How to help Tucson nonprofits during World Autism Month

“Our community is growing and autism awareness is growing and more people are being diagnosed because of that awareness,” said Kate Elliott, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona.

The organization will hold its signature fundraiser, All In for Autism Dino Day & Walk on April 19 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

In addition to the family-friendly walk, the event will feature a resource fair with vendors who provide advocacy and support for those on the spectrum and their families; a model train set by the Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum; interactive science activities by the Brain Bus and the University of Arizona Chemistry Club; and numerous family-friendly activities.

Elliott said that raising the profile of the Autism Society is a priority.

“We are really leaning into our fundraising campaign and hoping people will start teams to try to raise money,” Elliott said. “It makes a difference to us in making ends meet and being able to provide our services for free. We run completely on grants and local donations and don’t receive any government funding at all, and all of the dollars raised stay here in Tucson.”

The dollars are increasingly needed. A March 2023 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the prevalence of autism in children at one in 36.

Elliott said that awareness of autism amongst adults has also increased in the last five years.

“Well, 100% of kids with autism become adults with autism and everyone seems to forget that statistic,” Elliott said. “Sensory challenges, executive functioning challenges and social and communication challenges continue into adulthood. Some adults on the spectrum feel like there was a handbook about how to do life and no one gave it to them. Neurotypical society doesn’t always follow a structure, and that makes it challenging for autistic minds to navigate.”

She emphasized that diagnosis at every age is vital. She said that 85% of adults on the spectrum who hold a college degree are under- or unemployed, and they are 10 times more likely to have suicidal ideation and mental health issues than neurotypical peers.

“We offer social and support groups for all ages, from children to parents and caregivers and adults,” Elliott said. “They are all completely free. Our trainings in the community and advocacy are also free. We want to connect people to services. When you call and don’t know what the next step is, we help you to figure that out.”

Intermountain Centers also facilitates next steps for youth on the spectrum and their families through multi-pronged programming, including education through the Intermountain Academy for grades one through 12; a clinic that serves newborn to age 22; and a work-based learning program for those on the spectrum that provides 1,000 hours of programming every school year.

“We provide wrap-around services for these kids,” said Royce Sparks, Director of Communications and Philanthropy for Intermountain Centers.. “We want to make sure their health is taken care of and they get the education they need to thrive and then address the next steps of how to get them into the workforce. That is not just beneficial for local communities, but gives these youth independence and a sense of dignity and ownership over their lives.”

The programming will be highlighted at Intermountain Centers’ Foodie Event — Stars Around Us to Benefit Youth with Autism on Thursday, April 24 at Sensory Park, 401 N. Bonita Ave. The event seeks to raise $30,000 to support regular autism programming and create a free summer school for youth on the spectrum.

The collaboration with Southern Arizona Arts & Culture Alliance (SAACA) will feature food samplings from more than 15 food trucks and demonstrations by Iron Chef finalist Devon Sanner and other food artists, along with a line-up of food trucks celebrating Tucson’s diverse culinary heritage.

Sparks said that expanding community is vital for youth on the spectrum and for the additional 20,000 patients served statewide through Intermountain’s Centers programs in primary and mental healthcare, substance abuse, homelessness, foster care and youth development.

“With this event, we want to focus on community,” Sparks said. “Food builds community and food builds bonds and helps people to share connections. We have so many memories associated with food, whether it is with family, or time with friends or loved ones. We feel it is needed for us to break bread together as a community.”