power-of-possibilities.

Following instincts and taking a proactive approach helped the Goodluck family set their daughter Camilla on a path to success. There were a lot of unique things about the world […]