Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
Advancing research and providing a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families
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08/20/2025
Choose the format that works best for you! In-person or remote options may be available to Arizona families.
If you're looking for deeper support, SARRC's 12-Week Parent Training program is geared towards parents of children ages 2-12 and offers hands-on coaching and guidance tailored to your child and family.
Working alongside a dedicated coach, you’ll set meaningful goals and learn effective strategies to support your child’s communication, social, play, and daily living skills—right in your everyday routines.
📞 Call 602.606.9806 or visit autismcenter.org/ParentTraining to get started.
08/19/2025
SARRC’s Employment Services focuses on supporting individuals in preparing for, obtaining and retaining employment. This program also works with clients enrolled in the Vocational Rehabilitation offered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Employment Services could be right for you if you:
📌 Have a desire to work
📌 Need help finding a job
📌 Are looking for assistance with interviewing and onboarding
📌 Have difficulty holding onto a job
📌 Would benefit from developing social skills in the workplace
📌 Are looking for on-the-job coaching
To learn more about Employment Services, funding options, Vocational Rehabilitation qualification or more, visit us at autismcenter.org/employment-services.
Looking to start your career journey? SARRC’s Employment Services are here to help! SARRC’s Employment Services program focuses on supporting individuals in preparing for, obtaining, and retaining employment. This program […]
08/18/2025
SARRC's strategic plan is to become a statewide organization that puts effective services within reach of every Arizonan by 2030—which is why we have started offering services in Tucson! 🙌
We are now offering our Comprehensive Behavioral Program (CBP) to families in Tucson. This program supports children age 13 and younger with individualized, evidence-based care delivered in natural settings like the home, school, or community. With a flexible model tailored to each child’s needs, we’re able to meet families where they are, literally. Whether at home, in school, or out in the community, we come to you! 🏠
Contact our team by calling 602.606.9806, emailing intake@autismcenter.org or visiting autismcenter.org/Tucson for more information!
08/15/2025
It’s giveaway time! 🎉 We’re so grateful for this community — and we’re celebrating by giving away an ultra soft SARRC t-shirt!
Want to enter?
✅ Follow us
✅ Like this post
✅ Tag a friend in the comments
Giveaway closes next Friday, August 22 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Winner will be contacted on Monday, August 25. Good luck! ⭐️
08/14/2025
This coming Monday! 🚨 Geared towards autistic teens and adults and their guardian, our Employment Services Orientation will cover SARRC’s employment services, funding options, and eligibility for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program offered by the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Our next free virtual session is on Monday, August 18 from 12-1 p.m. MST.
✅ Sign up at:
A free orientation offered by SARRC that is designed for teens and adults with autism interested in pursuing employment.
08/13/2025
When we talk about expanding access to autism services, this is what we mean:
🚙 Shorter drives
⏰ Shorter waitlists
🤝 More support
🏠 Closer to home
Through our ongoing campaign, we’re working to remove barriers so families across Arizona can get the care they need, when they need it. Every milestone gets us one step closer to making that a reality for more families.
Learn more at autismcenter.org/atoz 💜
08/12/2025
Just getting started on your autism journey? JumpStart is a free, six-week program from SARRC designed to support families with children ages 18 months – 7 years who are newly navigating a diagnosis. You’ll receive expert guidance, practical strategies and personalized coaching from a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst -- all tailored to your child and your family’s needs.
Available in person (Phoenix & Tucson) or remotely statewide.
Aside from a $25 enrollment fee, there’s no cost to participate - just support, tools and connection!
�📞 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 […]
08/11/2025
Young adults with autism (18+) can experience a postsecondary education setting and build social skills and friendships in a group-based community setting through SARRC's Learn4Independence® program! 😎💪
Over two years, Learn4Independence takes students through 32 dynamic courses at GateWay Community College Phoenix. The program covers topics such as work, finance, nutrition, relationships, transportation, independent living, and more in an effort to empower students to build their own futures.
📅 Our next session begins Monday, Aug. 25, but interest lists for 2026 are now forming!
To be eligible, students must be at least 18 years old, have a diagnosed autism spectrum condition, and be able to arrange transportation to and from classes at GateWay CC in Phoenix. Learn more about enrollment, the curriculum, and more at autismcenter.org/learn4independence.
08/08/2025
SARRC had the incredible honor of contributing to TIME Magazine’s Special Edition: Autism – Reality vs. Myth! 🥳 📖
This 96-page issue takes a deep dive into the complexities of autism, exploring its origins, the wide range of experiences on the spectrum, and the real-life challenges faced by individuals and families. It aims to break down myths and foster greater understanding of autism and neurodiversity.
Keep an eye out for this special edition issue on newsstands now! 📰
08/07/2025
We’re making real progress, thanks to you 💜
Together, we've raised $12.5 million toward our $13 million goal. That means more families will have access to autism services—closer to home, and with less time spent on waitlists or in the car.
Every milestone reflects your belief in what’s possible. And every step forward means more consistent, trusted care for families across Arizona.
Join us on the path forward at autismcenter.org/atoz.
08/06/2025
Join us for a sizzling fundraiser at Barro's Pizza! 🔥🍕 On Wednesday, August 27, visit the participating Barro's Pizza locations below, mention "SARRC," and 20% of your dine-in or takeout orders will be donated to SARRC!
Offer valid at the following locations:
🍕 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. | 4030 E. Greenway Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85032
🍕 4-9 p.m. | 2515 N. Scottsdale Rd Unit 12 Scottsdale, AZ 85257
*This fundraiser is only valid for dine-in, takeout, and pickup orders. Delivery is not applied.
08/05/2025
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, that 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!
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Established in 1997, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach. We are one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting edge research.
We're also an entrepreneurial nonprofit, with less than three percent of annual revenue coming from state and federal funding. Our 18,000-square-foot Campus for Exceptional Children and our 10,000-square-foot Colonel Harland D. Sanders Center for Autism Studies, co-located with our Vocational & Life Skills Academy, are state-of-the-art clinical centers that serve as models for similar research and resource facilities.
OUR MISSION
To advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families.
OUR RESEARCH
SARRC's Research Department is focused on three initiatives: (1) improve early detection of ASD, (2) improve treatments for ASD, both behaviorally and pharmaceutically, and (3) educate various professional communities to improve their capacity to serve individuals with ASD.
SARRC is among the most robust sites in the United States for recruiting subjects for molecular / genetic, pharmaceutical, and clinical research trials. While not officially affiliated with any university medical center, we foster active collaborative research projects with organizations such as Translational Genomics, Inc., Arizona State University, Barrow Neurological Institute, University of California San Diego, Georgia Institute of Technology, and private industry partners.