Around the time Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) was founded, the incidence of an autism diagnosis was 1 in 500; today it is 1 in 36.

When our son Gardner was 3 years old, he had very few words and could not communicate verbally. On May 1, 2022, he was diagnosed with Autism Level 3, which would require significant support. We felt a rush of fear, helplessness, and desperation, and were sent off with a “good luck, see you in 6 months.”

With the love and support of our family, and the persistence of my Godmother Anne McNamara, we were led to SARRC. I was then incredibly fortunate to speak with SARRC’s chief clinical officer Rachel Anderson. Her unparalleled compassion in those moments will be something I hold with me forever.  I could breathe again.  We had a plan. 

Gardner attended the Community School at the Paiute campus for his first 2 years at SARRC.  This is where the real work began.  The love, patience, and empathy we received from the therapists within his first year made our heaviest moments feel lighter.  We saw steady improvement within that first year and with the support of parent training, we were able to meet our son on a level we never thought possible.  Gardner is now in his last year at the Community School and will be transitioning to kindergarten next fall.  We have no doubt with the support of SARRC, this will be an exciting and transforming moment in our lives. 

We are forever grateful for amazing individuals at SARRC  that have loved our son and changed our lives forever. 

This year, I am participating in YES Day Walk for Autism to raise critical autism funding not only for SARRC but for other nonprofit autism organizations throughout the state as well. Importantly, all dollars raised will be kept in Arizona for Arizona.

YES Day Walk for Autism is as much about saying “YES” to autism awareness, support and inclusion as it is to saying “YES” to statewide collaboration! Thank you for considering saying “YES!”