December 2025 | ISSUE 220

Join Us for the 5th Annual Run for Autism

We are excited to announce our 5th Annual Run for Autism on Sunday, March 8th at 8:30 AM, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe.

You can run, walk or just enjoy the lawn activities. Virtual participants are also welcome!



This event will offer 3 different options: a 5k, a 1-mile Family Fun Run and a Virtual Run, as well as games and activities for everyone to enjoy!

SCHEDULE:

8:00 AM – Check-in begins; vendors & lawn games

8:40 AM – Stretch & warm-up

8:50 AM – Opening remarks; line up at start

9:00 AM – 5K begins

9:15 AM – 1-Mile begins

10:00 AM – Awards Ceremony

Early bird registration for this event is open now!

For event details and to register, visit our event website below. Join us for this community

awareness and acceptance event to support Arizona Autism United, an organization providing services to local families living with autism and other developmental disabilities!

If your business or employer would like to sponsor this event or if you would like to find out more information, please email us at Events@AZAunited.org



Your Tax Credit Supports Autism Families

This giving season, you can provide hope to families facing extraordinary challenges. In 2025, donations have helped AZA United provide over one million service hours to local children living with autism and other developmental disabilities and to their families.

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.



In 2025, the tax credit gives Arizona donors a dollar-for-dollar refund of up to $987 for couples and $495 for individuals.

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.



AAC Device Evaluations Now Available at AZA

AZA United is pleased to announce that our Speech & Language Services team is now approved to provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication Evaluations (AAC) for individuals needing a communication device.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC) can be a gamechanger for individuals with autism who experience communication challenges, providing new ways to express themselves and communicate with others effectively. The first step to getting an AAC device for your child is to complete an evaluation with an approved Speech Language Pathologist. AZA United's speech therapy team is now approved to provide these evaluations for Mercy Care members. There is no cost to eligible members!

There are various types of AAC including light-tech and speech generating devices. Our evaluations determine what kind of AAC is needed to support the individuals' communication. Once approved, AZA United will also provide training for parents and caregivers on how to program and use the device.

To learn more about the benefits of AAC, check out our blog: How AAC Devices Benefit Children with Autism. 

To request an evaluation, fill out this form.



Other Announcements & Resources

Kids With Autism Can Sensory Cooking and More!

Kids With Autism Can was founded with the goal of helping children and young adults with Autism (and other spectrum disorders) work towards independence through socialization, therapy, and education. They host events such as sensory cooking, outings to musicals or shows, and more to come as they expand their event calendar. Stay up to date with upcoming events by visiting their website.

World Premiere at Detour! The Addams Family: The Adaptive Version

Detour Company Theatre is hosting the world premiere of The Addams Family: The Adaptive Version this January! You can get tickets to see The Addams Family by clicking here. You can also learn more about Detour, a company with and for adults with disabilities by visiting their website.

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.

Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) - West Valley Autism Clinic

Our speech department provides a variety of services in different settings, and this role will specifically focus on our big, new therapy center in Avondale. For more information on if you or someone you know qualifies for this position and how to apply, please click here.

ABA Therapist for Children with Autism

Our ABA Treatment Services team is growing, and we are hiring! We offer ABA services in-home throughout the valley, as well as in-clinic at our legendary East Valley Center in Mesa, and our state-of-the-art West Valley Center in Avondale.

Direct Support Provider

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.

In Case You Missed It: Our 2025 Annual Report is Available!

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