What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability, typically appearing during childhood and affecting a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

Local Impact

1 in 40 or 2.5% of 8-year-old children in an area of Arizona were identified with ASD by Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program (ADDSP).

Navigating Autism Program

We listen to you and offer customized resources including what to do after an autism diagnosis, therapy options, legal considerations, adult resources, IEP’s, providers, and more.

In Our Community

Programs for Children and Families:
Adult Social Club, Teen Meet Ups, Support Groups, Parent Trainings, Social Butterflies, and Information & Referral

Upcoming Events:

We are celebrating Autistic and LGBTQ+ individuals on our Autistic PRIDE Day! This day is meant to be a fun mixer, where people who identify on the Autistic and LGBTQ+ scale can come together to meet one another. There will be games and prizes, appetizers, a mocktail bar, dancing, and fun! Click here for more information.

Our Adult Social Club will now meet virtually through Zoom on Friday, June 2nd from 6 – 8 pm, and in person for our Game Night on Friday, May 19th from 6 – 8 pm. You can register for Adult Social Club here.

There will be no Teen Meet Up at Playformance in June and July. We will resume in August. Thank you. If you would like to learn more about this program click here.

Our Parent Peer Support group meets monthly. The group will meet in person on Thursday, June 22nd at 6 pm. Register to learn about the meeting location here.

Are You All In for Autism?

Learn how your business or organization can partner with us to improve the lives of those affected by autism. Benefits include media exposure, support, and training for your staff.

Girl at Autism Society event

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Words From Our Families

Hear what our families have shared with us about their experiences.

Mother Hugging Autistic Son
  • “The sensory friendly film was amazing. The Autism Society of Southern Arizona became my family here and as a mom I felt so happy to have a place that my son was accepted and loved and never judged for what he did or did not do. I have meet so many families now, who feel the way I felt back then when I felt I had no place to go for my son. I met a mom once who cried and hugged me when they came for the first time for finally they too found what they were missing.”

    Amber H.
  •  “It truly is an organization that trusts volunteers to help drive their mission!”

    Hailey T.
  • At previous Sensory Friendly Films, I’ve attended through the Autism Society, I was able to meet with a father who also has a son with autism and connect with fellow members of the community,” Brad Jones said. Jones says Sensory Friendly Films are a comfortable environment surrounded with people who truly know what it’s like to have a child or family/friend with autism. “To see the look of joy and excitement on my child’s face when the movie began and how he emphatically followed that opening scene is something that I will never forget,” Jones says.

     

    Brad J.
  • Thanks for giving me a starting point with my son. It’s been a long journey with wrong diagnoses along the way. As parents 25-30 years ago there weren’t the resources needed nor the understanding of what people were going through with this affliction. It continues to be a journey and we appreciate folks like yourself that are there to support parents and individuals through this odyssey. Kudos.

    Bob C.
  • Saguaro Aquatics Sonoran Dolphin program is a God sent.  It has been one of the best things in life for my non-verbal/autistic son.  We have been going there for almost 3 years.  Jaidin loves going there!  We love his coaches and all the staff.  We have been very blessed to find this program.

    Zabina R.
  • Thanks for all your help.It’s been a rather difficult route trying to navigate all of this.  It’s wonderful there’s an organization here in Arizona dedicated to helping those of us with these symptoms. I really appreciate your help and dedication.

    Donald P.
  • Once you enter their doors, you instantly become part of a family that will always be there for you and most importantly your child. Thank you Autism Society of Southern Arizona for being a part of our family. We are so grateful for the opportunities you give to our daughter! “

    © Autism Society of Southern Arizona

    Autism Society of Southern Arizona is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charity and our tax ID is 47-2524160