In 2016, PBS News Hour declared Phoenix to be “the most autism-friendly city in the world.” This mural, located on the west side of Goodmans at 14th Street and Indian School Road in central Phoenix, consecrates that status with a tribute to a few of the innovative organizations that contribute to the autism ecosystem in Phoenix! Learn more about the organizations and initiatives that have transformed Arizona’s landscape of inclusivity below.
Arizona Autism Charter Schools, Inc. educates students with autism and other neurodiversities using evidence-based strategies grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This educational model will be delivered by highly trained teachers and staff. Our goal is to make this high quality, specialized education accessible to students with autism in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and beyond.
Arizona Autism Coalition serves as a unifying force across the state, connecting families, educators, professionals and advocates to foster collaboration and share vital resources. By hosting educational events, supporting legislation that benefits the autism community and promoting partnerships among organizations, the Coalition ensures that families navigating autism have access to the support they need. Its statewide advocacy and coordination efforts create a foundation for Phoenix’s inclusive initiatives, helping to make the city a beacon for autism-friendly practices.
Arizona State University (ASU) is at the forefront of autism research and education, offering programs and services that empower neurodiverse students to thrive academically and socially. ASU’s innovative approaches, such as its leadership in designing autism-focused training for educators and conducting cutting-edge studies, have significantly advanced understanding and support for individuals with autism. is Leveraging its interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to academic innovation, the ASU College of Health Solutions is creating an inclusive center focused on health, education and housing to support neurodiverse individuals across the life course. Plans for the center now underway include research, policy development and interventions.
City of Mesa set a national standard by becoming the first Autism Certified City in the U.S. This designation reflects its comprehensive efforts to train city employees, adapt public spaces, and create sensory-friendly experiences that accommodate autistic individuals and their families. Mesa’s focus on accessibility and community engagement ensures that its programs and services meet the diverse needs of its residents, making it a cornerstone of Greater Phoenix's broader vision for inclusion.
City of Phoenix has embraced inclusivity through initiatives that improve accessibility and sensory friendliness in public spaces, events and services. By providing autism training for City employees and collaborating with local organizations, Phoenix has become a leader in fostering a supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals. These efforts extend to partnerships with schools, businesses and healthcare providers, ensuring that autism-friendly practices are woven into the fabric of daily life, cementing its status as a global model for inclusion and accessibility.
Creighton University’s presence in Phoenix enhances the metro area’s reputation as an autism-friendly community through its commitment to neurodiverse healthcare education and practices. Through integrated training into its medical and professional programs, Creighton is ensuring that future healthcare providers are equipped to care for the whole person and meet the unique needs of individuals with autism and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This emphasis on “cura personalis” promotes understanding and accommodations, contributing to a more inclusive healthcare landscape, aligning with Phoenix’s broader efforts to support neurodiverse residents of all ages.
First Place AZ is transforming how society approaches housing and community development for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (A/I/DD). Rooted in more than 25 years of research and collaboration with SARRC and more than 100 aligned organizations, First Place is committed to creating sustainable, supportive communities where adults can flourish and live with pride, purpose and greater independence. Its mission ensures housing, healthcare, employment and community options are as accessible for individuals with A/I/DD as they are for everyone else. The charitable nonprofit leads by example through the First Place–Phoenix, 81,000-square-foot mixed-use apartment community in the heart of midtown Phoenix, serving as home for adults who live there and a site for training and innovative practices; and the First Place Global Leadership, an international hub for education, training, research and public policy development, which facilitates knowledge-sharing and collaboration, advancing replicable models of inclusive community living and support across the U.S. and around the world.
Established in 1997, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) has been instrumental in positioning Phoenix as a leader in autism support. SARRC has earned international recognition as a nonprofit organization committed to pioneering research, implementing evidence-based practices, delivering effective training, and fostering inclusive communities across Arizona. At the heart of SARRC's mission is an unwavering dedication to providing lifelong support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), spanning children, teens, and adults, along with their families. Additionally, SARRC distinguishes itself through its commitment to cutting-edge research, collaborating with leading experts to conduct groundbreaking studies aimed at advancing the understanding of autism and developing effective interventions and treatments.
SMILE Biscotti blends entrepreneurial spirit with social impact by providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with autism. By involving autistic bakers in every step of the process, the organization creates a model of inclusion that showcases the talents and contributions of neurodiverse individuals. Beyond its delicious products, SMILE Biscotti inspires other businesses to embrace neurodiverse hiring practices, making it a sweet contributor to Phoenix’s standing as an autism-friendly city. Starting in 2025, SMILE Biscotti is based at the Arizona Autism Charter School and embedded in its vocational program, Essential Piece.
The Precisionists and its Phoenix Precision Project harness the strengths of neurodiverse individuals in Greater Phoenix by placing them in specialized roles that align with their unique skills, proving that inclusion and innovation go hand in hand. Partnering with major companies, the organization creates meaningful career opportunities for autistic individuals, demonstrating the value of neurodiverse talent in industries like technology and business operations. By breaking down barriers to employment, TPI helps redefine the workforce and contributes significantly to Phoenix’s mission of being a leader in autism inclusion.
Learn More
Discover how Phoenix has earned recognition as “the most autism-friendly city in the world” by exploring the links below. The PBS News Hour series A Place in the World aired in 2016, highlights the city’s journey toward becoming a community that celebrates individuals with autism and other special abilities while championing inclusivity. Additionally, “In A Different Key” is an endearing documentary about the history of autism, tracking the very first case recorded in the U.S., and hearing stories from people all over, including SARRC and First Place AZ.
- PBS News Hour series A Place in the World Part 1: Giving adults with autism the skills to build independent lives »
- PBS News Hour series A Place in the World Part 2: How Phoenix became the most autism-friendly city in the world »
- A Movie: In A Different Key »
