January 2022 Newsletter
The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix
is pleased to announce the following staff updates:
Olivia Fryer as the new Executive Director.

Olivia Fryer has lived in Arizona for fifteen years. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children. Their oldest son is diagnosed with autism and utilizes an augmentative communication device. Her youngest son is neurotypical and is his brother’s best friend and supporter. Her sons are her pride and joy. Olivia enjoys assisting families affected by autism, as she understands the struggles families can endure on their journey. Olivia loves spending time with her family and likes to travel, garden, read, bake cookies, and is an avid Arizona Coyotes hockey fan.

Olivia holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Akron. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Olivia was an Executive Committee Member of the Arizona Autism Network of the West Valley and was a board member of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix for four years.

Olivia is a certified BE SAFE instructor, Sibshops facilitator, Partners in Leadership graduate, and has participated in community advisory boards. She has worked within the disability community since 2014 and previously worked with children in kinship foster care. Her previous employers include Southwest Human Development, Arizona Autism United and T.E.A.M. 4 Kids.

Olivia is dedicated to helping other parents, families and adults affected by autism and looks forward to her new role with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.
Sonya Hernandez as our new Community Director.

Sonya Hernández is a third generation Arizona native. She and her husband have two children, two dogs, one tortoise, and six chickens. Their son was diagnosed with Autism at age four and is currently in high school. Her daughter is presently studying at ASU. Sonya enjoys reading, yoga, eating out, volunteering, and traveling.

Sonya holds a BA from the University of Arizona (Bear Down!) in Mexican American Studies with a minor in Physiological Sciences. She also holds a SLPA and realtor license in the state of Arizona. She and her husband have been operating their own real estate business for the last 16 years.

Sonya has slowly become more involved in the Autism community as her children reach adulthood. She started volunteering with AZ Assist and is excited to start her new role with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. She is committed to expanding the services and opportunities for Autistic teens and adults.
The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is thrilled to share some exciting new changes for this upcoming year.
Be sure to look for the following in our February newsletter...

Updated Newsletter format with ads
Stories
Spotlight Corner
Social Outings for kids AND for teens/young adults
NEW BRAND LAUNCH
The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is a chapter of the National Autism Society. The Autism Society launched a new brand in late 2021 and we wanted to share it with all of you for the start of this New Year!

The Autism Society aims to foster connections within the Autism community. Connections to resources, information, services, opportunities, and of course, to each other. Our brand reflects the experiences, needs, and diversity of the Autism community, including Autistic individuals, their families, friends, caregivers, and professionals in Autism-related fields. Whether you are a parent looking for a support group, or a self-advocate looking for ways to impact policy in your community, the Autism Society knows that The Connection is You™. For more information on how this new brand came together and the meaning and vision behind it all, please CLICK HERE.
Temporary Changes to Home and Community Based Services To Be Extended Through Public Health Emergency

During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), AHCCCS has implemented more than 47 programmatic changes in order to ensure access to care for members and to maintain the ongoing viability of its provider network.The status of each of those requests is posted in the “Status of AHCCCS Emergency Authority Requests” document on this AHCCCS web page.

Although the Home and Community Based programmatic changes were due to expire March 12, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued assurance that the authority to continue these changes (known as Appendix K) will be extended for Arizona at least until the PHE ends. A formal approval of Arizona's Appendix K extension will be posted on the AHCCCS website upon receipt, and, in the interim, all Appendix K flexibilities will be continued.
Times are challenging. We are here for you.

With 12 FREE monthly online meetings,
ASGP offers something for everyone, including:

Spanish Support Group * Parent Support Groups *
Teen & Adult Support Groups * Virtual Game Night * 
Parent Meet Ups * Autism 101 Class *

If you need help: Visit our website for information, resources, and our calendar of online meetings. Please email us with any questions.

If you can help: $10, $20 or any donation amount you can give directly benefits kids, teens, adults, & families with autism in ArizonaDonations of any amount qualify for the Charitable Organization Tax Credit. (See below.) Additionally, we can arrange monthly giving for you.

If you need a tax credit: ASGP qualifies for the Charitable Organization Tax Credit. Maximum credits are $400 for individuals, and $800 for married couples filing jointly. The Charitable Organization Tax Credit does not conflict with public or private school or foster care tax credits -- you can donate to all of them according to the tax laws.

Donations made up until April 15th, 2022 will go towards
your 2021 tax credit! There is still time to donate!

Our Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) Code is 20728.
Please consult your tax advisor with questions.
Does your employer have a payroll deduction program through your work where they match your donation to our organization through United Way?

Consider making a tax deductible donation of any amount through the United Way program at work by using the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix number: #0281 
THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER PHOENIX WILL BE HOLDING A COUPLE OF REGULAR
IN-PERSON MEETINGS THIS MONTH.

HOWEVER, DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WE ARE EXCITED TO CONTINUE SEVERAL ONLINE MEETINGS THROUGH ZOOM BELOW. WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US ONLINE!
ONLINE SUPPORT FOR
AUTISTIC ADULTS

HELD THE 2ND & 4TH SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

ASGP Asperger's/Autistic Adult Support Group:
Monthly support group for autistic adults ages 18+. (Normally held at the Pyle Center in Tempe)

WHEN: Saturday, January 8th
TIME: 1 - 3 PM

WHEN: Saturday, January 22nd
TIME: 1 - 3 PM
SPANISH ONLINE SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS

ASGP COMUNIDAD DE AUTISMO

Únase a nosotros para nuestra nueva reunión del grupo de apoyo en español de la Sociedad de Autismo del Gran Phoenix que se lleva a cabo el segundo martes de cada mes de 6: 30-8 pm y está dirigida por Catherine Valdivia Moore.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 11th
TIME: 6:30 - 8 PM


ASGP AUTISM PARENT
MEET UPS

HELD THE 2ND & 4TH FRIDAY
OF EACH MONTH

Come and chat with others on the same journey! Share your laughs, struggles, triumphs, & more. No speaker, but there will be someone to lead the discussion each week. Must sign up using the link and will be emailed the Zoom link for the meeting. Join us online!

Limit of 20 people per meeting to keep these meetings small.

WHEN: Friday, January 14th
TIME: 9:30 - 11 AM
IN PERSON TEMPE Meet Up Led by Rachel Lack

WHEN: Friday, January 14th
TIME: 9:30 - 11 AM
IN PERSON NORTH VALLEY Meet Up Led by Cynthia Cypher
ONLINE SUPPORT FOR
YOUNG ADULTS

ASGP North Valley Young Adult Asperger's/ASD Support Group:

Used to meet at Paradise Valley Community College when we could still meet in person.
Currently meeting online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Led by Dawn Oliver

Attendees: Many hold a diagnosis of non-verbal learning disorder, ASD, ADHD or a learning disability. Build connections and friendships, expand support network, social involvement and interests. Diagnosis is not necessary.

Engage in activities and small group discussions geared toward advancing social skills and building friendships. The group may also plan additional social activities. Ages 17-35.

WHEN: Saturday, January 15th
TIME: 11 - 12:30 PM 

ONLINE SUPPORT FOR
THOSE NEW TO AUTISM OR NEW TO AZ

ASGP AUTISM 101 CLASS:

FREE Class for those new to autism or new to Arizona.

WHEN: Tuesday, January 18th
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 PM


*Be sure to visit www.phxautism.org and click on Autism in Arizona for more information on how to access services and even watch an Autism 101 online.*
ASGP ONLINE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING FOR PARENTS

Our online support group will have guest speakers and will allow time for questions. It will also be recorded and uploaded on our website if you are not able to make it to the meeting or we reach our limit.

WHEN: Thursday, January 20th

TIME: 6 - 7 PM
Questions and Answer: Come and get your questions answered and share with other parents as the VP of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, Cynthia Macluskie, moderates this Q&A hour.

TIME: 7 - 8 PM
SPEAKER: Jessica with AST
TOPIC: Join us this month as Jessica with Autism Spectrum Therapies, AST, discusses ABA therapy, social skill groups, teen and adult services, and so much more!

*We will also raffle off an Amazon gift card at the end of the meeting!*

ASGP Online Monthly Support Group Meeting (3rd Thursday each month)

ONLINE SUPPORT FOR TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS

ASGP VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT:

We will have one Virtual Game Night each month on the 4th Monday of every month from 6 - 7:30 PM. Be sure to mark your calendars!

We will be playing Super Smash Brothers Ultimate on the Switch and Minecraft on the computer each month.

DATE: Monday, January 24th
TIME: 6 - 7:30 PM

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR MANY VOLUNTEERS AND CCV CHURCH FOR MAKING THE 3 SENSITIVE SANTA EVENTS POSSIBLE!
















We had hundreds of families that were able to enjoy these amazing events safely!

Thank you for all you do. You make a difference, every day!
Ways to Give Back
Support Autism Society of Greater Phoenix * Helping families for over 45 years! 

Awareness * Trainings and Social Events * Lego Clubs * Picnics * Conferences * Advocacy * Outreach * Autism 101 Classes * Rural Advocacy Trainings *Be Safe Trainings for Law Enforcement and the Community *Legislation * Workshops and Classes * Family Events * Mom's Meet Ups * Support Groups for Parents and Adults on the Spectrum * Government Relations * 
 
Almost everything we do for families is free. 91% of all donations go right back out to the local community. All donations are tax deductible. You can give in several ways: 
 
1. Sign up for a payroll deduction program through your employer or consider making a $25 or more tax deductible restricted contribution today to Autism Society of Greater Phoenix through United Way: #0281 

2. Donate online at www.phxautism.org 

3. Donate through Amazon Smiles and a percentage
will come back to us.

4.Donate goods, services or volunteer for our events. Contact Olivia for more information on volunteering or donating items.

5. Sign up through Fry's Community Rewards Program for those that use a Fry's card, click the link above, then search for Autism Society of Greater Phoenix either by name or use FE489 and then click Enroll and donations will be sent to ASGP.

6.Mail a donation: 
    Autism Society of Greater Phoenix 
    PO Box 10543 
    Phoenix, AZ 85064 

**REMINDER: the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is a Qualified Charitable Organization for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. The maximum credits are $400 for individuals, and $800 for married couples filing jointly and you are welcome to donate any amount, and can make payments too.

Our Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) number is: 20728

Contact a tax professional for more information
on this tax credit.
You will be emailed a receipt for your donation.


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!