Presented by ALEX THOME SaRrc: Hands that help Presented by ALEX THOME

Contents History  Pg. 3 Mission Statement  Pg. 4 Volunteer  Pg. 5 Programs  Pg. 6 Early Intervention  Pg. 7 Reference Sites & Info  Pg. 8 Table of

History 1997- This history of SARRC begins with two dedicated mothers of children with autism and a doctor who cared for their children. The threesome met routinely to share each other’s tears, laughter, setbacks, triumphs and hopes. The group quickly expanded and outgrew their table at the Paradise Valley coffee shop where they met. It was here, in the minds of a determined few - Raun Melmed, Denise Resnik and Cindy Schneider - that SARRC took flight.

statement “Established in 1997 , the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center’s(SARRC) mission is to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families.” Mission

Work: Get involved! volunteer General Daily Tasks Opportunities to help with mailings, manuals and general everyday tasks are always available. Due to our hours of operation, these jobs need volunteers Tuesdays through Thursdays, generally in the morning. Special Events We are always in need of volunteers for our special events and fundraisers. Each year, SARRC hosts three major events and at least a dozen smaller ones. These usually occur in the evenings or on the weekends. Research and Vocational Help Our research and vocational departments are always in need of volunteers to assist with data entry and community projects. Working With the Children Due to agency regulations, we cannot have volunteers work directly with the children in the classroom. Other opportunities to work with the children are evaluated on a case by case basis. volunteer

Programs: What’s available Clinical Programs SARRC's clinical include applied behavior analysis (ABA); pivotal response teaching (PRT); early intervention; parent education and training; services and programs implemented across the lifespan; and capacity-building methods that support children with autism in inclusive, natural environments School-Based SARRC's school-based autism services focus on supporting students in inclusive education programs and/or transitioning students from special education to general education placements. Vocational The Vocational & Life Skills Academy was established by SARRC to maximize the independence, productivity and quality of life of young adults and adults with autism and related developmental disorders. Through ongoing education, daily living skills training, supported employment and interest-based career and job development, young adults and adults with autism have the opportunity to expand their horizons and give back to our community.

Intervention: Sooner is better Speech Therapy Language deficits are one of the core aspects of autism, and speech therapy provides professional help and guidance in communication development for individuals with autism. Occupational Therapy Although not listed in the DSM IV as one of the recognized deficits in autism, clinicians have found that many children with autism have significant hypotonia. Others have motor-planning problems affecting their ability to perform fine-motor tasks such as writing. Occupational therapists are an essential part of the treatment team working on these deficits and primarily work on improving functional skills. Physical Therapy Some children qualify for physical therapy because their motor-planning and hypotonia affect their ability to move and walk. Motor delays can compound difficulties for children with other developmental problems. This chart shows the split of % of children(gender) are diagnosed with an ASD. Early

Websites: More info to help American Father's Autism Network This is a link that helps fathers understand and become a support rock when it comes to children on the ASD spectrum. AZ ASSIST - Autism Spectrum Support, Information & Strategies for Transition This website helps parents transition their child from high school to “adult life”. Phoenix High Functioning Autism/Asperger Family Network Local valley family network, that helps families plan and organize get togethers or seminars to help with assisting your child. Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center Sarrc is one of the largest resources for ASD information and assistance. Sarrc provides families with hope and knowledge to help them through tough and puzzling times. references