From Surviving to Thriving: One Family’s 1,200 Mile Journey to Find Balance

We’re always thrilled to read the heartfelt comments parents leave on our Facebook page about their experiences with the Autism Academy for Education & Development. One reply was so powerful; we knew we had to hear Stacy’s story! 

Meet Stacy Lucas, a dedicated mom who relocated her entire family from Oregon to Arizona in search of better educational support for her son Chase, 11. After years of juggling therapies, school, and specialist appointments, Stacy and her husband realized their home state of Oregon lacked the resources Chase needed to thrive. 

“It felt like I literally lived in the car,” Stacy said. “Between driving Chase to his learning specialist, then across town to school, and squeezing in private therapies, I couldn’t get anything done.” 

Despite their efforts, the setup wasn’t sustainable. As Chase approached sixth grade, the family knew they needed a change.

 

Why Arizona? 

The Lucases began searching for a location that offered: 

• A specialized autism school 
• A larger airport for her husband’s frequent travel 
• A warmer climate 
• School choice options for their daughter’s private education 

“We wanted a state that supported both our kids’ needs.” 

Discovering Autism Academy 

Their search led them to Phoenix, Arizona and eventually to the Autism Academy for Education & Development. 

“We literally Googled ‘autism schools in Phoenix,’” Stacy said. “The website was very professional, and the social media posts showed true engagement with families and students. That made a huge difference.” 

The family toured the Gilbert campus and immediately felt the difference. 

“There’s nothing like this,” Stacy said. “In Oregon, maybe there was one autism-specific school, but it is limited. Here, it felt like Chase could finally be part of something built for him.” 

“Yvonne [Campus Director] told us the staff turnover was low. That spoke volumes. These are people who want to be here. That’s not something we’d experienced before.” 

“I Get to Go to Autism Academy Today!” 

For Stacy Lucas and her family, the decision to move from Oregon to Arizona wasn’t made lightly. It meant leaving behind extended family, friends, and familiarity, but the need for a specialized learning environment for her son, Chase outweighed the comfort of staying put. 

“Children with autism are not typical learners. We needed something more specialized, and that’s what Chase needed,” said Stacy. 

Although the transition was challenging, the impact was immediate. 

“Every morning Chase wakes up and says, ‘I get to go to Autism Academy today!’ He absolutely loves it here.” 

Stacy shared that while Chase was always a happy child, his enthusiasm for school has grown since enrolling at the Autism Academy. His teacher, Miss Kelly, and the supportive classroom structure have made a noticeable difference. 

 

What The Lucas Family Was Looking For 

When searching for a school, the Luacs family had clear priorities: 

• Staff with deep understanding of autism 
• Small class sizes with strong support ratios 
• A learning environment where Chase wouldn’t get lost 

“Back home, he was in a class of 22 kids. He wasn’t disruptive, but he’d get distracted, like watching someone mow the lawn outside instead of focusing on the lesson.” 

At Autism Academy, Chase benefits from a main teacher plus three additional support staff in the classroom, allowing for a 3–4:1 student-to-teacher ratio. 

“That ratio was huge for us. It’s not just about academics; it’s about understanding how these kids learn.” 

Despite the challenges of relocating and building a new community, Stacy says the move was worth it. 

“We’ve talked about it a few times since moving here in late June, and we keep saying we did the right thing.” 

Stacy expressed that here at the Autism Academy, the staff members “just get it.” Back home, his teachers were educated, but not specifically on autism.  

Quiet Kids Need Specialized Support Too 

Before moving to Arizona, Chase’s days were packed with therapy, school, and travel, often starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. 

“Some of his days were extremely long,” Stacy recalled. “OT in the morning, then straight to his learning specialist, then school, then ABA. It was just too much.” 

Despite all the effort, Chase wasn’t truly engaged in the classroom. As a quiet, well-behaved student, he often flew under the radar. She explained the schedule was exhausting and that she would have kept at it if it were effective, but it wasn’t working.  

A New Routine, A New Life 

The move to Arizona brought more than just educational support; it brought relief to the entire family’s schedule. 

“Now I drop the kids off in the morning and I have time to get things done. Before, it was a sprint all day long.” 

Previously, Stacy had to coordinate multiple therapies, drive across town, and even step in as Chase’s classroom helper when their hired support couldn’t make it. 

“If the helper got sick or had a trip, I had to fill in. And with my husband traveling for work, it was difficult to balance.” 

Now, with therapies integrated into Chase’s school day and a consistent routine, the family has found balance. 

“It’s so nice. Chase is thriving, our daughter is settled, and I finally have breathing room.” 

 A Parent’s Perspective on Communication

For Stacy, the move to Arizona wasn’t just about finding a better school; it was about reclaiming balance for her family. 

“Now, it’s better. Oh, so much better,” she said. “I’m not constantly running from one appointment to the next.” 

“It was a lot for me, but it was a lot for Chase, too. Five years of being in the car all day, it just wasn’t sustainable.” 

Now, Chase attends Autism Academy full-time, with integrated therapies and a consistent schedule. He’s relaxed, engaged, and excited about school. 

“He talks about what he does during the day. He’s playing beach volleyball, hockey, he’s involved and happy.” 

Belonging and Development 

One of the biggest changes Stacy has seen is Chase’s sense of belonging. In his previous school, he was often the only student with autism, struggling to keep up socially and physically. 

“He wasn’t disruptive, so he wasn’t a problem in the classroom. But he wasn’t getting what he needed. Now, he’s with kids who are on his level, academically and socially, and he’s thriving,” says Stacy. 

She also emphasized the importance of communication between school and home. 

“I’m a big communicator. At Autism Academy, I know what’s going on. I get daily updates. I know if he tried minestrone soup or played a new game. Before, I had to pull teeth to get any information.” 

She no longer feels like she’s banging down doors to advocate for Chase alone. 

“Here, I feel like I have a team. I’m still his advocate, but I’m not doing it all by myself.” 

Stacy’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and hope. By uprooting their lives and moving to Arizona, the Lucas family found not just a school, but a community that understands, supports, and celebrates Chase for who he is. 

“Even on days when I miss back home, seeing Chase so happy makes it all worth it.” 

A Moment of Recognition & The Power of Being Seen 

One of the most meaningful milestones for Chase since enrolling as a student at The Autism Academy for Education & Development came in the form of a simple, yet powerful, award. 

“He won the Gratitude Award last month,” Stacy shared. “He’s never won an award at school before. It was huge, not just for him, but for all of us.” 

With a high-achieving sister who often brought home accolades, Chase’s quiet victories had been inconspicuous in the past. But this time, he was celebrated. 

“He walked in with a medal around his neck, beaming. We went out to Olive Garden, his favorite, and made it a special night. It was amazing.” 

For Stacy, this moment symbolized something deeper: Chase was finally in a place where he was seen, understood, and valued. 

“He had never had those types of opportunities before. Here, they make a difference. They celebrate kids like Chase.” 

What Autism Academy Means to a Family 

When asked what the school means to her family, Stacy didn’t hesitate. 

“Freedom. Growth. Belonging. I wish we’d known about this sooner.” 

Coming from a small town in Oregon with limited resources, the Lucases didn’t even know schools like the Autism Academy for Education & Development existed. Now, they’re part of a community that puts kids first, and it shows. 

“We don’t regret moving. Not one bit. We’re just thankful we listened to that little voice that said, ‘We need to look.’” 

A Family’s Leap of Faith 

When asked to describe The Autism Academy for Education & Development in three words, Stacy paused, then smiled. 

“Accepting. Embracing. Fun.” 

She added, “Chase comes home happy. He wakes up saying, ‘I get to go to the Autism Academy today.’ That never happened before.” 

How One Family Inspired a Community 

When Stacy Lucas and her family moved to Arizona for The Autism Academy for Education & Development, they didn’t expect their decision to spark a wave of change. But soon after, her sister’s family followed, enrolling in a hybrid homeschool program. Even Chase’s grandfather relocated to Arizona to be closer to the family. 

“It was hard thinking we’d leave everyone behind. But then they all said they were coming! It was an unexpected blessing.” 

The move brought not only educational support for Chase, but a renewed sense of community, family, and opportunity . 

“We miss some things, sure. But we’ve gained more. Arizona has so much to offer, and Chandler has been the perfect fit.”  

With her parents visiting frequently, for Stacy, everything has come together beautifully.  

What She Wishes She’d Known 

“I wish I’d known autism-specific schools existed. We would’ve moved years ago.” 

She emphasized how rare these resources were in their previous state, and how grateful she was to find a school with open spots and a well-established program. 

“It felt meant to be. Everything just lined up.” 

Advice to Other Parents 

Stacy’s advice to other parents?  “Go for it. If you want your child to thrive, be happy, and be embraced, do it. It might be scary, but it’s been better than we ever imagined.” 

Why The Autism Academy for Education & Development Stood Out 

Atlthough the family researched other schools online, the Lucases toured only Autism Academy, and that was enough. 

“We walked in and said, ‘This is awesome.’ It felt like a well-oiled machine. Everyone was so invested. The staff from the director to the teachers love it.” 

A Place Where Chase Can Truly Thrive 

For Stacy Lucas, one of the most profound differences between Autism Academy and previous schools is the sense of understanding and acceptance. 

“At his old school, we had to fight just to get him a chance. They didn’t really get him. Here, we don’t have to explain everything; why he repeats things, why he uses a fidget. They just get it.” 

That shift has lifted a huge emotional weight. 

“I don’t spend the day wondering if something went wrong. I know he’s in good hands. And not just with good people, but with people who truly understand him.” 

Chase’s teacher, Miss Kelly, quickly tuned into his needs and began working on goals that aligned with what the family had been focusing on at home. 

“She came to me a few weeks in and said, ‘I’m working on this and this with him.’ And I was like—yes! You get him. You’re not just pulling things out of a hat.” 

Real Support, Real Progress 

Stacy also highlighted the difference in how IEPs are handled at the Autism Academy for Education & Development from other schools. 

From Speech and OT Therapy to classroom support, every interaction has reinforced the school’s commitment. 

“Everyone I’ve talked to—Miss Terri, Miss Kelly and the entire staff—you can tell they want the best for him. For all the kids. You can just see it.” 

A Different Kind of Happy 

Chase has always been a cheerful child, but Stacy sees something deeper now. 

“This is a different level of happiness. He’s not just rolling with things, he’s genuinely happy. He belongs.” 

Autism Academy didn’t just change Chase’s education—it changed his life. And his family’s too.  

Stacy’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when families find a place that truly understands their child. From long, exhausting days to joyful milestones, the transformation has been profound, and it’s so wonderful to see her and her family thriving. 

Interviewed by: Tyla Kerkotchian