Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

11/29/2025

Do you suspect your child may have autism? SARRC is offering free developmental screenings for children up to age 13 at our Scottsdale Campus on Saturday, Dec. 6! 📆 Parents will have the opportunity to check their child’s progress, ask questions and learn about our programs. Kids can also enjoy free face painting and interact with special guests, Spider-Man and Wonder Woman!

Location & Time:
✅ Saturday, Dec. 6
✅ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins welcome)
✅ SARRC Scottsdale Paiute Campus: 6535 E Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

How the Screening Program Works:
Parent(s)/caregiver(s) will consult with a member of SARRC’s clinical team who will utilize a standardized and valid procedure to assess whether a formal evaluation is recommended. Following the screening, a SARRC team member may advise that a formal autism diagnostic evaluation is recommended. Please note: Developmental screenings are not an autism evaluation. However, based on responses and eligibility, SARRC may provide scholarships to help with the cost.

PLEASE NOTE: Developmental screenings are not an autism evaluation. However, based on responses and eligibility, a developmental evaluation by a licensed professional may be offered at a later date, free of cost.

REGISTRATION
https://form.jotform.com/250767140001141

11/28/2025

SARRC is excited to partner with Blick Art Materials for the 2025 Holiday Give & Get campaign! 🤩🎨 Starting Friday, Nov. 28 through 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 🙌.

Art Supplies List:
🎨 Tempera paint
🎨 Paint brushes
🎨 Paint by number
🎨 Air dry clay
🎨 Kid craft kits
🎨 Creative learning and science kits
🎨 Markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc. (no chalk)
🎨 Kids’ aprons and smocks (high priority item!)

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!

Thank you for your support! 💜

11/27/2025

As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we’re especially thankful for your generosity and dedication to SARRC’s mission 💜.

To our clients, staff, partners, donors, and advocates, ✨THANK YOU✨ for being a valued part of our community. Wishing you the warmest holiday this Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁

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.