Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center has received a $200,000 grant from the Saguaros to support the expansion of high-quality early intervention programs and inclusive education opportunities for children with autism and their families.

Specifically, the grant will support the center’s 2023 strategic plan to become a statewide organization, according to a press release.

The funding from The Saguaros is being directed toward the building expenses of five new Community Schools that will eventually serve 320 children with and without autism across Arizona.

The center’s first Community School inclusive pre-school program was opened in Phoenix in 2006, with additional campuses opening in Tempe in 2016 and at Paiute in south Scottsdale in 2021.

The Saguaros awarded $10,000 to Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center in 2021 and $25,000 in 2022 to support the community school at the Paiute Neighborhood Center in Scottsdale.

Classrooms consist of children ages 15 months to 5 years old in four age-assigned classrooms comprised of six children with autism spectrum disorder and up to 10 typically developing children.

Recognized for its programmatic model based in applied behavior analysis, the center provides high-quality, early childhood education focused on building motivation and social-communication skills to ensure readiness in kindergarten and beyond.