April Newsletter

April 2026 | ISSUE 224

Thunderbirds Support New AZA United Center

AZA United is honored to receive a $50,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support Arizona Autism United’s new North Valley Center, which opened January, 2026, expanding access to autism diagnostic and mental health services in the Northwest Valley. The center provides Medicaid‑covered evaluations, psychotherapy services, and family support, helping reduce long wait times for local families. The grant supports start‑up and program costs and will help the center serve at least 150 individuals in its first year. Thank you, Thunderbirds Charities!

Learn more about Thunderbirds Charities

AZA United Celebrates 20 Years of Impact

This year, Arizona Autism United proudly celebrates 20 years of impact, while also honoring April as Autism Awareness Month. What began in 2006 as a small group of families - alongside founding president and CEO Dr. Aaron Blocher‑Rubin - determined to improve access to quality care has grown into a statewide nonprofit providing over 1.5 million service hours nearly 3,000 families each year through individualized, evidence‑based therapies and supports. Rooted in the belief that families deserve a voice and a true partner, AZA United continues to build services with families, not just for them, ensuring every child, adult, and caregiver has the support they need to thrive.

AZA United’s greatest strength is its workforce. With a team of more than 2,000 dedicated staff and contract workers, we all work diligently each day in a positive, collaborative environment to create meaningful opportunities and deliver the best possible outcomes for those we serve. We are proud to have earned the Top Workplaces award for several consecutive years - a national distinction based on employee satisfaction feedback gathered through an independent, third-party survey.

For the third consecutive year, AZA United has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to the autism community. In 2026, the organization was once again designated a Center of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder by Mercy Care. This recognition highlights AZA United’s steadfast dedication to delivering exceptional care and support to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families.

Whether at home, at one of our five centers, or within the broader community, Arizona families can access a comprehensive range of therapies, services, and supports tailored to their unique needs. These offerings include diagnostic evaluations, behavioral interventions, speech and occupational therapies, counseling services, family support and resources, community trainings, and awareness and acceptance events. We are honored to serve as a trusted pillar of inclusivity and support for our community.

Learn more about AZA United’s mission and 20 years of impact by clicking the button below.

Learn more about AZA United

Your Tax Credit Supports Autism Families

Arizona’s Charitable Organization Tax Credit allows you to donate to AZA United and receive a dollar-for-dollar refund on your 2025 state taxes — up to $987 for couples and $495 for individuals. That means your gift comes back to you, while your impact stays with the families who need it most.

Your donation helps make a difference in our community. We can expand our programs to more underserved families across the state thanks to YOUR generosity. You can even receive a refund on our state taxes thanks to the tax credit opportunity for people in AZ! Learn more about how your donations help here.

Take advantage of the Charitable Organization Tax Credit to support AZA United at no cost to you.

Simply donate now and get it all back when you file your taxes! AZA United will send you everything you need to make it easy. It's the simplest way to support the charities you care about. Feel free to share this opportunity with others you know that would like to help.

We encourage you to consult your tax professional or financial advisor for guidance on how the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit may apply to your circumstances.

Make your Tax Credit donation today

Other Announcements & Resources

Sensory Cooking for Families in Arizona

Sensory Cooking is a Phoenix‑based program that uses cooking as a hands‑on, sensory‑friendly way to build life skills, confidence, and independence for neurodivergent individuals. Founded by Katie Murwin, Sensory Cooking offers inclusive cooking classes, videos, and recipes designed with input from speech‑language pathologists and occupational therapists, supporting communication, sensory exploration, and social skills. Through structured, supportive culinary experiences, Sensory Cooking empowers learners of all ages and abilities to feel comfortable and capable in the kitchen. Learn more here.

Buddy Club 5K

Join Buddy Club on Saturday, April 25th for a celebration of inclusion, community and hope! Whether you are a seasoned runner, a casual walker, pushing a stroller, or cheering from the sidelines, this 5K event is for you. All fitness levels are welcome. Every step you take helps create space for families who need support, rest, and encouragement. AZA United families get $10 off registration with code AZA. Learn more here.

Programs & Services for Families

AZA United offers a wide variety of therapies, programs and services for individuals of all ages. Click on any of the links below to request help or view all available services here.

Habilitation, Respite & Attendant Care

ABA Therapy

Speech Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Diagnostic Evaluations

AAC Evaluations (Communication Devices)

Psychotherapy for Individuals & Families

Complex Care Services (Clinical Family Coaching)

Family Support

Job Opportunities with Team AZA

AZA United is a growing organization and we are always hiring great people to join our team! Click on any of the featured jobs below to learn more or view all job openings here.

ABA Therapist (Behavior Technician)

Our ABA Treatment Services team is growing, and we are hiring! We offer ABA services in-home throughout the valley, as well as our interdisciplinary children's therapy clinics in Mesa & Avondale, the East Valley Center and West Valley Center.

Direct Support Provider (DDD Services)

If you or someone you know is interested in providing in-home care services for individuals with developmental disabilities, apply for a position as a Habilitation, Respite & Attendant Care provider here. This role is available statewide and is a great opportunity to gain experience and make a difference.

Parent Provider - Habilitation & Attendant Care

AZA United helps parents become paid providers for their own child, where parents are able to provide Habilitation and Attendant Care Services. For more information on if you or someone you know qualifies for this position and how to apply, please click here.

AZA United's Annual Report

View Our 2025 Annual Report

Arizona Autism United | 602-773-5773 | www.AZAunited.org

Support our mission - Make a donation