Autism Resources
Understanding Autism
Autistic Advocacy Network - Guides on navigating different environments and spaces, advocacy in the work place, understanding accessibility and disability rights in the US.
Southern Arizona Autism Society - Hosts free social groups
Understanding the Science Behind Autistic Meltdowns
Neurodivergent Insights - Autism infographics and visual guides.
Community Supports in Tucson, AZ
Southern Arizona Autism Society - Hosts free social groups for children , adults, caregivers, located in Central Tucson
Tucson Alliance for Autism - Communication/Social groups for kids,
DDD (Department of Developmental Disabilities) = Ages 3+ providing Case Managment services to help provide recommendation andr resources, application for ALTCS program (Arizona Long Term Care System) which when eligible, helps cover the cost of services
Treatment Options
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Speech Therapy supports communication, including speech, language development, social communication, and alternative forms of communication such as AAC. Speech-language pathologists may also provide support for feeding and swallowing needs.
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supports participation in everyday activities and may address fine motor skills, sensory processing, regulation, coordination, self-care, feeding, handwriting, and daily living skills.
Olive Branch has 1 Occupational Therapist on board, Alex Walcott, OTR/L, LAC-T. Feel free to reach out to Alex to inquire about OT services with Olive Branch: awalcott@olivebranchcounselingaz.com -
Therapy practices, Occupational Therapy clinics, and Community Mental Health Agencies typically have social skills groups with trained support staff to help children with ASD learn pro-social behaviors and communication skills with peers.
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Physical Therapy supports movement, strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and overall physical functioning to help individuals participate more comfortably and independently in daily activities.
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Individual counseling is a safe, supportive environment for children as young as 3 and through adulthood to explore their sensorhy profile and needs, neurodivergence, identity, relationships, school or work stress, and can involve parents, partners, siblings, and loved ones in general who need support or guidance on how to help.
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There is no approved or official medication that specifically treats Autism, but medication may sometimes help with co-occurring concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or sleep difficulties. Medical concerns that may be contributing to distress or changes in behavior should be appropriately evaluated.
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Equine-assisted therapy incorporates interactions with horses into the therapeutic process to support emotional, social, and physical well-being. It may be helpful for individuals navigating Autism, anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, developmental differences, or other mental health concerns.
Depending on the program, activities may include grooming, feeding, caring for, leading, or riding horses with support from trained professionals. Working alongside horses can provide opportunities to build confidence, practice communication and regulation skills, develop body awareness, and experience connection in a unique and supportive environment.
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses individualized strategies to teach skills and address behaviors that may interfere with daily life, learning, communication, or safety. Treatment may focus on areas such as communication, daily living skills, social interaction, emotional regulation, and increasing independence based on the individual's needs and goals.
When considering ABA, families may wish to seek providers who use neurodivergent-affirming, individualized approaches that respect autonomy, communication differences, sensory needs, and harmless autistic behaviors such as stimming, rather than emphasizing compliance or appearing less autistic.
ABA can be very intensive, so it’s important to ask about tailoring the ABA therapy to the child, as some programs can be close to 30 or 40 hours per week.
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