See coming-up Foundation activities, browse trusted Arizona calendars and revisit recent community moments.
COMING UP • FOUNDATION & ARIZONA
Put connection on the calendar.
Start with the Foundation’s repeating Tuesday gathering, review the next featured event, then explore verified dates and ongoing Arizona programs.
Event dates, registration and accommodations can change. Every external listing below includes a direct organizer link so you can confirm before attending.
Use the confirmed dates and ongoing programs below to find respite, peer connection, learning opportunities and sensory-aware outings across Arizona.
Not every listing is respite or sensory-friendly. Review the caregiver, registration and access details, then confirm the current information directly with the organizer.
CONFIRMED DATES
Upcoming Arizona events
Listed chronologically. Physical-event times are America/Phoenix (MST) unless the organizer states otherwise.
AUG 28, 2026 • 5:30–8:00 PMScheduled respite event • Phoenix
Special Friends Respite
First Christian Church’s Special Friends Ministry welcomes children with disabilities and their siblings for sensory play, games, a movie, snacks and a meal while parents receive respite. Registration is full; an official waitlist is available.
Important details +
Location
First Christian Church of Phoenix, 6750 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
Ages and eligibility
Not listed by the organizer. The waitlist asks families to share detailed information about each child’s needs.
Siblings and caregivers
Siblings are welcome. The organizer describes parent respite but does not publish a formal drop-off policy; confirm the caregiver requirements before leaving.
Registration
Full as of August 22, 2026; an official waitlist is available. No deadline is listed.
Cost
Not listed by the organizer.
Activities and access
Trained and experienced volunteers, sensory play, games, a movie, snacks and a meal. Physical-accessibility details are not listed.
Organizer contact
First Christian Church Special Friends Ministry • specialfriends@fccphx.com • event contact (423) 999-6226 • church (602) 246-9206.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
AUG 28, 2026 • 6:00–9:00 PMRecurring drop-off respite • Queen Creek
Rock Point ADAPT Respite Night
A registered, three-hour drop-off respite night for children ages 2–14, with games, activities, movies and dinner. The organizer explicitly permits caregivers to leave during the program.
Important details +
Remaining 2026 dates
August 28, September 25, October 16 and November 20, from 6:00–9:00 PM Arizona local time.
Location
Rock Point Church, 24759 S Power Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Eligibility and siblings
Ages 2–14. Sibling eligibility is not listed by the organizer.
Caregiver policy
Caregivers may drop off their registered child and leave during Respite Night.
Registration and forms
Registration and a Plan of Care form are required. No registration deadline is published.
Cost
Not listed by the organizer; do not assume the event is free.
Activities and access
Games, activities, movies and dinner, with gluten-free options. Individual supports are planned from the Plan of Care; event-specific sensory and physical-accessibility details are not listed.
Organizer contact
Rock Point Church ADAPT Special Needs Ministry • info@rockpointchurch.com • (480) 988-5391.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
SEP 11, 2026 • 6:00–9:00 PMRecurring social community • Queen Creek
Rock Point ADAPT Communities
A recurring evening for people ages 15 and older to build friendships and enjoy food, games, activities and biblical community in a welcoming setting.
Important details +
Remaining 2026 dates
September 11, October 9, November 13 and December 11, from 6:00–9:00 PM Arizona local time.
Location
Rock Point Church, 24759 S Power Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Eligibility and siblings
Ages 15 and older. Sibling participation is not listed by the organizer.
Caregiver policy
Not listed. ADAPT Communities is not described as a respite or drop-off program; confirm individual support needs with the organizer.
Registration and forms
Preregistration and a Plan of Care form are required. No deadline is published.
Cost
Not listed by the organizer.
Activities and access
Friendship, biblical community, food, games and activities. The Plan of Care helps staff prepare individual supports; no universal sensory or physical-accessibility features are promised.
Organizer contact
Rock Point Church ADAPT Special Needs Ministry • info@rockpointchurch.com • (480) 988-5391.
An intergenerational family day with hands-on activities and a designated low-sensory quiet zone available throughout the event.
Important details +
Location
Heard Museum, 2301 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Who may attend
Families with children of all ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; this is not drop-off childcare.
Admission
Included with museum admission. Purchase current admission tickets through the official event page; no separate deadline is published.
Activities
Toddler play and crafts, face painting, keepsake crafts, and Books & Bunnies with rescue rabbits.
Sensory and accessibility
A low-sensory quiet zone is open in the Dorrance Conference Room from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM. The museum also offers sensory bags, weighted lap pads, noise-canceling headphones, a Pal digital guide, wheelchairs and other access resources; photo ID is required for device checkout.
Organizer contact
Heard Museum • contact@heard.org • (602) 252-8840.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
OCT 17, 2026 • 8:00 AM–3:00 PMConference and resource fair • Phoenix
Arizona Autism Coalition Day of Learning
The 2026 series concludes with Inspiring Future Success, a day of education and networking for professionals, families, self-advocates and people supporting individuals with autism and neurodivergent conditions.
Important details +
Location
Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85040.
Audience
Professionals, families, self-advocates and anyone supporting individuals with autism or neurodivergent conditions. No age restriction is published; this is not respite.
Registration
Registration and a separate scholarship application are available. No registration or scholarship deadline is published.
Cost
$30 for Arizona Autism Coalition members; $60 for nonmembers.
Included
Ten expert sessions, continental breakfast, hot lunch buffet, beverages and snacks, continuing-education certificates, a sponsor and exhibitor resource fair, and complimentary parking.
Accessibility
Specific sensory, mobility and communication accommodations are not published; contact the organizer before attending.
Organizer contact
Arizona Autism Coalition • use the official contact page for current assistance.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
OCT 25, 2026 • 9:00 AM–12:00 PMFree community walk • Tempe
Sixth Annual YES Day Walk for Autism
SARRC’s free community gathering includes a one-mile walk for all ages and abilities, a large resource fair, family activities and a calm, sensory-friendly quiet area.
Important details +
Schedule
The event runs 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; the one-mile walk begins at 9:30 AM Arizona local time.
Location
Tempe Beach Park, 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281.
Who may attend
Families, friends, partners and supporters; the walk welcomes all ages and abilities. This is not childcare or a respite event.
Registration and cost
Participation is free and early online registration is encouraged. Participants may create teams and fundraise; no deadline is published.
Activities
A resource fair with more than 60 organizations, live entertainment, a free pumpkin and no-carve decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games, a Kids’ Zone and food trucks.
Sensory and accessibility
A large quiet area is provided for visitors who prefer a calm, sensory-friendly space. No additional accommodation-request process is published.
Organizer contact
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center • sarrc@autismcenter.org • (602) 340-8717.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
ONGOING ARIZONA PROGRAMS
Services and recurring connections
These programs do not all have a single upcoming date. Use the official link to confirm eligibility, space, current sessions and costs.
ONGOING • 365-DAY RANCH + RECREATIONRespite and recreation • Phoenix
Civitan Respite Ranch & Recreation
Supervised overnight Ranch stays and weekly or monthly recreation give current members opportunities to practice independence, socialize and participate in community outings.
Important details +
Locations
Respite Ranch: 16228 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85032. Friday Night Out is based at Civitan Village, 12635 N 42nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85032; excursion locations vary.
Current eligibility
The current registration portal lists Ranch and recreation sessions for ages 16 and older. Broader eligibility rules are not published; confirm fit with Civitan.
Caregiver policy
Ranch stays are supervised around the clock, so caregivers do not remain for the overnight stay. Confirm pickup and drop-off procedures for individual recreation sessions. Sibling eligibility is not listed.
Registration
Advance application is required through UltraCamp. Current portal examples include August 28–30 and September 4–6 Ranch weekends; space and deadlines vary.
Cost and funding
Varies by session. Current Ranch examples require 32 respite-service hours plus a $60 or $80 activity fee; private-pay families must call. A $0 application line does not mean the stay is free.
Activities and meals
Independent-living practice, household social events, excursions, meals, amenities and bedding. Friday Night Out and Saturday Social Club offer dinners, games, movies, dancing, bowling and community trips that vary by calendar.
Accessibility
Three Ranch bathrooms are ADA accessible. No sensory-specific accommodations are published.
Organizer contact
Civitan HCBS Team • HCBSInbox@campcivitan.org • (602) 953-2944 ext. 105.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
ONGOING • DATES PROVIDED BY REFERRALWeekend respite • Location to confirm
SanTan Behavioral Health Weekend Respite
A structured respite program for children and adolescents ages 7–17 that combines recreation, social connection and skill-building. The organizer does not publish upcoming dates, hours or the program venue.
Important details +
Eligibility
Children and adolescents ages 7–17, organized into ages 7–12 and 13–17. Respite-specific eligibility requirements are not published.
Location and schedule
Not published. The Gilbert corporate office must not be assumed to be the respite venue. Ask the referral team for current dates, duration and location.
Caregiver and siblings
The page says families can recharge while a child participates, but it does not publish a formal caregiver-stay or drop-off policy. Sibling participation is not listed.
Registration
No public form or deadline. Contact referrals@santanbhs.com for current intake and availability.
Cost and insurance
Not listed for this program. SanTan publishes several accepted health plans, but families must confirm respite coverage and authorization directly.
Activities and meals
Social-skills practice, emotion regulation, self-esteem activities, arts and crafts, team games, outdoor play and mindfulness. Meals and snacks are provided, with allergies and dietary restrictions accommodated.
Accessibility
No specific physical, sensory or communication accommodations are published.
Organizer contact
SanTan Behavioral Health Services • referrals@santanbhs.com • (480) 507-3644.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
ANNUAL • 2027 DATE TO BE ANNOUNCEDFree resource fair • Phoenix
Arizona Autism Coalition Autism Expo
The Coalition describes its Autism Expo as a free annual spring resource fair for people with autism, families and caregivers. The 2026 Expo has passed, and no 2027 date or program has been announced.
Important details +
Future date and time
Not announced. Do not assume an April 2027 date.
Location
The Coalition lists Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix for the future Expo; the venue address is 4340 E Cotton Center Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85040.
Audience
People with autism, families and caregivers connecting with Arizona service providers and support organizations. No age limit is published; this is not respite.
Registration and cost
The Expo is described as free. No 2027 registration link, deadline or forms are available.
Activities and accessibility
The 2027 program and accommodations are not announced. Features from the completed 2026 Expo are not promised for 2027.
Organizer contact
Arizona Autism Coalition • use the official contact page for current information.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
ONGOING • MONTHLY OUTINGSMembership social program • Greater Phoenix
Autism Life and Living Social Circle
A membership-based program offering monthly community outings designed around friendship, new experiences and social connection across Greater Phoenix.
Important details +
Eligibility
The official page currently lists ages 6–32 while also describing members as young adults. Contact the organizer to confirm age eligibility, support needs and program fit.
Location and schedule
Community locations vary across Greater Phoenix and Maricopa County. No specific next outing is published on the program page.
Caregiver and siblings
Sibling participation is not listed. A parent or caregiver may receive support when a member needs assistance, but the page does not explicitly authorize caregiver drop-off.
Application and cost
An application and virtual follow-up appointment are required. No deadline, membership fee or current event price is published.
Activities
Community outings shaped by member interests, friendship-building, social-skills practice and exploring new experiences.
Accessibility
Autism Life and Living is an IBCCES Certified Autism Center and describes staff training in autism and sensory needs. Accommodations vary by outing.
Organizer contact
Autism Life and Living • admin@autismlifeandliving.org • (602) 292-8283.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
ONGOING • MULTIPLE ADULT GROUPSPeer support and social meetups • Valley + online
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix Adult Programs
Volunteer-led peer groups and social meetups serve several adult age ranges in Peoria, Glendale, Tempe and online. Registration is required for all adult events.
Important details +
Current examples
Autistic Adult Meetup, ages 20+, next posted September 5 from 12:30–2:30 PM in Peoria ($5); Young Adult Neurodiverse Support Group, ages 17–39, next posted September 19 from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM in Glendale (cost not listed).
Other recurring groups
Online autistic-adult support on second Saturdays, in-person adult support on fourth Saturdays in Tempe, and an online late-diagnosed adults 40+ group on fourth Thursdays. Confirm the current calendar before attending.
Eligibility and children
Age requirements vary by group. A diagnosis is not required for the young-adult group. Children are not permitted at adult groups; sibling participation is otherwise not addressed.
Caregiver policy
These are peer groups, not counseling, childcare or respite. The young-adult group offers a separate meeting area for parents or guardians; other support-person rules vary.
Registration and cost
Registration is required. The Autistic Adult Meetup is $5 and includes pizza and refreshments; other current costs are not listed.
Accessibility
No universal sensory, mobility or communication accommodations are published.
Organizer contact
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix • info@phxautism.org • (480) 779-0899. The official calendar uses Mountain Standard Time.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
ONGOING • FIRST + THIRD FRIDAYSAdult social club • Tucson + online
Autism Society of Southern Arizona Adult Social Club
An ongoing social club for adults with autism ages 18 and older, with one virtual and one in-person gathering each month.
Important details +
Schedule
Virtual: first Friday monthly, 6:00–7:30 PM. In person: third Friday monthly, 6:00–8:00 PM. The virtual page does not explicitly label a time zone.
Location
Zoom or Autism Society of Southern Arizona, 2302 E Speedway, Suite 112, Tucson, AZ 85719.
Eligibility
Adults with autism ages 18 and older. Sibling participation is not addressed.
Registration and cost
The dedicated program page says no advance signup is required. An optional email list provides reminders. Cost is not published.
Caregiver policy
This is an adult social club, not respite or childcare. Caregiver and support-person policies are not published.
Activities and access
Monthly themes, games, drawing, conversation, peer connection and adult-related discussions. Specific sensory, mobility and communication accommodations are not listed.
Organizer contact
Autism Society of Southern Arizona • info@as-az.org • (520) 770-1541.
Last verified August 22, 2026. Details can change; confirm directly with the organizer.
ONGOING ACCESS • NO FUTURE SENSORY DATE POSTEDMuseum accessibility resource • Phoenix
Children’s Museum of Phoenix Accessibility Resources
The museum publishes visit-planning tools and access supports for children with autism, anxiety and other learning differences. Its latest Special Night of Play has passed, and no later sensory-event date is currently posted.
Important details +
Location
Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034.
Audience and caregivers
Exhibits are designed primarily for children age 10 and under. Children must remain with a parent or adult caregiver throughout the museum; this is not drop-off care.
Admission
Current general pricing is members free, nonmembers $19, seniors 62+ $18 and children under one free. Future special-event pricing may differ.
Registration
Regular museum tickets apply. A future Special Night of Play would require reservations, but no future reservation is currently available.
Accessibility
Barrier-free access, bilingual navigation, multilingual staff, service animals, wheelchairs with advance notice, and free Pal Video and mobile Pal Guide planning tools.
Sensory-event caution
No permanent sensory room, reduced-light schedule or reduced-sound schedule is confirmed on the current official pages. Wait for a new official Special Night of Play announcement.
Organizer contact
Children’s Museum of Phoenix • programs@childmusephx.org • (602) 648-2751; main line (602) 253-0501.
Know a helpful Arizona event? Send a secure note with the organizer, public event link and accessibility details for possible inclusion.
Submit an event securely →Calendar reviewed August 22, 2026. Listings are informational and do not imply affiliation or endorsement.
LIVE ONLINE • GOOGLE MEET
Meet us in the Circle.
The All Hands Support Circle meets on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 PM Arizona time.
Parents, caregivers and adults with autism are welcome to listen quietly, share what is working or talk through everyday challenges. Request the current Google Meet link securely; the Foundation will confirm the next meeting date.
Each package represented a wish heard, a family supported and a community choosing to show up with joy.
TWO SEASONS • GROWING IMPACT
Two Years of Making Christmas Ausome
Through Ausome Christmas, All Hands in Autism Foundation helped provide a complete Christmas experience for participating children. Each child received approximately 4–5 individually selected gifts, giving families the joy of seeing their children celebrated, supported, and included during the holiday season.
AUSOME CHRISTMAS
2024
8 families
More than 35 children served
AUSOME CHRISTMAS
2025
15 families
More than 45 children served
01
BEHIND THE SCENES
Preparing the Gifts
From shopping and organizing to wrapping, labeling and loading, every gift was prepared around an individual child’s interests and needs.
Making the Christmas season possible takes all hands on deck. Our Founder and CEO works alongside the team to wrap, pack, organize, and prepare gifts so every participating family can experience an Ausome Christmas.
