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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.

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.

Check out the amazing fundraisers and events you can take part in to raise awareness and funds for the autism programs, services and research at SARRC. Thank you to each of our partners for being such huge supporters of SARRC during April’s Autism Awareness Month! 

“I want my own apartment, I want to move out!” My sister has started hundreds of phone calls with this sentiment. 

At 34 years old, my sister still requires some supervision when brushing her teeth. As a behavior analyst and a sister to someone on the spectrum who has a strong desire to be independent, it is on the list of things that she still needs to learn to do. 

“I wish I had someone like you to guide me and push me to promote independence earlier on,” my mom will tell me. 

Sam, 23, thought he was going to be a teacher. His mom was a teacher, and so that was familiar to him. In fact, he even worked at her school, helping at the childcare and aftercare facility.

Then one day, Sam’s parents were looking at programs offered through (SARRC and found a summer Tech Camp program offered at University of Advancing Technology (UAT). SARRC partners with a variety of camps to support inclusive programs for campers of all ages, including this weeklong, on-campus program.