activities · 19
what they do
direct service · 19
- Adult Autism Peer Support Groups Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts monthly peer support groups for adults who are diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or exploring an autism diagnosis, including a virtual Fathers' Peer Support Group on the first Thursday of each month from 6–7 PM.
- Adult Autism Peer Support Groups Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts monthly peer support groups for adults who are diagnosed with autism, self-diagnosed, or exploring a diagnosis, including a virtual Fathers' Peer Support Group on the first Thursday of each month from 6–7 PM.
- Adult Peer Support Group for Autism Diagnosis Exploration Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts a monthly peer support group for adults who were diagnosed with autism as adults, are self-diagnosed, or are exploring a diagnosis, providing a space for connection and shared experience.
- Adult Social ClubOperates an Adult Social Club that meets twice a month with both virtual and in-person options, serving between 25 and 35 individuals monthly.
- Adult Social Club for Autistic IndividualsOperates a bi-monthly Adult Social Club with both virtual and in-person options, serving between 25 and 35 individuals monthly, providing opportunities for social connection and engagement.
- Adult Social Club with Virtual and In-Person OptionsOperates an Adult Social Club that meets twice a month with both virtual and in-person options, serving between 25 and 35 individuals monthly.
- Autistic Teens & Tweens Social Program Facilitated Social Games for Autistic YouthProvides a facilitated social space for Autistic Teens & Tweens to connect through board and card games, led by Autistic adult mentors.
- Community Awareness and Advocacy Events Adaptive Social and Recreational ProgramsOrganizes community events such as the premiere of the "All in for Autism" video collage, which featured local leaders and advocates discussing support for the autism community in Tucson.
- Fathers' Peer Support Group Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts a virtual Fathers' Peer Support Group on the first Thursday of each month from 6 pm to 7 pm, offering a dedicated space for fathers of autistic individuals to connect and support one another.
- Little's Meet Up for Young Autistic Children and Caregivers Facilitated Social Games for Autistic YouthOperates "Little's Meet Up" events for autistic children aged 9 and under and their caregivers to play and socialize in a supportive environment.
- Little's Meet Up for Young Children and Caregivers Facilitated Social Games for Autistic YouthOrganizes "Little's Meet Up" events for autistic children aged 9 and under and their caregivers to play and socialize in a supportive environment.
- Lunch & Learn Educational Series Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsOperates a monthly virtual Lunch & Learn series on select Wednesdays at noon, providing educational content and community engagement opportunities.
- Parent Peer Support Groups Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts multiple Parent Peer Support Groups on a monthly basis, including virtual sessions on the second Wednesday and in-person meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Tucson office, where parents can share experiences, access information, and build community connections.
- Parent Peer Support Groups Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts in-person and virtual Parent Peer Support Groups on a monthly basis, with meetings on the second Wednesday (virtual) and fourth Thursday (in-person in Tucson) from 6–7 PM, offering a space for parents of autistic children to share experiences, access information, and build community connections.
- Parent Peer Support Groups (Virtual and In-Person) Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts multiple Parent Peer Support Groups—virtual on the second Wednesday and in-person on the fourth Thursday of each month—for parents of children on the autism spectrum to share experiences, access information, and build community connections.
- Social Program for Autistic Teens & Tweens with Autistic Mentors Facilitated Social Games for Autistic YouthProvides an accepting and inclusive space for Autistic Teens & Tweens to connect through board and card games, facilitated by Autistic adult mentors.
- Virtual Lunch & Learn Series Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts a monthly virtual Lunch & Learn series on select Wednesdays at noon, providing educational and community engagement opportunities on autism-related topics.
- Virtual Lunch & Learn Series Autism-Focused Peer Support GroupsHosts a monthly virtual Lunch & Learn series on select Wednesdays at noon, offering educational and community engagement opportunities on autism-related topics.
- Youth and Family Social Programs Facilitated Social Games for Autistic YouthHosts regular social events for autistic children aged 9 and under ("Little's Meet Up") and structured social activities for Autistic Teens & Tweens centered around board and card games, facilitated by Autistic adult mentors.
strategies · 14
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Autism service navigation and resource support navigation_supportSupports individuals and families in navigating complex systems of autism-related services for both children and adults, while maintaining accurate, up-to-date resource information.
- Inclusive community building with accessible design inclusive community buildingThe organization creates inclusive, self-directed spaces for Autistic adults and youth to connect on their own terms, using accessibility strategies such as lunchtime programming to increase participation.
- Inclusive community building with accessible design inclusive community buildingCreates inclusive, self-directed spaces for Autistic individuals and caregivers to connect on their own terms, with programming designed for accessibility, including timing and volunteer-led delivery.
- Lived Experience Informed Approach lived_experience_informedThe organization emphasizes learning about autism directly from individuals with lived experience and Autistic advocates, ensuring that its understanding and support are grounded in authentic perspectives.
- Navigation Support for Services navigation_supportThe organization helps individuals and families navigate the complex landscape of childhood and adult services related to autism, providing guidance and support to access necessary resources.
- Neuroaffirming Perspective neuroaffirming approachThe organization adopts a neuroaffirming perspective, viewing neurodivergent individuals as "beautifully different" with valuable skills, rather than as "broken or wrong." This approach promotes acceptance and challenges deficit-based models of autism.
- Neuroaffirming, lived-experience centered approach lived_experience_informedCenters the voices and leadership of Autistic individuals and those with lived experience, affirming neurodivergence as a valuable form of human diversity rather than a deficit, and shaping programs accordingly.
- Neuroaffirming, lived-experience-informed approach neuroaffirming approachThe organization centers the voices and experiences of Autistic individuals in its programming and philosophy, adopting a neuroaffirming lens that values neurodivergence as a form of human diversity rather than a deficit. This shapes how services are designed and delivered.
- Peer-led and Community-Driven Support peer_supportThe organization operates a peer-led, community-driven support group model that includes structured check-ins and flexible small-group discussions based on participant needs. This approach fosters mutual support, social connection, and skill-building among Autistic individuals and their caregivers, leveraging shared experiences rather than clinical therapy.
- Peer-led, community-driven support model peer_supportUtilizes peer-led support groups facilitated by individuals with lived experience, including Autistic adults and caregivers, to foster mutual support, community connection, and skill building in a non-therapeutic setting.
- Peer-led, community-driven support model peer_supportThe organization uses peer-led support groups—facilitated by individuals with lived experience—to foster mutual support, community building, and skill development among Autistic individuals and their caregivers. These groups are structured around participant needs and emphasize shared experience over clinical intervention.
- Promoting autism acceptance and social change promoting acceptanceAdvances cultural and social change by promoting acceptance of autistic individuals, moving beyond awareness to foster inclusion and valuing of neurodivergent people in society.
- Service navigation and resource support navigation_supportThe organization supports individuals and families in navigating complex autism-related services across the lifespan, while maintaining accurate, up-to-date resources to improve access and reduce barriers.
- Volunteer-led operational model volunteer_ledThe organization relies on volunteers—particularly Autistic adults and experienced caregivers—to lead and sustain its support programs, enabling community ownership and scalability.
named programs · 5
what they call their work
Adult Diagnosed Group
Monthly in-person peer support group for adults who were diagnosed with autism later in life, self-diagnosed, or exploring diagnosis
Adult Social Club
Bi-monthly virtual and in-person social gatherings for autistic adults 18+ to connect, engage in activities, and build community in an inclusive space
Fathers' Peer Support Group
Monthly virtual support group specifically for fathers and male caregivers of autistic children and adults to connect and support one another
Parent Peer Support Group
Monthly virtual and in-person support group for parents and caregivers of autistic individuals to share experiences, exchange advice, and build community connections
Playformance Meet-Ups
Monthly in-person meetups for autistic teens and tweens featuring board and card games, facilitated by autistic adult mentors
relationships · 24
who they work with
- Amazon Partner — Partner organization in the Autism Friendly Community initiative
- Anchor of Hope Foundation Partner — Provides financial and spiritual support to families with developmental disabilities, including through the Supplemental Care Scholarship
- Autism Care Today Partner — Provides financial assistance to families impacted by autism through a tri-grant program including general, military, and S.O.S. grants
- Autism Society Office Partner — Provides meeting space for the Adult Diagnosed Group in Tucson, AZ.
- Autism Society of America Network — Local affiliate of the Autism Society of America
- Autism Society of Southern Arizona Partner — Hosts a Father's Group, linked from the Parent Peer Support Group page.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) Partner — Distributes Holiday Gift Cards to families in need of financial assistance during the holiday season
- Davis Pediatric Dentistry Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism
- Desert Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism
- Family Dental Group Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism
- Friends of Man Partner — Provides short-term financial assistance to individuals in need who meet specific eligibility criteria including income, sobriety, and stability requirements
- Gentry Foundation for Autism Partner — Offers financial assistance to children under 5 who are at-risk for autism and lack health insurance or AHCCCS benefits
- HSSA Partner — Partner organization in the Autism Friendly Community initiative
- Modest Needs Partner — Provides short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in temporary crisis who are just above the poverty level
- NortonLifeLock Partner — Partner organization in the Autism Friendly Community initiative
- Oracle Health Foundation Partner — Offers pediatric grants covering clinical, equipment, travel, and housing costs for children 21 and under who lack insurance coverage and meet income eligibility
- Oro Valley Pediatric Dentistry Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism
- Small Steps in Speech Partner — Provides support for speech therapy access to individuals aged 3 to 22 through financial assistance requiring clinical evaluations and cost documentation
- Southwest Dental Anesthesia Services Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism
- The Autism Community in Action (TACA) Partner — Provides national and regional scholarships to assist families affected by autism with financing medical costs
- Tohono O'Odham Nation Special Needs Program Partner — Partner organization in the Autism Friendly Community initiative
- Tooth Town Pediatric Dentistry Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism
- Tucson Pediatric Dentistry Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism
- Tucson Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Partner — Listed as a dental provider resource for individuals with autism