Reflecting on 25: Featuring Raun Melmed
REFLECTING ON 25: FEATURING SARRC CO-FOUNDER, DR. RAUN MELMED SARRC was founded in 1997 by two dedicated mothers of children with autism, Denise Resnik and Cindy Schneider, along with their developmental pediatrician, Raun Melmed, MD. We connected with SARRC co-Founder Dr. Melmed to get his take on the past 25 years, progress made, lessons learn, […]
SARRC Announces New Self-Advocate Advisory Board
After several years of planning, in December 2021, SARRC announced the founding of its first Self-Advocate Advisory Board (SAAB)—a group of individuals on the autism spectrum who will advise SARRC on issues ranging from programmatic efforts to vision, mission and strategic plan. “In SARRC’s 25-year history, we have emphasized the importance of listening to parents […]
Faster Answers: Early Autism Screening, Rapid Diagnosis Is Helping Families Across Arizona
At Zander’s three-year check-up, his pediatrician expressed concerns about his language. So the family scheduled an appointment with their local school district to discuss an individualized education plan for preschool. That was the first time Zander’s mother, Meredith, had heard the term ASD. She started learning more about autism spectrum disorder, and a family member […]
SARRC Named a ‘Best Place to Work’
We are proud to announce that SARRC was named a "Best Places to Work" for 2021 by Phoenix Business Journal. This designation is awarded to organizations that promote cultures that encompass excellent morale, engagement and retention. Winners are determined exclusively on the basis of responses by employees. Notably, this award demonstrates our more than 200 employees’ dedication […]
21st Annual Operation Santa Claus Supports SARRC
ABC15, in partnership with Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln, is proud to present the 21st Annual Operation Santa Claus Charity Drive. To help with our cause, please bring a new toy, children’s clothing item, packaged food item or a monetary donation to Sanderson Ford, Sanderson Lincoln, a UPS Store location nearest you or any Operation […]
A Day in the Life: Kyla Bernal-Christenson, Comprehensive Behavioral Program Senior Behavior Therapist
Hi everyone! My name is Kyla Bernal-Christenson. I am a Senior Behavior Therapist within the Comprehensive Behavior Program (CBP) at SARRC. I joined the SARRC team as a research intern in 2017, then transitioned into CBP with a desire to put what I learned from research into action in 2018. What drew you to SARRC? […]
Finding Her Way: For Sofia, SARRC’s Community School Provided the Foundation for Future Learning
When Sofia was 1, she wasn’t speaking. But being raised in a multilingual household, her parents thought maybe she was just a late talker or hearing too many different languages. But when Sofia started being picky with her food and becoming less social, they began seeking answers, turning to Arizona’s Early Intervention Program. By the […]
Entrepreneur with Autism Takes SARRC Into the World of Digital Currency
There are many ways to give including donating money, dining at certain delicious restaurants, stock volunteering, and more. But there’s a new option at SARRC thanks to Joe Bradley and his family. Joe and his wife, Heather, are fierce advocates for their 14-year-old son, Cooper, who was diagnosed with autism at age 5. As an […]
SARRC Celebrates YES Day for Autism Raising Nearly $400,000
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) hosted its first YES Day for Autism, a fundraising and awareness campaign, culminating with a community event and celebration at Tempe Beach Park on Sunday, Oct. 24. To signify the 1 in 71 children identified with autism in Arizona, SARRC introduced the 71-day fundraising and awareness campaign in […]
Save the [Coffee] Date: Press Coffee Selects SARRC as Annual Day of Giving Partner!
Save the date for Friday, Sept. 24 where all 10 Press Coffee Vally locations will be donating 100% of proceeds to SARRC! "We are passionate about supporting our community. That’s why we started the Press on Charities initiative in 2018 to make a larger impact on our communities," said Kevin Dykyj, Digital Marketing Manager for […]