Tackling on multiple fronts the complex issue of housing for a growing special needs population.
“In A Different Key” Back in Phoenix The extraordinary documentary about a mother’s search for the first person diagnosed with autism—now an 88-year-old man living in rural Mississippi—continues its amazing, enlightening journey across the country. “In A Different Key” has been opening minds and hearts since its debut in Month 2021. A national tour began right here in Phoenix at
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place® AZ I’m sensitive. Always have been. As a kid, it caused me to carry too much weight on my shoulders, worrying about family, health and the pressing issues of the day. As an adult, I worried endlessly about our son Matt’s autism diagnosis and whether he would ever speak. Then he
SARRC’s 2022 Annual Community Breakfast Shares Theme of “Better Together” Congratulations, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, on reaching an incredible milestone—25 years! We look forward to celebrating with you at the 2022 SARRC Annual Community Breakfast, Thursday, April 14 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Arizona Biltmore. Read more about their story here. To mark SARRC’s 25th anniversary,
By Denise D. Resnik & Maureen Casey Like autism spectrum disorder, the challenge of providing quality housing and community options for adults with autism and other neurodiversities is complex. We can’t solve all problems all at once. But try telling that to the family of a newly diagnosed child without access to early intervention services; or to the adolescent who
Coaching • Connecting • Creating Confidence in the Future We’re excited to share that Lifelong Networks for Communities of Support (LNCS) sessions are back! LNCS is a group of parents and family members of adults with autism and other neurodiversities, who are helping coach and connect other families to help loved ones achieve their independent-living goals. The Wednesday, March 2
2022: First Place’s Year of Adventure! First Place–Phoenix residents and Transition Academy students recently experienced their first Adventure Club outing. The group donned boxing gloves and enjoyed an afternoon of sparing and boxing at Pro Edge Boxing MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. During a boxing-style workout, participants learned how to place their feet and hit the bag, as well as