Parent Training
Parent Training
We are delighted to announce an upcoming group training and support session for parents
In-Person Location:
ABS Therapy Center
4922 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301
To confirm your attendance and indicate whether you will be joining in person or remotely, please click here
Sensory-Friendly Activities in Southern Arizona
Sensory-Friendly Activities in Southern Arizona
The Autism Society of Southern Arizona offers a variety of sensory-friendly activities tailored for individuals with autism and their families. These events provide inclusive environments where participants can engage comfortably and safely. Activities include sensory-friendly films, special museum hours, adaptive swimming sessions, and more. Each event is designed to accommodate sensory sensitivities, ensuring a welcoming experience for all attendees.
Date: Various dates throughout the year
Time:Times vary by activity
Location: Multiple venues across Southern Arizona
Cost: Varies by activity; some events are free, others may have a nominal fee
Halftime Respite Arizona
Halftime Respite Arizona
Join Joni and Friends for a free, family-friendly morning of fun, food, and crafts designed for children living with disabilities and their siblings. While the kids enjoy engaging activities, parents and caregivers are invited to take a well-deserved break. This event offers a supportive environment for families to connect and recharge.
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time:10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, 5025 E Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ
Cost: Free (pre-registration required)
Free Online Family Orientation
Free Online Family Orientation
Join this free online orientation designed for families of individuals with autism. Hosted by the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), this session will provide helpful information about autism spectrum disorder, available resources, and how to access support services. It's a great opportunity to ask questions and learn how SARRC can support your family's journey.
Date: Sunday, May 12, 2025
Time:9:00 AM – 10:30 AM (MST)
Location: Online – Free Registration Required
Goodyear Lego Club - May 16th
Goodyear Lego Club - May 16th
Join the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix for a fun-filled evening of LEGO building and board games! This free, family-friendly event provides an opportunity for individuals with autism and their families to connect, create, and enjoy together. LEGO bricks will be provided; just bring your creativity! All ages are welcome, and parents must supervise their children. Please register each autistic individual separately; additional support persons or family members can be included in the same registration.
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time:6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (MT)
Location: Goodyear Recreation Campus – Recreation Center
420 Estrella Parkway, Goodyear, AZ 85338
Cost: Free (pre-registration required)
Autism Expo 2025
Autism Expo 2025
Attend this free, family-friendly event focused on autism awareness, resources, and community support. The Autism Expo brings together over 70 vendors, expert-led workshops, raffles, and more — all in one place. It's an opportunity to connect, learn, and discover services available across Arizona for individuals with autism and their families.
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location:
Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85040.
All In for Autism Dino Day & Walk 2025
All In for Autism Dino Day & Walk 2025
Participate in this family-friendly event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting inclusion for individuals with autism. Enjoy a dinosaur-themed day featuring activities, a community walk, and opportunities to connect with local resources. All proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Southern Arizona.
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
Registration: Register Here
APBA Shine 2025
APBA Shine 2025
The theme this year is "APBA Shine." We have the opportunity to shine a light on individuals, research, areas of ABA, organizations, and more! Join us in Dallas this Spring.
Date:
Pre convention: Wednesday, March 26
Full convention: Thursday, March 27 and Friday, March 28.
Location: Hyatt Regency in Downtown Dallas.
Special Day for Special Kids
Special Day for Special Kids
Special Day for Special Kids is a free, family-friendly event designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for families of children with disabilities. This event offers a variety of fun activities, entertainment, and community resources, creating an inclusive space for all attendees to enjoy.
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale, AZ
Run for Autism 2025
Run for Autism 2025
Run for Autism 2025 is a community awareness and acceptance event supporting Arizona Autism United. Participants can take part in a 5K run/walk or a 1-mile family fun run while helping to raise funds for vital autism programs and services. This event brings the community together to support individuals with autism and their families.
Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Kiwanis Park North Soccer Field, Tempe, AZ
BE SAFE Interactive Screening
Join IN PERSON for a BE SAFE Interactive Screening, an event designed to teach crucial safety skills for interacting with the police in everyday encounters. Using video modeling, BE SAFE demonstrates positive examples of what to do and say when meeting law enforcement. The screening is ideal for teens (13+) and adults with disabilities, as well as anyone who wants to learn these valuable skills. Topics range from following instructions to understanding the right to remain silent.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM MT
Location: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
In-Person Dad’s Support Group
He Autism Society of Greater Phoenix invites you to their Dad’s Support Group at OHSO Brewery in Gilbert. This group provides a welcoming space for dads of children with Autism, of any age, to connect, share experiences, and gain valuable support from one another.
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM MT
Location: OHSO Brewery + Distillery 335 N Gilbert Rd, #102, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Sensitive Santa
Join this informative session to learn how to support your child in reducing undesired behaviors and increasing positive, preferred behaviors using positive behavior supports at home and in the community. Discover the important role you play in your child's behavior and gain valuable insights on what steps to take if the behavior becomes a challenge at school.This session is designed to provide practical strategies that empower parents and caregivers to foster growth and positive change in their children’s daily lives.
Date: January 17 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Online
D-backs Autism Awareness Event 2025
Attend this special event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting inclusion for individuals with autism. Families, friends, and supporters are invited to enjoy an exciting baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers, with accommodations for sensory sensitivities. A portion of each ticket purchase supports the Autism Academy.
Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: Game starts at 6:40 PM
Location: Chase Field, 401 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ
Autism Friendly Indoor Easter Egg Hunt
Participate in this family-friendly event designed to provide an enjoyable Easter experience for children with autism. The indoor Easter egg hunt offers a safe and accommodating environment, ensuring all children can join in the fun.
Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: SOS Maryvale, Phoenix, AZ
ABS Autism Fun Festival 2025
ABS Autism Fun Festival 2025
Celebrate Autism Awareness Month at this fun-filled community event for the whole family. Enjoy bounce houses, a petting zoo, arts & crafts, horses, games, and more in a supportive and inclusive environment. Hosted by American Behavioral Solutions.
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Kelly’s Cottage Ranch, 6601 S El Mirage Rd, Tolleson, AZ 85353
Registration: Register Here
World Down Syndrome Day 2025
Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day at this special event dedicated to raising awareness and promoting inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. Families, friends, and supporters are invited to enjoy a day filled with activities, entertainment, and community connection. This event highlights the importance of advocacy and acceptance for people with Down syndrome.
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale, AZ
Neurodiversity in Bloom – A Community Party to Celebrate Autism Acceptance
Neurodiversity in Bloom is a community event celebrating autism acceptance with activities designed for all ages. This event fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, providing opportunities for families and individuals to connect, engage, and enjoy a fun-filled day.
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: DreamCatcher Park, Surprise, AZ
Snow White – Private Viewing Party
The Autism Society is hosting a private sensory-friendly screening of Disney’s Snow White (Live Action, 2025). This event is open to all ages, providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Previews will begin at 9:30 AM, and seating is first come, first served. The cost is $7 per attendee, and registration is required as spots are limited.
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM MT
Location: Fat Cats Gilbert, 4321 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Zoowalk for Autism Research
Join the Outsiders at their first gathering of 2025 for the Zoowalk for Autism Research at the Phoenix Zoo! This event aims to raise funds to support innovative, high-impact research at Arizona State University to enhance the lives of children and adults with Autism.
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 7:00 AM
Sibshops for Siblings of Children with Autism
Sibshops are specially designed for neurotypical children aged 7–14 who have a sibling diagnosed with Autism. These sessions provide siblings with peer support, valuable information, and a chance to connect in a fun, recreational environment. Led by a certified Sibshops facilitator, this is a lively and engaging drop-off event where participants can share experiences and build friendships.
Date: Saturday, February 8th
Time: 10:00 AM – Noon
Day of Learning
Join a Day of Learning designed to provide information, resources, and networking opportunities for professionals, families, self-advocates, and anyone supporting individuals with Autism and Neurodivergent conditions.
Date: January 25, 2025
Location: Desert Willow Conference Center 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd, Phoenix, AZ
Tempe LEGO Club
Are you a LEGO enthusiast? Join the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix for an exciting event where creativity and connection come together! Build incredible creations and friendships in a fun, inclusive environment. Each Autistic individual must be registered separately. Additional support persons or family members can be included under the same registration.
Date: January 16, 2025 , 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: 515 E Continental Dr, Tempe, AZ 85288.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mttvwtf/lp/ab02582d-f49c-468d-8b75-c6317807e8a7
Virtual Game Night
Join other individuals on the spectrum for a Virtual Game Night on the 4th Monday of each month.
Date: Monday, December 23rd, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Virtual Game Night
Join others on the spectrum for a Virtual Game Night, organized by the Autism Society, held on the 4th Monday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This event provides a space where youth can connect and enjoy time together!
Date: Monday, November 11th, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Virtual.
Sensitive Santa
On Saturday, December 14th, 2024, from 9am – 3pm at Surprise Stadium, enjoy a festive holiday event featuring vendor booths, games, crafts, and delicious snacks. Families can take part in these fun activities while waiting for a private one-on-one photo opportunity with Santa, which will take place indoors.
Date: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Surprise Stadium
REV’D UP for Autism Car Show & Resource Fair
Attend the REV’D UP for Autism Car Show & Resource Fair, presented by Pawsitive Friendships. This event includes a resource fair with booths providing valuable information for families, and all proceeds will support animal therapy for individuals with special needs.
Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Mesquite High School in Gilbert
Fall on the Spectrum 2024
Join "Fall on The Spectrum," the highly anticipated annual Fall event hosted by The Autism Nation, designed to cater to the needs of autistic and special needs families. This event is a wonderful opportunity to gather your family and friends for a day filled with fun and excitement!
Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Location: Chateau Luxe Event Venue, 1175 East Lone Cactus Drive Phoenix, AZ 85024.
Halloween Bash
Halloween Bash
Date: Saturday, October 26th
Date: From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: SEEDs for Autism, 3420 S 7th St, 8, Phoenix, AZ 85040.
Join us as we partner with SEEDs for Autism for a spooktacular Halloween Bash! This event is intended for Autistic Teens and Adults. There will be games, music, food and fun! Costumes are encouraged with several awards up for grabs!
East Valley Trunk or Treat
East Valley Trunk or Treat
Date: October 5th and October 12th
Time: From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: All Into Therapy. 515 E Continental Dr, Tempe, AZ 85288.
Come on out for some fun and treats without the spooks and scares! Be sure to bring something to collect your treats in! This is the perfect place to practice Trick or Treating skills. Guests will vote for the best trunker. Open to all ages and abilities!
Transformers One: Private Viewing Party
Transformers One: Private Viewing Party
Date: Saturday, September 21st, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Fat Cats Gilbert 4321 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234.
Join the Autism Society for a private viewing of Transformers One. This is a sensory friendly event open to all ages. The movie will start at 9:30am. There will be previews shown before the movie. The cost is $7 per attendee. Registration is required and spots are limited so RSVP quickly.
Red, White & Ice (Skating)
Red, White & Ice (Skating)
Date: Sunday, July 28th, from 03:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Location: AZ Ice Peoria.
Cost: $5 per attendee, skate rental included.
Beat the heat of summer and join us for a fun afternoon of ice skating! This is a private event for the Autism Society. This event is open to all ages and abilities.
Autism Fun Festival
Autism Fun Festival
Date: Sunday, April 21, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Kelly's Cottage Ranch 6601 S El Mirage Rd, Tolleson, AZ 85353.
Next month, April, will be Autism Month. And since our hearts are painted in blue, we will be celebrating in a special way our Autism Fun Festival. We look forward to seeing the entire ABS Family there to share, have fun, learn, play, and express ourselves in the unique and special way we all have!
ABAI - 18th Annual Autism Conference
Science-Informed Applications in Autism Spectrum Disorders
ABAI - 18th Annual Autism Conference
Science-Informed Applications in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Date: March 18-20, 2024
The Association for Behavior Analysis International announces the 2024 Autism Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada!
For more details follow the link:
Halloween Bash
Halloween Bash
Date: Saturday, November 4th, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join Autism Society of Grater Phoenix and SEEDs for Autism for their annual Halloween Bash! This event is intended for Autistic Teens and Adults. There will be games, music, food and fun! Costumes are encouraged!
For more details follow the link:
AzABA Annual Conference
AzABA Annual Conference
Practicing with Integrity Values in action
Date: October 13-14, 2023
The AzABA Annual Conference is the largest ABA specific event in Arizona. This year’s hybrid conference will feature engaging speakers from around the country. Join us for two, 3-hour workshops on Friday and conference sessions on Saturday. The full agenda will be announced soon.
Stay up to date and register at:
AzABA Event
AzABA Event
Free CEU for members: Current research in the use of ABA to treat feeding disorders
Date: Thursday, June 1
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Find more details on the official website by clicking on the following link:
Arizona Walk
Arizona Walk
Date: Saturday, October 12th, at 9:00 AM
Location: Chicken N Pickle, Glendale.
Autism Speaks Walk is the world’s largest fundraising event to enhance the lives of people with autism today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. The Autism Speaks Walk brings together people with autism and the parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, relatives and providers who support them.
For more details, follow the link:
Comunidad de Autismo
Comunidad de Autismo
Fecha: Viernes, 27 de septiembre, de 9:00 AM a 11:00 AM
Ubicación: Wesley Community & Health Centers @ Golden Gate
1625 N 39th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009.
Únase a la Sociedad de Autismo del Gran Phoenix para una nueva reunión del grupo de apoyo en español. ¡Participe para recibir apoyo, compartir estrategias y ser escuchado! Esta reunión estará dirigida por Terry Perez.
Moms Night Out
Moms Night Out
Date: Saturday, September 7, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Spinato's Pizzeria and Family Kitchen 1614 E Bell Rd, #104, Phoenix, AZ 85022.
Connect with other Moms on this Autism journey! Moms of children of all ages are welcome, as everyone can learn from each other’s experiences.
12th Annual ETHICS in Professional Practice Conference
12th Annual ETHICS in Professional Practice Conference
Date: August 2, 2024
Hybrid Event
This is a one-day conference featuring leaders in the fields of Ethics, Psychology, Business, and Applied Behavior Analysis offered both for in-person attendance or virtually with recordings available for 14 days post-conference.
Of benefit to Behavior Analysts, Psychologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Teachers, Special Education Providers, School Administrators, Students and Parents & Caregivers.
For more details, follow the link:
12th Annual ETHICS in Professional Practice Conference | Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
Moms Night Out
Moms Night Out
Date: Saturday, July 20, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Original Hamburger Works, 2801 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Connect with other moms on this autism journey! Moms of children of all ages are welcome, as we can learn from each other’s experiences.
50th Annual Convention
50th Annual Convention
Date: Preconvention workshops: May 23–24, 2024
Convention: May 25–27, 2024
The Association for Behavior Analysis International announces their
50th Annual Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!
Find out more details here:
Inclusive Cookie Decorating Class - Christmas Themed
Inclusive Cookie Decorating Class - Christmas Themed
Date: December 13, 2023 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Glassy Brown Cookies, 224 High Street, Burlington, NJ 08016
Glassy Brown Cookies offer cookie classes that support individuals with disabilities, including autism and more. Join Glassy Brown Cookies and the team for a 1hour class where you'll learn how to decorate 2 Christmas-themed cookies with royal icing. Don't worry if you don't have any decorating experience because it's unnecessary! The best part? Boxes will be provided to transport your treats home and enjoy them safely.
Find out more details here: :
Arizona Walk
Arizona Walk
Date: October 14, 2023
Location: Riverview Park, 2100 W Rio Salado Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85201, United States.
For more details and registration click on the following link:
11th Annual ETHICS in Professional Practice Conference
11th Annual ETHICS in Professional Practice Conference
Hybrid Event
Date: Friday, August 4
Find more details on the official website by clicking on the following link:
ABAI 49th Annual Convention
ABAI 49th Annual Convention
Pre-convention workshops: Thursday, May 25 - Friday, May 26
Convention: Saturday, May 27 - Monday, May 29
Follow the link for more details:
Monthly Newsletter
Discover the latest news, updates, and activities at ABS through our monthly newsletter. Each edition features valuable information, upcoming events, helpful resources, and exciting announcements to keep you informed and connected. Don’t miss out, stay in the loop with everything happening at ABS!
Reinforcers are the topic of the month because they happen to be critical to the success of an ABA therapy program. Reinforcers are instrumental in teaching and shaping desired behaviors, especially for children diagnosed with ASD.
They can be tangible or intangible objects or actions that are used to increase the occurrence of a certain behavior, such as treats, toys, kisses, praise, and anything else that reinforces the positive behavior.
Autistic individuals have increased risk of chronic physical health conditions
Autistic people have higher rates of chronic physical health conditions across the whole body and are more likely to have complex health needs, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Cambridge. Their findings, published in the journal Molecular Autism, have important implications for the clinical care of autistic people.
Autistic people have higher rates of chronic physical health conditions across the whole body and are more likely to have complex health needs, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Cambridge. Their findings, published in the journal Molecular Autism, have important implications for the clinical care of autistic people.
Read the complete article at:
Brain's 'Spaces' Hold Clues to Origins of Autism
The fluid-filled spaces around the brain's blood vessels need proper waste "clearance" every few hours. When that fails to happen, a baby's risk for autism appears to rise, new research shows.
It's too early to say that trouble within these "perivascular" spaces causes autism, but it seems to be an early marker for the condition, a team from the University of North Carolina (UNC) reports.
“Our findings were striking, given that neuro-radiologists typically view enlarged perivascular spaces as a sign of neuro-degeneration in adults, but this study reported it in toddlers,” noted study co-author Dea Garic, a research assistant professor in UNC's department of psychiatry.
Read the complete article at:
Brain's 'Spaces' Hold Clues to Origins of Autism (usnews.com)
HAVE THESE MOMENTS BACK. . . SAFELY. It’s up to ALL of us. Protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting vaccinated.
- Safe and effective
- Free
- Available to everyone age 12 and over
- No appointment needed
New Instructor Directory
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) announces on its official website a new instructor directory resource. It contains instructors from ABAI-accredited programs and verified course sequences. The directory was created to help advance the field of ABA by facilitating search and contact among colleagues to fulfill teaching-related services, especially in areas with few behavior analysts.
Click on the following link for more details:
Could mitochondria be the key to a healthy brain?
Richard Frye, a pediatric neurologist and autism researcher at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Arizona, and his colleagues have found that the amount of air pollution that children with autism were exposed to before birth altered the rates at which their mitochondria produced ATP. In another, the researchers found correlations between early-life exposure to both nutritional metals such as zinc as well as toxic metals such as lead, and how well the organelles functioned in those with autism later in life. These, along with other findings suggest that mitochondria may be the missing link between autism and the environmental influences that contribute to the condition.
Access the complete article at:
What is the latest research on autism?
The website Medical News Today for medical information and news has published a recent article about de latest research on autism field. The report is based on many studies exploring enviromental and neurologycal contributing factors, gene variants that could play a role in the development of ASD, the incidence of gut microbiome in ASD symptoms, as well as new horizons of diagnostics and testing.
Extinction refers to a procedure used in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in which reinforcement that is provided for problem behavior (often unintentionally) is discontinued in order to decrease or eliminate occurrences of these types of negative (or problem) behaviors
While this procedure is most commonly used in children with Autism and Down Syndrome, it can also be used very successfully to address a broader array of problema behaviors, including those exhibited by individuals without developmental disabilities
New hope for people living with a genetic cause of autism
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, report in the journal Neurobiology of Disease they were able to ameliorate Fragile X syndrome symptoms after inserting the Fmr1 gene into the brains of very young transgenic mice that had been genetically engineered to lack this gene.
When the researchers measured brain activity for signs of anxiety and hyperactivity in response to stimuli such as stresses and sounds, they found that the reactivation of the gene in these mice had led them to no longer show Fragile X syndrome symptoms.
Find out about these promising results at:
More Arizona kids are being diagnosed with autism than ever before
Centers for Desease Control (CDC) has published new data on the prevalence autism. The CDC compiled data from 11 states including Arizona. The research found 1 in 36 kids who are 8 years old have an autism diagnosis compared to 1 in 44 in 2018. Results also show that more younger kids in Arizona are being diagnosed. According to the data, 1 in 64 (or 1.6%) 4-year-olds are on the spectrum in Arizona.
Read the complete article at:
Brain 'Organoid' Study Hints at the Origins of Autism
Research using three-dimensional replicas of the developing brain created in a lab dish is shedding new light on autism spectrum disorder. “It’s amazing that children with the same symptoms end up with two distinct forms of altered neural networks", co-senior author Dr. Flora Vaccarino said in a university news release.
Read the complete article at:
