Support Organizations
Get Support
There are many organizations locally and nationwide that can offer support specific to autism and other neurodiversities and/or caregivers. Like anything, there will be people that absolutely love and support one organization and there will be some that absolutely hate that same organization. Some of the organizations listed don’t talk to each other much and others work together frequently. My job is to let you know that these organizations exist and hope that you’ll find the right one(s) for your situation. I don’t fully endorse one over the other. I do highlight Encircle Families because they are Arizona’s designated agency.
Information about organization services has been pulled from their website to give you a better understanding of what they offer.
Autism & Disability Organizations
Encircle Families
Every state has a parent training information center. Encircle Families is Arizona’s designated agency.
Services: Encircle Families helps parents and caregivers of children with disabilities so their whole family can thrive. Offering family support, parent to parent support, parent leadership, positive family coaching and more.
Contact information
Address: 5025 E. Washington Street,
Suite 204, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: (602) 242-4366
Website: https://encirclefamilies.org
Autism Experts
Services: You've found a place for help, advice, guidance & hope straight from the horse's mouth. Autism Experts is created & run by people on the autistic spectrum, so you can learn best practices & mistakes to avoid directly from those who've been there and lived it. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://www.autism-experts.org
Autism & Grief
Services: The Autism & Grief Project is a dedicated online platform designed to validate and support the grief of autistic adults. Our mission is to help adults with autism navigate and cope with the complexities of grief arising from the loss of a loved one or animal companion and provide guidance on addressing non-death losses, including challenges related to jobs or relationships.
Contact information
Website: https://www.autismandgrief.org
Autism Society of America
Services: The Autism Society of America, and our affiliate network, connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, resources, and community programming. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://autismsociety.org
Arizona Affiliates:
Greater Phoenix Website: https://phxautism.org
Southern Arizona Website: https://as-az.org
Autism Speaks
Services: Dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://www.autismspeaks.org
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Services: Seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Nothing About Us, Without Us! National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://autisticadvocacy.org
Care 4 the Caregivers
Services: Empowering Caregivers: Connect, Support, and Thrive together. Care 4 the Caregivers offers an informational space, an empowering environment, and programs and services that help families thrive.
Contact information
Address: 360 E. Coronado Road, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 320-6556
Website: https://care4thecaregivers.org
Gesher Disability Resources
Services: Creating bridges to bring all communities together. Serving children and adults affected by disability through inclusion assistance in the classroom, resource referral, residential support, employment opportunities, and social groups.
Contact information
Address: 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 205, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone: (480) 629-5343
Website: https://gesherdr.org
International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD)
Services: The first and only worldwide group dedicated to the scientific study of intellectual disability. An international, interdisciplinary and scientific non-governmental organization which promotes worldwide research and exchange of information on intellectual disabilities.
Contact information
Website: https://iassidd.org
Mamas of Autistic Kids Events - MAKE
Services: Through thoughtfully planned gatherings and events, MAKE creates spaces where mothers raising autistic children can build meaningful relationships, gain knowledge, and find genuine support and connection.
Contact information
Events take place in Maricopa County
Website: https://www.makeevents.org
National Autism Association
Services: The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. We achieve our mission through advocacy, research, education, direct tool, thoughtful awareness and hope. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://nationalautismassociation.org
National Autism Safety Council
Services: Building a safer world for the autism community. We’re committed to building a world where every child and adult with autism is understood, included and protected. We unite expertise to prevent injury and premature death in the autism community.
Contact information
Website: https://www.autismsafetycouncil.org
National Autistic Society
Services: We are here to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people. Based in the UK.
Contact information
Website: https://www.autism.org.uk
National Council on Severe Autism
Services: Pursuing recognition, policy and solutions for the surging population of individuals, families and caregivers affected by severe forms of autism and related disorders. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://www.ncsautism.org
National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities
Services: Conducts research and provides training and technical assistance to improve the lives of parents with disabilities and their families. We address a range of topics such as inequities in the child welfare system, health and healthcare barriers, parenting tips and strategies, and housing and economic disparities.National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://heller.brandeis.edu/parents-with-disabilities
NEXT for AUTISM
Services: Transforms the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative programs. We believe that individuals with autism deserve to live fulfilling, productive lives, supported by excellent services and connected to their communities. We continually ask, what’s next for people on the autism spectrum? National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://nextforautism.org
Organization for Autism Research
Services: The mission of OAR is to apply research to the challenges of autism. We use science to help answer the questions autistic people, families, caregivers, and professionals face in everyday life. That focus guides what we fund and what we build. Beyond supporting research, we also share clear and useful information widely across the autism community, focusing our work on improving the quality of life for autistic individuals and those who support and care for them. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://researchautism.org
Profound Autism Alliance
Services: Our mission is to improve the health and connection of autistic people who require lifetime, round-the-clock care through inclusive research and focused advocacy that will result in meaningful services and supports. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://www.profoundautism.org
The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
Services: Helps parents and caregivers find trusted guidance, practical education, and a community of people who have been there. National organization but hosts events in Arizona.
Contact information
Website: https://tacanow.org
The Association for Successful Parenting
Services: A national nonprofit advancing the rights, leadership, and self-determination of parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Parents with lived experience help lead our work to strengthen families and transform the healthcare, child welfare, and family support systems that affect their lives. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://achancetoparent.net
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism (TPGA)
Services: A one-stop source for carefully curated, evidence-based, neurodiversity-steeped information from autistic people, parents, and autism professionals. National organization.
Contact information
Website: https://thinkingautismguide.com
Non-Disability Organizations
Area Agency on Aging
Services: An Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a public or nonprofit private agency that helps older Arizonans. AAAs are chosen by the State to plan and coordinate services at the local level: Advocate for older adults and offer information on programs, options, and community supports. Many programs are offered in partnership with DES and funded through the Older Americans Act.
Contact Information
Website:
You can find the agency in your area by clicking here.
Arizona Caregiver Coalition
Services: A nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for family caregivers across Arizona. We collaborate with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Area Agencies on Aging, and other community-based organizations to strengthen caregiver resources and services.
Contact information
Phone: (888) 737-7494
Website: https://www.azcaregiver.org
Family Involvement Center
Services: Your journey is our mission and together, we create positive change, one family at a time. Offering counseling, family support, youth programs, parent support and programs for fathers and more!
Contact information
Address: 5333 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: (602) 412-4095
Website: https://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org
HopeKids
Services: Provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. We surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope is a powerful medicine.
Contact information
Address: PO Box 28471, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Website: https://hopekids.org/arizona-chapter
Lyric’s Loft
Services: An Arizona-based nonprofit supporting families affected by autism through donations of gently used clothing and resources. Our mission is to ease financial burdens, provide community support, and empower families with essential tools for a better quality of life. This is a great space to share our journey, the impact we've made, and the heartwarming stories of the families we've supported. Let's come together and make a difference in the lives of those affected by autism.
Contact Information
Phone: (984) 318-9999
Website: https://www.lyricsloft.net
Organizations Providing Goods or Financial Support
Mother’s Grace
Services: An Arizona-based community-driven organization devoted to providing essential support for moms and children facing acute life challenges. We extend critical assistance, including mortgage and rental aid, utility support, medical expenses, counseling, meals, and other services tailored to help families navigate crises.
Contact Information
Website: https://www.mothers-grace.org
Ryan House
Services: Enriches the quality of life and creates cherished memories for children and their families, providing a much-needed break from 24/7 caregiving, as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys.
Contact Information
Address: 110 W. Muhammad Ali Way, 1st Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: (602) 200-0767
Website: https://ryanhouse.org
Suzy Foundation
Services: We are dedicated to helping with the cost of equipment not covered by insurance for individuals with special needs.
Contact Information
Website: https://suzyfoundation.org