Inclusion & Community Partnerships

parents association meeting

7 Reasons Why P3 is the Place to Be at AAED

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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…

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Moving For a Cause. How Walking to Fundraise Became a Fantastic Tool

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Walking to fundraise has emerged as a dynamic and community-centered way to raise funds for various causes, including raising awareness for autism. Encompassing everything from large, organized events to smaller, grassroots gatherings, walks are not only effective in generating donations but also in fostering community spirit and awareness. So, why exactly are walks and walking…

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From Bend, Oregon, to Phoenix, AZ

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

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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…

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Shannon Mitchelling speaks at Day of Learning

School Director Speaks at Arizona Autism Coalition’s “Day of Learning”

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Shannon Mitchell, Executive Director of the Arizona Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED), was the featured speaker at “Empowering Future Success,” part of the Arizona Autism Coalition’s 2025 Day of Learning Series on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. AAED was also a Scholarship Sponsor of the 2025…

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boy at computer looking dismayed

The Challenges With Educating Students With Special Needs Online

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By Laura Newcomb Email: LNewcomb@aaed.org I have tears in my eyes. I’m sitting at my computer defining “Best Practices” for educating children with autism online. I know we’ll be back together again in our school buildings soon, but I am overwhelmed by the messages of concerned parents and staff – my heart is overflowing with…

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The Cultural Effects of Autism on African-American Families

AFRICAN-AMERICANS WITH AUTISM: The Cultural Effects of Autism on African-American Families

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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E.mail: Anthony_thigpen@aol.com AUTISM ACADEMY – The Autism Academy, a school for children with autism, wants to share with you some important information about autism in African-American children. As a school for autism, we want to provide the best education for every child no matter his or her race. You probably know…

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Pieces of peace

AMAZON ADVERTISING AUTISM ACADEMY: Charity Book Sales Raising Autism Awareness

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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: Anthony_Thigpen@aol.com AUTISM ACADEMY – An all new easy-to-read book publication, Pieces of Peace, will raise funds and promote autism awareness for the Autism Academy. The Autism Academy provides an education and support for children with autism. The school’s Arizona campuses are located in the cities of Gilbert, Tempe, and Peoria.…

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The Accountant

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS – New Movie Unveils Autism as Heroism

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By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen  E.mail: anthony_thigpen@aol.com   AUTISM ACADEMY – As we let out the children at the Autism Academy, a school for children with autism, for the Thanksgiving season we’re able to educate ourselves about autism with an unveiling movie. Read below about a new movie recently out that dives into autism with a splash…

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Autism News: Local Efforts to Help Children and Families

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Following a week in which news outlets and specialty groups were still dealing with the fallout from the monumental British study that individuals with autism are actually more predisposed to producing original, creative thoughts and ideas, we’ve decided to go from the national and international level of autism-related news to look at some of the…

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RECIPES THAT WORK: Awesome Despite Autism

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Do you love sandwiches? At the Autism Academy, we love them and at a restaurant located in Gilbert, AZ, people are loving them too. The Autism Academy is a school for children with autism and similarly to the Autism Academy, this restaurant encourages people with autism to go above and beyond. Both the Autism Academy…

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