April and Matthew Brady were first introduced to SARRC in 2018 after their oldest son was diagnosed with autism. After researching the different resources and options available, the family turned to SARRC for support.
“We were overwhelmed with the news and all the information that comes with a diagnosis,” April says. “When SARRC notified us there was an available spot for us to enroll in their Parent Training Program, without hesitation, we accepted.”
The family, including Matthew’s mother, participated in SARRC’s One-Week Parent Training Program, which provided them with strategies to help teach appropriate language, social and play skills as well as a foundation in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that is designed to benefit the child and their family throughout a lifetime.
After completing the program and implementing what they learned, they saw positive progress and outcomes in their son. Understanding the importance of early intervention and access to services, April and Matthew felt moved to become members of the Multiyear Visionary Partner (MVP) giving program, supporters who pledge a gift of five years or more which is invested into SARRC’s programs, services, and research initiatives.
“The faster we can make SARRC services available to communities across Arizona, the sooner early intervention can take place,” April says. “You can help your child, and your child can still succeed and have an extraordinary life. I just want to help parents get through this journey a little easier than maybe I did at first.”
As a mother of three young children, April describes herself as a typical mom without much free time for hobbies but manages to be involved at Scottsdale Bible Church. She participates in a women’s program there, discussing the challenges of raising children with special needs.
“Attending the program has been very impactful for me as we have some women in the program who are in their 70s and have children in their 50s with special needs, and parents like me, with young ones who have received a recent diagnosis,” April says. “I’m very active in the group and it’s one of my places of reprieve!”
April is a Chicagoan at heart, moving to Tempe to attend Arizona State University. Her husband Matthew is a self-described Arizona native, moving to the state from Ohio at two years old.
Are you interested in making a difference by becoming a SARRC Multiyear Visionary Partner? Learn more here.
