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,…

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…

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…

By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen AThigpen@aaed.org AUTISM ACADEMY, for Education and Development – Photographer Jacquilyn Avery develops magical moments at the Autism Academy for Education and Development. Recently, she staged her annual volunteer photography fundraiser to help the AAED parent organization, P3. The Halloween Trunk or Treat event was a success. No Halloween tricks, horror, or…

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…