The Autism Society is the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization. We work to increase public awareness about the day-to-day issues about people across the spectrum, advocate for appropriate services for individuals of every age, and provide the latest information regarding treatment, education, research, and advocacy.

When a parent first receives a diagnosis of autism for their child, it will undoubtedly be one of the hardest moments of their life. Families experience the various stages of grief and loss over and over. As parents, we come to grieve about the future we had planned for our child. We feel angry, we feel sad. We ask ourselves what we did to cause our child to have autism. We ask what now? Eventually we come to accept our child’s diagnosis. At times the journey is lonely but there is help, there are resources and there is a supportive community of families and professionals.

At the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, we strive to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We know what it’s like raising a child with Autism or Asperger’s because almost every member of our Board of Directors is the parent of a child on the spectrum. The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix provides information, resources, and support to families, professionals and educators affected by autism.

The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix has merged with the Arizona Autism Network of the West Valley (AZANOW), AZ ASSIST and the East Valley Autism Network (EVAN).

AZANOW (www.azanow.org) assists families in the West Valley seek answers about services, provides networking opportunities, education and resources. AZANOW also organizes community events which allows for a stronger and more knowledgeable community.

AZ ASSIST (www.azassist.com) is a community of families of teen and young adults on the autism spectrum where self-advocacy and independence are promoted and encouraged.

EVAN is a parent-led support group providing hope, resources, information, and support for families with children on the Autism spectrum.

Working in collaboration has permitted these dedicated organizations to offer social gatherings for families, which include, but are not limited to, annual Spring picnics, Sensitive Santa events, Lego clubs, support groups, social thinking groups, monthly meetings and trainings, including Autism 101 and Be Safe. With the direction and guidance of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, families can feel confident in their ability to advocate for their child and determine what resources are available to meet their family’s unique needs. Our hope is that families affected by autism will come to a time where they have more good days than bad. Families will not feel alone and will help other families succeed.

For more information about the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, please visit www.phxautism.org or contact us at (602) 295-8062. The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and its affiliates are a recognized 501©3 organization. Donations are accepted via the website or by check to help continue our mission to help families affected by autism.