Expediting the Diagnostic Process
There’s no blood test or MRI or CT scan. No single telltale biomarker. No biopsy. The process of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is more complex than that, requiring observation, interviews and testing to round out an assessment. These procedures can take a great deal of time for families once in the diagnostic center. And […]
Shifting our Perspectives: Girls & Autism
Michele Thorne dove in headfirst to understand the nuances of autism after her son, Jackson, was diagnosed just after his third birthday. The signs were obvious — regression in speech, repetitive behavior, and extreme difficulty in interacting with others. When her younger daughter, Maria, displayed none of those symptoms, Michele and her family assumed she […]
Here for You: Watch How SARRC Continues to Navigate Through Unique Times
SARRC's Annual Community Breakfast was given a makeover for 2020 allowing nearly 1,200 guests to attend the 22nd annual event virtually. The event, which was themed “Here for You,” recognized the ongoing efforts SARRC has been making to ensure that the necessary support continues for clients and families through the coronavirus pandemic. The 25-minute virtual […]
SARRC Co-Develops Virtual Autism Simulator for Law Enforcement
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) and VirTra, a global provider of training simulators for law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, have teamed up to develop comprehensive training for law enforcement officers. This training will be used to help officers bridge the communication gap and interact more effectively, and positively, with individuals with […]
A Day in the Life Of: Jena McCoy
Jena McCoy is a Transition Specialist with Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC). She works with First Place Transition Academy, operated by SARRC, a structured two-year program in the supportive environment of First Place–Phoenix that helps build crucial skills to support self-sufficiency. The program is designed to maximize students’ capacity to live more independently […]
Establecer rutinas y mantenerse motivado durante el distanciamiento social
Estamos en tiempos sin precedentes, pero eso no significa que no puedas navegar por este nuevo territorio y hacer lo mejor para ti y tu familia. La Directora de Servicios para Niños, Rachel Anderson, comparte formas efectivas de establecer una nueva rutina y mantenerse motivados mientras practicamos el distanciamiento social. ¡Aquí hay algunos consejos que […]
Establishing Routines, Staying Motivated During Social Distancing
We are in unprecedented times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t navigate this new territory and make it the best for you and your family. Our Children’s Services Director, Rachel Anderson, shares effective ways to establish a new routine and stay motivated as we practice social distancing. Here are a few tips that you may […]
SARRC’s 2019 Community Impact Report
Thanks to our supportive community, SARRC has been able to increase its impact in Arizona, and in some instances, across the U.S. every year. Below, read about some of the notable highlights from across SARRC's programs, services and research departments in 2019. 6,650 people supported through educational outreach events and training programs 36 students enrolled […]
Prevalence of Autism Increases by 10%, to 1 in 54 Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its new biennial data from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) on the prevalence of autism in the U.S. The network identified 1 in 54 children as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD), representing a 10% increase from previous estimates. In 8-year-old children, about 1.85%, or 1 […]
SARRC’s Jumpstart Helps Change the Course of a Mother and Son’s Journey
When Allyson Perreault’s son received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age 4, she remembers being completely overwhelmed. “I didn’t know where to begin,” recalls Allyson of her son, Myles. “He had been in a developmental preschool and was testing behind on everything.” The developmental pediatrician who diagnosed him gave Allyson and her […]