Resources
Navigating Arizona’s complex system of services can be overwhelming, expensive, and time consuming. At the Arizona Autism Coalition, we strive to improves the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in Arizona by sharing resources and providing support.
Please review our state, parent, and student resources; check out the scholarships and grants that are available; or, visit a local support group.
Questions or comments? Please contact Coalition Coordinator, Jessica Lewis at jessica@azautism.org.
Click here for an Autism 101 course!
I live in Surprise. My sister will be relocating to Arizona, and her son, age 40, is autistic. I am wondering if there are resources for adults with autism. My nephew currently attends a daycare for adults in NJ called Sunflower. I would like to find a place similar for him to attend once they move here. My nephew also use to hold jobs.
It would be most appreciated if anyone is aware of such centers for adults with autism in the West Valley.
Thank you.
I am seeking a Family Law Attorney (Divorce), that has some experience working with families of children with Autism.
My concern is the responsibility for Health Care, Therapies, and Other Special Needs of the child — what can Parent be held responsible for beyond Child Support, etc.
I am the mother of a son with autism, who is now 10 and continues to have behavioral and medical problems. I am looking for a DAN doctor in my area. We live in Mesa, AZ. Our current pediatrician has been great with the ongoing respiratory issues since the age of 1, however is not willing to order a lead test even though I have requested more than once, but has referred us to well know developmental pediatrician who wanted to prescribe ADHD meds before he was 4, who also refused to test for autism, even though the local school district did test and found him to have autism. This year our spec.ed teacher has already made comments about ADHD,and asked about if he is on meds. If she would have read his IEP she would know the answer, she is our new spec.ed intermediate teacher for 4th grade. I know in my heart of hearts that he is autistic, and also beleive that hyperactivivty is also a part of autism, but many teachers and pyschologist refuse to study these paralells in autism. We depend on state services for therapy and are afraid of schools request to retest to stop spec ed services at the school level. The teacher(s) for this year in his class refuse to accomodate him in any extra way, even though he is currently functioning at 60% grade level, they just say he needs to pay better attention in class, I feel as though they just want to push him through. Does anyone know of a DAN doctor, and autism assessment friendly pyschologist?
If you haven’t found anyone yet, try Dr. Joel Morgan, NMD, in Gilbert.
His phone is 480-632-0757. I don’t know if he considers himself specifically a “DAN” Dr, but I know his practice is consistent with their beliefs and approach. I heard him speak at a workshop, and know someone who takes her child to him. I would take my son to him if I lived anywhere near that side of town!
The Center for the Future of Arizona released a report on 10/2/09 entitled “The Arizona We Want” (see
http://www.thearizonawewant.org/report/index.php) based upon in-depth statewide polling they commissioned from the Gallup Organization.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/10/04/20091004az-future1004.html
Examining the most important questions facing Arizona
Dan Nowicki – Oct. 4, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Today and for the next two Sundays, The Republic examines the most important questions facing Arizona, then asks you to join the conversation about that state’s future.
Today – Arizonans’ vision: A vision for the future from Arizonans themselves.
Oct. 11 – Political leadership: In this divisive era, compromise and statesmanship seem like a thing of the past. Now, some are pushing for government reform.
Oct. 18 – Economic leadership: What it will take to create jobs and build a brighter future.
ACCEL and Gompers both have Adult programs. ACCEL has some work-style and work-related options, I am not aware of what Gompers may have in this direction. From what I’ve seen working with some of their clientele, Gompers tends to deal with more lower-functioning individuals who are incapable of basic self-care needs. ACCEL seems to have more individuals who. while they may have significant communication needs, are more able when it comes to toileting and so on.
Kimberly,
I hope you have gotten some good replies and found DR.Cindy Schneider of CARE center for autism research and education she is the very best in the valley, and yes she is definitly a DAN Doctor. She will offer you hope and help when the traditional doctor cannot, without medicating with dangerous drugs. She has done miracles for my son and many children. Her number is 602-277-2273 please make an appointment or at least visit her website .
one more thing Cindy Schneider is a co-founder of SARRC!
I have a 5 year old son that is over four feet tall and weighs in just over a 100 pounds. According a recent evaluation he is in severe need for Occupational and Physical Therapy due to low muscle tone. He just had an IEP meeting a few weeks back and I’m concerned that the language of the goals within are appropriate to make sure that he makes adequate progress.
Is there anyone in the Phoenix area that is able to help review IEPs and make sure the language is appropriate?
I am an occupational therapist. I’m also on the autism spectrum. I’ve worked for over 30 years in school systems. I would be happy to review these IEP goals if you still need assistance. Sorry I didn’t notice your message sooner.
Hello,
My name is Alexis. My son Michael is 4 years old and today he was dignosed with Autism. Last year he recieved a heart transplant and has speech theropy right now.I am hoping someone can give me any kind of information on where to start on geting more services that can help my son and me. I do not know even where to begin, so anything will help. Please let me know if you need anymore information.
Thank you,
Alexis
Hi Alexis,
I just noticed your post– have you received the information you need or are you still in need? I have 2 boys on the spectrum and would be glad to pass along any info I have. Let me know.
My best,
Lisa
Hello Alexis,
Please see my webpage coonerwellness. com. I work with autistic children and would be happy to talk with you regarding the help you may need for your son.
Thank you, Dr. Steven Cooner
Hello,
I found your contact information while doing a web search for an attorney that specializes in working cases of children with special needs. I am going to file for sole custody of my 4 year old son and was told I would need to do a parenting plan as well. I am seeking someone who can help me in this instance or at least point me in the right direction, or a referral to someone who can (we reside in Flagstaff, AZ).
Thank you for your time.
Seems like you need a divorce attorney who would understand your circumstances, am I correct?
If so I can try to get a reference for you.
I will wait to hear from you before I proceed.
Lisa
I need your address and phone number to send an invoice to for the rental of the Conference Center at ABIL that took place in January 2010 at 5025 E Washington St., Phoenix.
Thank you,
Louise Downey
Accounting Coordinator
ABIL
602-296-0523
I just found this site by accident. I wanted to know where to find friends for my son. This sounds crazy but I have a 9 year old son, we don’t know many people and would like to find friends for him. Is there a social network that anyone uses? We have had to change schools recently and are unable to make new relationships. I would appreciate any help. We live in phoenix. Also does anyone know of resources for ABA that is fairly inexpensive? We have tried different doctors but the behavior issues continue. No one seems to have answers.
Hi Sameera,
Check out this newsletter for a resource on a playgroup network for children with autism: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs030/1101807078867/archive/1102936476800.html
Also, we can help you with ABA resources!
http://www.azaunited.org
I am so glad to find this website. My son is 34 years old and has been diagnosed with ADD and Asperger’s. I can not get him help as an adult.
I had him tested in first grade but did not have such a diagnosis at that time. He needs to get on disability, he needs to have help outside of me. Is there anyone in Flagstaff working with adults??
appreciated this post!
Hi, my name is kathy and I just happend by this site by accident,I am so glad. I have and adopted 16 yr. old son,Nick, with Autism and we could use some “Autistic Friends.” My son has always been teased over the last 7yr. (since adopted) He has been very close to his older brother(bio brother) who, along with his two younger siblings has also been adopted by us. Long story short, His older brother has not been very kind to Nick, come to find out his older brother has been very abusive. Nicholas loves him dearly nd never wanted to get his brother in trouble so he always kept “secrets.” We are dealing with that and my 18 son no longer lives in the house. Nicky is very resilient and is a happy child but could really benifit from some friends he could relate to. Mom could use alittle support also. I think we all just need to know we are not alone. My girls love are always there for him, but Nick need some of his Own friends and a place to feel accepted, besides home. Anyone have any suggestions? We have only been in Az for 17 mos. and We don’t have any real close friends yet. Thanks
I noticed that a few parents are looking for social groups and ABA services. I found a wonderful center in Mesa that not only provides specialized services for people with Autism but also serves all persons with disabilities. They have social groups, early intervention, ABA classes, and serve all ages from birth through adulthood.
I only have there phone number but if you call I am sure they can help.
480-497-1889 ext. 2150
They have a great Behavior Analyst who is knowlegable and truly helped my family. Her name is Helen Nagle. I think she is the Director of a new Autism Center they are opening too. Give her a call. She is great.
Kathy
The Clubhouse (Tatem and Shea) works with teens who are on the spectrum in social groups. If you are anywhere near this area, please come by or call. Perhaps we could network you with some other families with teens. (602)368-8601
Thanks for the article post.Thanks Again.