News

Story by Arizona Horizon

PHOENIX - For most of us, finding a job can be frustrating but for someone with a disability, it goes beyond that.  Employers often shy away from hiring people with disabilities, diminishing their chance at finding gainful employment. SARRC, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, has a program designed to help people with autism find work. SARRC partnered with 70 different companies committed to hiring people with autism. We look at the challenges and the benefits potential employees and employers face.

SARRC’s Family Services Specialist Janet Kirwan, RN, has always had a passion for helping families on their journeys with autism. Initially, it was her own experience as a mother of a child with autism that empowered her to get involved. Kirwan experienced success using applied behavior analysis with her son, William, so she formed an autism support group to assist other families in need. It was there that Kirwan connected with another mom seeking answers, SARRC’s Co-founder Denise Resnik. 

My name is Charles Hollenden. I am on the autism spectrum and I am one of many colleagues who joined SAP via the Autism at Work program. At age 4, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and then at 18, I was officially diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. I am now 36.

Story by Taylor Kinnerup

PHOENIX — The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center — known as SARRC — is expected to expand its programs and vision beyond Maricopa County to the entire state by 2030.

This will include at least 10 resource centers throughout the state anchored by SARRC’s most effective early intervention program — the community school.

In addition to the community school, the goal is to be able to provide people throughout the state with more resources when it comes to autism.

Story by Karla Navarrete

PHOENIX — Early autism screening proves to be a success for children with developmental delays; getting intervention at an earlier age.

With the prevalence of autism in children, it is a standard given that early intervention is key. According to the Centers for Disease and Control, one in every 59 children is diagnosed with autism.

Story by Maria Hechanova

AVONDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - A west Valley man is using his disability to inspire others to overcome their fears and achieve their dreams.

C.J. Hernandez, a 27-year-old barber from Avondale, was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old and used to be scared of getting a haircut.

"What got me real intimidated was the clipper, how it makes the noise, and the shears. I thought they were going to cut my eyes out," said Hernandez.

Getty Images Photo for Autism Speaks/Daniel Boczarski 
Story by Taylor Kinnerup | May 17

PHOENIX – A five-year study from Arizona’s Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center has helped improve autism detection in children.

In the study, SARRC’s average age of detection was 22 months. That’s more than half the average age of detection in the state reported by the Centers for Disease Control, which is 55 months.

On May 9, five graduates celebrated the culmination from the First Place Transition Academy operated by SARRC program. GateWay Community College (GWCC) honored the 2019 graduates at its commencement ceremony, marking the end of the two-year intensive and comprehensive community-based program in partnership with First Place AZ.

SARRC celebrated its 21st Community Breakfast event on May 9 which was held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort for the 20th consecutive year.

Nearly 1,500 guests attended the event, themed Next is Now—a nod to SARRC’s new strategic plan that will put effective services within reach of every Arizonan by 2030. To achieve SARRC's 10-year goals, five strategic anchors will help direct the efforts and resources. Read more about these goals on page 5.

When Arlo was 18-months-old, his parents, John and Jenna, noticed subtle sensory issues and a lack of speech development.

They asked their pediatrician if the characteristics and behaviors Arlo was exhibiting could be possible signs of autism. The pediatrician reassured them that nothing was amiss and said, “Boys develop later.”

By 2, Arlo still was not speaking.

A friend told Jenna that SARRC was conducting an early intervention study with pediatricians in the Valley, which included a pediatrician that had been recommended to them.