Beyond Awareness: Why the Shift to Autism Acceptance Matters

studenta at Phoenix-based AAED celebrate their school

For years, April has been widely recognized as Autism Awareness Month, marked by campaigns to educate the public about autism. But over the last several years, you may have noticed a significant and intentional shift in the language used by advocates, organizations, and the autistic community itself. We are moving away from “Autism Awareness” and…

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Autism and New Year’s Resolutions: A Different Way of Growing

This article first appeared in a January 2026 issue of Autism Now News. Subscribe to get pertinent content like this delivered to your inbox every month! Every year, as the calendar inches toward January 1, the world fills with talk of “New Year, New Me.” Gyms get crowded, planners sell out, and social media overflows…

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

From Bend, Oregon, to Phoenix, AZ

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

Shannon Mitchelling speaks at Day of Learning

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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Voices Of Autism, Serafinao, an AAED Student

Voices Of Autism

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…

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How are we Improving the Lives of Children Living with Autism?

Look at Our Program For Autism

Are you looking for reliable educational programs for your child living with autism and want to make sure you make the right choice for you and your family? Learn more about AAED and why we can be the right choice for your child. Autism Academy specializes in providing a safe academic space for children with…

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What to Consider When Choosing Between Autism Schools

Deciding which school for autism your child

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…

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