Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

07/13/2026

🔎 Study Spotlight: Ma*****na Anxiety Reduction & Safety (MARS) Study »

We are currently enrolling adults ages 18-45 years old who have a diagnosis of ASD to participate in a clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a ma*****na based oral solution compared to placebo in treating anxiety symptoms in adults with ASD.

Learn more at autismcenter.org/research.

07/10/2026

Tucson families! AIM ABA partners with families to provide individualized ABA services in the home and community, helping individuals with autism grow, connect and thrive 🙌.

Backed by nearly 30 years of trusted experience from SARRC, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care for every family and meets your family where you are. As a nonprofit provider, we’re able to keep our focus where it belongs: on supporting families and creating lasting impact.

Learn more at autismcenter.org/AIM-ABA.

Individualized home- and community-based intervention designed to support the unique needs of individuals with autism and their families. AIM ABA offered by SARRC is available to support families throughout the […]

07/09/2026

Are you or do you know a teen or adult with autism looking to explore employment options? Join SARRC for our next Employment Services Orientation on Monday, July 13!

This free, virtual session will explain how SARRC supports individuals in developing career skills, finding meaningful employment, and achieving long-term workplace success.

Participants will learn more about:
✅ SARRC’s Employment Services and how they support individual career goals
✅ Funding options and eligibility for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program offered through the Arizona Department of Economic Security
✅ How SARRC partners with employers and community organizations to create inclusive work opportunities

Our next session is Monday, July 13 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. ➡️ Sign up at bit.ly/EmployOrientation2026.

07/07/2026

Join us for the sixth annual YES Day Walk for Autism on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at Tempe Beach Park! 🥳

You'll notice we've got a fresh new look this year, but our inspiring mission and unforgettable YES Day experience remain the same 🙌.

Families, friends, partners and supporters from across the community are invited to join us in creating a more inclusive world for people with autism. The 1-mile, family-friendly walk is back and welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.

Mark your calendar and register today at ✨YesDayForAutism.org✨ — we can't wait to walk with you! 💜

07/06/2026

Our next Online Family Orientation is Monday, July 13!

Family Orientation is a free webinar that provides information and support to families at any point in their autism journey. Sessions are divided into three age groups: Young Child (up to age 5), School-Age Child (ages 6-12), and Teens & Adults (ages 13+).

Depending on your age group, participants will learn about:
📌 Autism spectrum disorder
📌 Intervention options
📌 How to access vital services through state and insurance funding
📌 Programs SARRC offers, and age-related topics for each age group (i.e.: navigating IEPs, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, employment and post-high school options, an autism diagnosis as a family)

Sign up for your age group at autismcenter.org/july-online-family-orientation-2026.

07/03/2026

SARRC's Community School celebrated four graduating classes across its Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Mesa campuses 🎓. Together, 33 students completed our inclusive preschool program and are now preparing for an exciting new chapter: kindergarten! 🥳 We are so thrilled for all the students' next adventures and accomplishments!

07/02/2026

We know choosing the right preschool for your child is a big decision 🧠. Here are 6 reasons why SARRC's Community School is built for every learner:

1️⃣ Classrooms for children 15 months to 5 years old
2️⃣ Inclusive, blended learning for children with & without autism
3️⃣ 4:1 student-teacher ratios & small class sizes
4️⃣ All-day care & flexible scheduling
5️⃣ Play-based curriculum & individualized instruction
6️⃣ Multiple campuses in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, & Mesa (availability may vary by location and classroom)

Schedule a tour or learn more at CommunitySchoolAZ.org.

07/01/2026

Josh has always been determined to build an independent future. After earning a full scholarship to Arizona State University and graduating with a double major in Accounting and Economics, he turned to SARRC's Employment Services program to strengthen his workplace communication skills and prepare for the next step in his career.

With guidance from the Employment Services team, Josh refined his interview skills, built confidence and successfully accepted an accounting position with a construction firm in the Phoenix area, an exciting milestone in his journey toward independence.

Josh offers encouragement to others navigating similar journeys. “You just got to keep trying and keep working for the right opportunity because it’ll come. And if there’s an opportunity you didn’t get, it’s alright. You learned something through it."

Read Josh's full story below!

Josh, 30, turned to SARRC’s Employment Services team as he pursued opportunities for career advancement. For Josh Waxman, independence was never just a goal — it was something he began […]

06/30/2026

Does your child have a problem falling asleep? 💤🌙 SARRC is conducting a study measuring the effects of an investigational medication to help children with this problem. To meet eligibility requirements, your child must be between the ages of 2-17 and have difficulties in initiating sleep at least four nights per week.

For more information or to see if your child qualifies for the Pediatric Sleep Difficulties Study, contact us at (480) 351-0534 or visit autismcenter.org/research.

06/29/2026

CommunityWorks is a pre-employment program and experience designed for teens (ages 13-18) with and without autism. Through volunteer work in the community, you will develop job, social, and communication skills. Participants will meet weekly on Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. and can look forward to attending sessions at an array of partner organizations.

Have a teen interested in being a Peer Mentor? Peer Mentors volunteer and learn alongside other teens with autism and can utilize their volunteer hours for school requirements, resumes or college applications.

To learn more about CommunityWorks or Peer Mentor opportunities, visit autismcenter.org/communityworks.

CommunityWorks (ages 13-18) CommunityWorks is a pre-employment program and experience designed for teens with and without autism. Through volunteer work in the community, you will develop job, social, and communication […]