resources
The gathering of resources can be a slow build and is always a community effort. Each of us living the spectrum life has had different experiences with different organizations. We're certainly not one size fits all! If you have a resource you'd like included, even if you think it only applies to your slice of the spectrum, please submit it - you never know who it might reach! The resources listed so far are those that we have had wonderful experiences with and recommend unequivocally. Please go to the Blackhole Bookshelf for a few reading recommendations.
Autism Society of Southern Arizona
One of our great local resources is the Autism Society of Southern Arizona. If you're looking for a way to connect to our local spectrum community, please visit their page and take advantage of their offerings. Our family has benefitted a great deal from their parenting class, opportunities for socialization, and resource fairs. We Are All In!
Playformance- Transforming lives and inspiring confidence through the power of play and community.
Playformance is an amazing Tucson resource for social development through play. They are inclusive and engaging. They also really stepped up to serve kids in the community through online opportunities during the pandemic.
drama kids International
Drama Kids is another wonderful inclusive opportunity. While not specifically designed as "therapy" or for kids on the spectrum, the instructors are patient and supportive and there is a lot of diversity in the kids who participate. There is plenty of literature that supports the benefits of dramatherapy and creative play for kids on the spectrum, and Drama Kids is a great space for it.
Autism parenting magazine
Personally, I have learned so much from the articles in this magazine and I love reading the pieces written by parents living their spectrum lives. The articles are informative and easily digestible, which is so important in our often hectic existence. I actually consider this magazine a form of self-care because it provides encouragement, reinforcement, and also ideas for how to get our kids the best outcomes. I always feel reinvigorated after reading the issues.
The Hanen Centre
When our son was little, we were recruited to participate in the More Than Words program. My husband and I learned so much in those days of early intervention. Hanen offers several programs tailored to your families needs and their website has fun ideas on how to build your child's language through play.
social thinking
Social Thinking is fantastic for tools and seminars that address how to help our kids understand themselves and the social world. I have purchased their materials for our son to use, and attended seminars online. It's really a site that shouldn't be overlooked for practical resources.