7 Reasons Why P3 is the Place to Be at AAED

If you’ve ever wished you had a group of people who have your back on this autism journey—people who get it, who cheer for your child like their own, and who will absolutely show up with glitter, snacks, and a sign-up sheet—then you’re going to love P3.

Welcome to P3 at AAED:
The Parent Partnership Program that puts joy on the calendar.

What is P3?

P3 stands for Parent Partnership Program, and it’s exactly what it sounds like:
parents partnering with Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) to make school not just a place of learning, but a place of belonging.

Each AAED campus has its own P3 group made up of parents and caregivers who:

• Plan fun events like dances, fun days, trunk-or-treats, book fairs, carnivals, bingo nights, and picnics.
• Help provide “wish list” items for classrooms and teachers.
• Create spaces for connection—for both students and parents.
• Support the mission of AAED by making campus life more joyful, inclusive, and full of memories.

In other words, if you’ve ever walked into an event and thought, “Wow, this is the kind of thing my child deserves to experience,” there’s a good chance P3 had a hand in it.

P3 isn’t some mysterious committee hidden in a conference room. It’s real parents—like you—who saw a need for more joy, more community, and more support, and decided to jump in.

Here’s what P3 members often say they love most:

1. Watching every kid shine

P3 plans events that give students chances to do things they may have never done before:

• Dressing up for a school dance and actually wanting to stay.
• Going to a trunk-or-treat that’s autism-friendly, safe, and welcoming.
• Enjoying a carnival or fun day that’s built with their needs in mind.
• Laughing at bingo with friends who understand their quirks and brilliance.

It’s not just about activities—it’s about access. Access to joy. Access to community. Access to experiences that many families of autistic children are often left out of.

Parents talk about standing off to the side of a dance or a picnic and realizing:

“My child is not the exception here—my child is where they belong.

And honestly? Watching all the kids on campus light up—not just your own—is one of the best parts.

2. It’s not just for kids. It’s for us, too.

As parents of children with autism, we know this truth all too well:
there are not a lot of places where we can just go and hang out without worrying.

P3 quietly changes that.

At events, meetings, and casual chats in the hallway, parents find:

• Other families who understand the unique joys and challenges of autism.
• People you can safely ask,
  “Do you know a good speech therapist?”
  “We’re starting the guardianship process—what do I do?”
  “Has anyone tried this resource?”
• Friends who don’t flinch at meltdowns, stimming, or scripts—because their child probably does it, too.

The events might be about the kids on the surface—but the community being built around them? That’s for us.

P3 becomes:

• A support group without the awkward introductions.
• A resource hub without overwhelm.
• A circle of people who genuinely cheer for your wins—no matter how small.

3. Making school more joyful, one idea at a time

Back in 2013, Autism Academy teamed up with parents to officially launch P3. Since then, P3 has grown into an essential part of each campus community.

Think of it as a PTA with extra heart and extra purpose.

P3 helps by:

• Donating new equipment and supplies to enhance classrooms.
• Supporting teachers and staff with items from their wish lists.
• Sponsoring social events during and after school that help students practice friendships, confidence, and life skills in safe, fun ways.
• Offering feedback and insight about what’s working—and what could be better.

Because P3 is made up of parents who live this life every day, they understand both:

• The strengths our students bring.
• The challenges our families and schools face.

And that insight helps The Autism Academy of Education and Development continually improve how we serve students and families.

4. Learning together: Parent Academy + P3

P3 doesn’t just plan fun events—it also connects parents with tools to help their children thrive.

Through Parent Academy and P3, families get access to:

• Helpful resources and technology
• Webinars, TED Talks, and trainings
• Information on the latest research about autism
• plus practical tips you can actually use at home.

The goal?
To help you feel more equipped, more confident, and less alone—so you can give your child the support they need to succeed.

When we learn together, we grow together.
And when parents feel empowered, kids feel it too.

5. P3 is a nonprofit making a real difference

Another important piece: P3 is a nonprofit organization.

That means:

• Money raised through events, donations, and fundraisers goes right back into supporting AAED campuses, students, and staff.
• Every trunk-or-treat, carnival, book fair, or bingo night isn’t just “a fun night out”—it’s also helping fund classroom supplies, wish list items, and special experiences for our kids.
• Your time, ideas, and support have a real, tangible impact on the school community.

You’re not just volunteering.
You’re helping lead a nonprofit that’s changing what school can look like for children with autism.

6. So… why join P3?

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I wish my child had more chances to just be a kid.”
• “I wish I had people I could ask these autism questions without feeling judged.”

• “I wish I could do something to give back to this school that’s helping my child.”

Then P3 is absolutely for you.

You don’t have to be a “Pinterest parent,” a professional event planner, or someone with tons of free time. You just have to care—and you already do.

You can:

• Help at one event a year
• Join meetings and share ideas
• Donate supplies or time
• Support from home by spreading the word

Every little bit matters.

7. A hopeful future, together

P3 is about sharing joy, building community, and making Autism Academy the most joyful, welcoming place it can be—for every student and every family.

It’s about:

• Turning “I wish my child could…” into “I’m so glad my child got to…”
• Watching kids experience things for the first time—with smiles, not stress.
• Standing shoulder to shoulder with other parents who say, “You’re not alone. We’re in this with you.”

If you’re ready to plug into a community that understands, supports, and celebrates your family, P3 is waiting for you.