The Spectrum
Classroom & Curriculum
Autism Academy For Education & Development’s Four Building Blocks
Autism Academy for Education & Development ‘s approach to education is built on four foundational Building Blocks, each intentionally designed to support students with autism to thrive academically, socially, and in daily life. These principles reflect evidence-based practices and practical considerations educators and families need to create sustainable progress. When you visit any of our…
Four Things to Know About Our School For Autism
Finding the right school for your child with autism can be a difficult task. Specialized schools for autism and their campuses are few and far between, and finding one that is accessible, has the resources your child needs, and highly trained staff can feel impossible. Autism Academy believes that all children with autism and their…
What to Consider When Choosing Between Autism Schools
Deciding which school for autism your child goes to can be daunting. Because of the nature of ASD, it’s common for parents to feel anxious when trying to make the right decision. Every autistic kid has their own unique needs and requirements. As a parent, you’d want to make sure that your child’s unique needs…
School News & Announcements
Moving For a Cause. How Walking to Fundraise Became a Fantastic Tool
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…
A Warm Community Welcome for the North Phoenix Campus
Great news for families in North Phoenix! The Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED), Arizona’s autism-only K–12+ academy, recently opened their brand new North Phoenix Campus. This new special education school in Phoenix AZ is designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum, bringing AAED’s fully accredited programs, integrated therapies, and student-first mission closer…
AAED: 10 Years Of Putting Kids First In Every Decision
This school year kicks off our 10th academic year! Opened in 2013, we welcomed just 24 students and 4 teachers. Since then, we’ve grown to over 640 students and 56 autism teachers. Our campuses offer a wide variety of classroom programs for students in Kindergarten – 12th grade and beyond. Our specialized supports are able…
Inclusion & Community Partnerships
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…
Moving For a Cause. How Walking to Fundraise Became a Fantastic Tool
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…
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…
Profiles & Celebrations
Sensory Processing Awareness Month
October marks Sensory Processing Awareness Month! This month is all about recognizing and supporting the 1 out of every 20 people with unique sensory needs around the world. Here at Autism Academy we know that all of our students need some kind of sensory support throughout the day. And, we meet those sensory needs always….
Voices Of Autism, Serafinao, an AAED Student
Today is Autism Awareness Day. As many of you know, I have autism myself, as I am on the spectrum with high-functioning Asperger’s Syndrome. I’d like to talk about autism, how it’s changed my life, and what I’ve learned about it. Being autistic has largely made me not normal in life although I seem normal…
Guest Blogger! A Day In The Life of A Student at The Autism Academy, Bryce
One of our very own AAED student’s has written a blog about what goes on for a typical day at school. Read about his story in our guest blog post for this week! This year, I am working in the PAES Lab, learning some new skills like how to do some jobs the right way….
Transition Planning & Life Skills
Working with Autism: How Students Benefit from Work Programs
by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org AUTISM EDUCATION – Students at Autism Academy for Education and Development gain a host of support for work skills that aid them beyond school. AAED transition coordinator Karen Durst and vocational skills teachers Leslie Dille continue focusing on the end game. Together, they offer students a variety of campus-based and community work programs in the East Valley and North Phoenix. The…
FOCUS ON THE END GAME – Transitioning to Life After School
By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Email: Anthony_Thigpen@aol.com AUTISM ACADEMY – Most students have echoed the expression “When I grow up…”, while daydreaming of plans for their future. Career Technology Education (CTE) programs afford students the opportunity to explore various options with hopes of sparking interests. Most schools offer classes in areas of culinary, wood crafts,…
Vocational & Life Skills for Students with Autism
AUTISM.tv is featuring expert life skills teacher Leslie Dille for her incredible support in helping students with autism transition from school to work. All schools that educate children with autism need to make sure they have the life skills needed to survive after graduation. During campus involvement, Dille’s students rotate through different workstations learning various…
Therapy
Empowering Students Through Social Emotional Learning
Across Arizona, more schools are realizing that growth is about more than test scores. Academics matter, but research and experience show that students thrive when their emotional well-being is nurtured alongside reading, writing, and math. When children feel safe, understood, and supported, they approach school with greater confidence, curiosity, and resilience. That’s why at AAED,…
All You Need To Know About Therapy For Autism
If your child has autism, therapy can help them learn how to thrive and improve certain behaviors. Therapy for autism is a great way to help you and your child learn more about them and continue to develop their skills. Autism Academy, with the help of trained professionals, specializes in providing reliable therapy for autism,…
HOW ANIMALS BENEFIT KIDS WITH AUTISM – Zoowalk Fundraiser Set for October 13th
By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM – Pet therapy plays a powerful role when connecting to children with autism, and the upcoming 14th Annual Zoowalk is sparking an added sense of enthusiasm about animals. The Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) has six witty and adorable therapy dogs. Lorie Crabtree provides pet services to…
Funding & Enrollment
Choosing the Best Education After an Autism Diagnosis
Meeting the Growing Demand for Autism-Specific Education and Services with the Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Over the past decade, the world has witnessed a significant surge in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This spike in diagnoses has highlighted the pressing need for specialized education and…
Special Education Terminology and What it Means For You
The Alphabet Soup of Special Education IDEA, FAPE, MET, IEP… What? Like many specialized areas, special education comes with its own language. For those who are just starting out on their educational journey, it can look a bit like alphabet soup. So what does it all mean? IDEA stands for the Individuals with Disabilities Education…
6-STEP ENROLLMENT – Registration Process for Autism Academy
By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Email: Anthony_thigpen@aol.com AUTISM ACADEMY – At the Autism Academy we strive to offer your child with autism the best education. As a school for students with autism, we can provide an education for them that other schools are unable to. We’re familiar with specific teaching techniques for children with autism…
Events & Workshops
Moving For a Cause. How Walking to Fundraise Became a Fantastic Tool
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…
WINTER NIGHT OF THE ARTS Musical Mixed with Art Display
Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Email: AThigpen@aaed.org AUTISM ACADEMY FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT – AAED music and art students sparked a sense of joy into the Christmas season. AAED musical is proof that music is more than inspiration. Students played instruments, sang solos and blended their voices with the school chorus during the recent concert. Traditional holiday…
SENSITIVE SANTA PHOTO SESSIONS Christmas Festivities for Special Needs Children
Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Email: AThigpen@aaed.org AUTISM ACADEMY FOR EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT –The Arizona Autism Network trimmed trees, decorated the courtyard, prepared prizes and set the stage for the main event. Sensitive Santa swept through the East Valley. The all-day event took place at the AAED Chandler campus located at 2716 N Dobson Road. Parents pre-registered…
Family & Caregiver
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…
Our Students’ Safety Comes First
The safety of kids with autism has always been an essential part of a school’s climate. Creating a safe learning space for every student is essential, whether they are traditional students or those with special needs. Autistic kids have a distinct set of behaviors and qualities that require a safe and supportive learning environment. The…
Autism Parenting & Mental Health: How to Cope w/ Depression
Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM ACADEMY – Research proves that 50-percent of mothers of children with autism are prone to depression. Unfortunately, mothers must maneuver the uncertain landscape of predicting how well their child will perform with life skills. These ambiguities leave mothers vulnerable to depression, according to a new study conducted by…
Technology
Learning about PECS and How it Helps with Communication
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a simple, step-by-step way to teach someone to communicate using pictures, photos, or symbols. It’s made for people who have little or no speech, and it starts with a really basic idea: if you want something, hand someone a picture of it, and then they will give it to…
Teaching with Technology Helps Kids Overcome
By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Email: Anthony_thigpen@aol.com AUTISM ACADEMY – Special needs educators at the Autism Academy, a school for children with autism, located in Tempe,AZ, are using podcast, robotics, coding, typing, MobyMax, and computers to advance instructional objectives. Classroom technology at Autism Academy campuses encompass all kinds of tools, including PCI reading and math for…
PROBLEMS ARE NOT FAILURES – Benefits of Robotics for Critical Thinking
Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Anthony_thigpen@aol.com AUTISM ACADEMY – An innovative introductory Robotics course is motivating middle and high school students to think critically. The Autism Academy, a school for children with autism in Tempe, AZ, offers rigorous and challenging classes that best benefit students beyond the borders of the classroom. Robotics and Computer Coding teacher…
Insights in the World
A Spectrum Of Optimism: TV Series Raise Autism Awareness
By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen Email: Anthony_Thigpen@aol.com AUTISM ACADEMY – A new TV series is inspiring more than 19-million viewers and fostering an added sense of optimism to the autism community. During a recent Good Morning America interview, actor Freddie Highmore spoke concerning his thoughts of playing the leading role on ABC’s new sitcom ‘The Good…
Autism & Culture: On the Canvas and the Radio
In our weekly looks at autism in culture, we often find ourselves turning to art as a productive outlet for individuals with autism to communicate with the world at large. This week we highlight a particularly unique Japanese artist who despite his inability to speak has found a voice for himself through his paintings of…
Autism & Genetics: The Pathways Between Genes and the Brain
While we try to dedicate this space to keeping track of the most significant advancements in autism research, often it can seem like an endless parade of potential answers. After all, as we’ve discussed at length, scientists remain divided along three areas of focus as it relates to the cause of autism, choosing to focus…