May 2025 | ISSUE 213

Recruiting Performers for Our Annual Talent Show!

AZA United is thrilled to announce plans for our 2nd annual Spectrum of Dreams talent showcase, a community event to celebrate the unique gifts and hard work of the autism community! We invite anyone on the autism spectrum ages 7 and up to apply to perform in the talent show. That includes children, teens and adults!

Our goal is to create an entertaining and impactful experience that will leave the audience with a better appreciation for the spectrum of dreams in our community. Filling out the interest form below is the first step in the process. Once confirmed, all participants will have the opportunity to work with a performance coach to rehearse their act and prepare for the showcase. Participants do NOT need to be AZA clients.

We are open to any talents or skills that can be shown to an audience on a stage, and we know the uniqueness of the autism community means there will be many unique talents. Whether it’s music, dance, storytelling, magic, gymnastics, or something entirely original, we want to see what makes you shine. 

This year, we will also have an option for visual artists to showcase their talents in the lobby before/after the show and during intermission.

Have more than one talent? No problem! You don’t need to decide right away. Just let us know you're interested, and together we’ll figure out the best way to showcase your skills.

If you or your child would like to showcase a talent, complete this interest form.

We will contact you to discuss next steps. We look forward to connecting!

Join Us for a Night at the Movies!

We are excited to host two private, sensory-friendly screenings of Elio, open to the entire AZA community! To make this event accessible for families across the valley, we will host one showing on June 24th at 5:30PM, one at the Peoria Arrowhead 18 Harkins Theatre and one at the Chandler Fashion 20 Harkins Theatre.

Tickets are $6/person and we have limited availability, so save your spot today!

If you have any questions, please contact Events@AZAunited.org



How Medicaid Helps Fund Autism Services in Arizona

Navigating the world of autism services can be challenging for families, especially when it comes to understanding how these services are funded. 

In Arizona, Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). AHCCCS, DDD and ALTCS are all examples of Medicaid funded programs in Arizona.

This blog aims to explain the importance of Medicaid funding in Arizona, and how it supports critical therapies and care services for members of the autism community.

To continue reading this blog post, click the link below.

"Triple P" Registration is Open

AZA United's Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) on Effective Parenting Strategies to Manage Behavioral Challenges will begin a new session the week of February 24, 2025.

The "Triple P" program gives parents simple and practical strategies to confidently manage their child’s behavior. During the Triple P program, each parent will have a workbook that has tools and information to support positive parenting practices. Triple P is also a great opportunity to meet other parents in similar situations. 

This program is designed for parents of children ages 2 to 17 that are NOT currently enrolled in an ABA program.

Sessions are held once a week for no more than 2 hours at a time and are conducted virtually. The program begins with group sessions involving other parents and then transitions to individual sessions with your Triple P parent trainer. The last session will be done as a group to discuss progress and share success stories. Your Title P parent trainer will guide you throughout the program and support you as you put your new skills into practice. At AZA, all Triple P parent trainers are overseen by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in addition to being nationally certified by Triple P International.

To learn more about our Triple P Program, click here.

Other Announcements & Resources

Autism Awareness License Plates

Arizona Department of Transportation has officially introduced Driving Support for Autism — Arizona’s first-ever specialty license plate. Designed by artist Joe Bradley, a founding member of SARRC’s Self-Advocate Advisory Board, this plate bursts with color and meaning, celebrating neurodiversity inspired by his own autism journey. With this plate, you can raise awareness for autism services and support a great cause - $17 from every plate goes directly to local nonprofits SARRC and First Place AZ. Visit ADOT's website to order yours today! 

NorthBridge Success Programs

At NorthBridge, their mission is to provide support, resources, and guidance to students with learning differences as they transition to, persist, and succeed in their educational and vocational endeavors. They offer High School, College, and Career Success Programs that are tailored to each individual! To learn more about NorthBridge's services and get started today, visit their website here.

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 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 brand new, 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.

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