Blog

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org     AUTISM EDUCATION – The link between science, technology, engineering and math is identifying problems and creating solutions.  That’s what the Autism Academy for Education and Development did in preparation for the 2019 Science Fair STEM Night.  Tempe campus teachers Darnell Cherry, Ronald Burd and Elizabeth Ulrich identified the problem.  The team of teachers went back to the chalkboard to evaluate…

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org   AUTISM EDUCATION – During a recent Autism Academy for Education and Development Spring Musical and Art Show, elementary students made the night magical.   The sound of music suddenly embodied new meaning.  Music teacher Joseph Arick and Art teacher Chelcee Avis hosted the event as parents packed the audience. While Avis professionally displayed artwork throughout the foyer of Life Community Church, Arick directed the performance…

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org   AUTISM EDUCATION – In 2013, the Autism Academy for Education and Development opened its doors as the first autism-only school in the state of Arizona.   As accredited trailblazers, their enrollment continues to increase annually, exceeding 400 students.   More than any other school, parents trust their caring approach, academic curriculum, sensory accommodations, 4-to-1 student-to-staff ratio and extra-curricular activities.  The campuses have comfortable classes, spacious sensory rooms, gymnasiums and covered playgrounds.   They provide…

by Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com    AUTISM ACADEMY – Many teachers have a creative touch at transforming open spaces into unique learning environments.  Just how significant are decorations at school? Teachers at the Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) understand the importance of accommodating students with autism with classroom décor.  While there is no known cure for autism, with…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com AUTISM AWARENESS – A recent pitch represented unlimited possibilities for the entire autism community. When 11-year-old Tatum Homec, of the Autism Academy for Education and Development stepped in front of the pitcher’s mound, the compassionate crowd cheered. AAED principal Katie Nieder nominated Tatum for the big pitch. “She has…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen   E-mail: AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com    AUTISM ACADEMY – The 2019 Arizona Special Olympics motivated a host of new participates who brought home gold and bronze medals.     Former U.S. Olympic contender, Trevaia Davis is raising the bar for fitness and athletics at the Autism Academy for Education and Development.   Davis continues to train professional athletics, while also making it her purpose…

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…

Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AThigpen@aaed.org   AUTISM ACADEMY – Valentine’s Day embodies new meaning amongst classmates at Autism Academy for Education and Development, but its history remains unaltered. Most people have no clue that Valentine was a priest and physician. The name comes from the Roman family Valentinus. The name is derived from the Latin…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com   AUTISM ACADEMY – As the first autism-only school in the state of Arizona, Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) continues to set a superior standard as a special needs school. Statewide expansions of new campuses provide proof that parents are pleased with the program. AAED is a…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen E-mail: Athigpen@aaed.org AUTISM ACADEMY – A new 5-part documentary entitled “Kids First” highlights the heartbeat of Autism Academy for Education and Development – including the ups and downs. The 45-minute captivating video is available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/sRTHLYMFTAw. The viewer-friendly documentary is separated into 5 sections; The Birth of a Vision,…