AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER PHOENIX

What AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER PHOENIX does

The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1973 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the oldest autism organization in Arizona and operates as a local affiliate of the Autism Society of America, a network of more than 70 affiliates nationwide; in 2024 it was named ASA's Affiliate of the Year. Its mission is to deliver autism education, support, advocacy, and sensory-friendly community programming to autistic individuals and families across Arizona.

The organization's service portfolio spans five interconnected program areas: (1) free education and training (Autism 101, Safety 101, Transition 101 online classes, plus community outreach presentations to schools, businesses, and law enforcement); (2) support groups (18 monthly meetings covering caregivers, dads, Spanish-speaking families, autistic adults, late-diagnosed adults 40+, young adults, and non-binary/women on the spectrum); (3) signature sensory-friendly events including the Sensitive Santa Experience, Every Bunny Belongs Picnic, Halloween Bash, Great Wolf Lodge Family Weekend, LEGO Club, sensory-friendly movies, swim parties, and ice skating; (4) safety and employment programs such as BE SAFE Interactive Screenings with local police, Safety on the Spectrum law enforcement training, and the Sensory Friendly Job Fair; and (5) systems advocacy targeting Arizona DDD/ALTCS policy. The organization has no proprietary technology product; its digital infrastructure is a website (phxautism.org) plus Constant Contact for email.

The business model is donations-driven. Revenue streams include individual donations (one-time or recurring weekly/monthly/quarterly/semi-annual/annual), the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit (QCO code 20728, with 2026 caps of $506 individual / $1,009 joint, stackable with other state credits), corporate sponsorships, employer giving through Valley of the Sun United Way (#0281), Fry's Community Rewards (FE489), matching gifts, third-party giving platforms (AZ Gives, AZ Impact for Good, Great Nonprofits), and a T-shirt merchandise partnership. Most programs are free or priced under $15 to remove financial barriers; the only paid events are nominal cost-recovery ($5–$15 per attendee for Sensitive Santa, Halloween Bash, Adult Meetup, Sensory Friendly Movies) or contracted room rates ($219 at Great Wolf Lodge). The organization has a lean 1–10 person staff and was led in the reporting period by President and Director of Advocacy Cynthia Macluskie. In 2025 it ran 247 events serving over 8,000 attendees.

Name

AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER PHOENIX

Legal name

Autism Society of Greater Phoenix

Website

https://phxautism.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, founded 1973, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest autism organization in Arizona. It delivers free training, 18 monthly support groups, sensory-friendly events, and advocacy for autistic individuals and families statewide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Autism Community Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Disability advocacy programs
• Community education training
• Sensory-friendly events
• Nonprofit support groups

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The organization accepts one-time, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual donations through its secure donor database on its website. Donors can also contribute via check (mailed to PO Box 10543, Phoenix, AZ 85064), Amazon Wishlist, and in-kind donations of items such as water, gift cards, prizes, and printer paper. Donations support resource lines, social events, training programs, and support groups.
2. Arizona Charitable Tax Credit (QCO Code 20728): As a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) under Arizona state law, the organization can issue dollar-for-dollar tax credits to donors. Individual donors receive up to $506 (2026: $506) and married couples filing jointly up to $1,009 (2026: $1,009) per year. This tax credit does not compete with other Arizona tax credit categories, enabling stacked giving.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: The organization offers corporate sponsorship opportunities for companies of all sizes, including website recognition, newsletter features, and exclusive event sponsorships. Sponsors align with the organization to demonstrate commitment to the autism community to clients, employees, and the public.
4. Employer Giving Programs: The organization receives donations through Valley of the Sun United Way (ASGP #0281), Fry's Community Rewards Program (code FE489), and company matching gift programs where employers match employee charitable contributions.
5. T-Shirt Shop Merchandise: The organization operates a year-round T-Shirt Shop through ThelmaLou Creations, selling branded merchandise. All proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix provides a comprehensive suite of free and low-cost community programs for autistic individuals and their families across Arizona. Offerings include online education and training classes (Autism 101, Safety 101, Transition 101), recurring caregiver and autistic adult support groups, sensory-friendly social and recreation events, signature annual events (Sensitive Santa, Sensory Friendly Job Fair, Every Bunny Belongs Picnic, Great Wolf Lodge Family Weekend, Halloween Bash), the BE SAFE Interactive Screenings program with local police, Safety on the Spectrum law enforcement training, advocacy services, and an Information & Referral Resource Line.

Product overview

The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is a nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive suite of programs and services for the autism community in Arizona. The organization operates a multi-faceted model consisting of: Education/Training programs (Autism 101, Safety 101, Transition 101 classes, and Community Outreach training for businesses and schools); Support Groups for both autistic adults and caregivers (including Spanish-language and age-specific groups); Recreation and Social Events (LEGO Club, Let's Connect Socials, The Outsiders Club outdoor adventures, swim parties, ice skating); Signature Annual Events (Sensitive Santa Experience, Sensory Friendly Job Fair, Every Bunny Belongs Picnic, Great Wolf Lodge Family Weekend, Halloween Bash); Safety Programs (BE SAFE Interactive Screenings with police, Safety on the Spectrum law enforcement training); and Advocacy Services (Medicaid/DDD policy advocacy). The organization served over 8,000 people at 247 events in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Autism 101 Class

Quantifiable outcome

• 247 events held in 2025 with over 8,000 people in attendance
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TEAM 4 Kids Pediatric TherapycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 November 2025TEAM 4 Kids Pediatric Therapy is a key co-host of the annual Sensitive Santa Experience, providing therapy expertise and support to create a low-sensory, one-on-one Santa visit environment for children with autism and special needs. The partnership combines therapeutic knowledge with community event execution to minimize sensory triggers.
• City of Surprise Parks and RecreationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 November 2025The City of Surprise Parks and Recreation Department serves as the host venue partner for the annual Sensitive Santa Experience at Surprise Stadium. The city provides facilities, event infrastructure, and registration systems for the event, which is in its 12th year (20th overall event iteration).
• City of Goodyear Adaptive Recreation ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Goodyear Adaptive Recreation Program partners with the organization for the annual Every Bunny Belongs Autism Acceptance Picnic and the monthly LEGO Club. The city's adaptive recreation facilities and staff support inclusive, accessible programming for autistic individuals and their families.
• Banner – University Family CarecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBanner – University Family Care is the sponsor for the Autistic Adult Support Groups and Caregiver Support Groups, providing financial support and community resource referrals. As a Medicaid health plan supporting individuals with autism, Banner UFC helps expand awareness of services and supports access to care for the autism community.
• Rio Salado CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRio Salado College co-hosts the annual Sensory Friendly Job Fair with the organization at its Southern campus location. The event connects autistic teens and adults with employers willing to hire neurodiverse talent. The college provides facilities and marketing support for the event.
• Great Wolf Lodge (Scottsdale, AZ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreat Wolf Lodge (Scottsdale, AZ) partners with the organization to offer discounted room rates and a sensory-friendly family weekend during Autism Acceptance Month (April 2026). The resort sets aside a block of rooms and offers no resort fees for registered families.
• Attain ABAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAttain ABA sponsors the Autism 101 class page on the organization's website, providing ABA therapy services for children and adolescents with ASD and developmental delays throughout Arizona. The sponsorship supports visibility and awareness of available therapy services.
• Sweetwater CareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSweetwater Care sponsors the Safety 101 class page. The Arizona-based HCBS agency provides DDD services including Music Therapy, Habilitation, Attendant Care, and Respite, and supports families across Arizona.
• Rainbow AcresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRainbow Acres sponsors the Transition 101 class page. The Christian community provides exceptional housing and life-enriching programs for persons with developmental disabilities in a ranch-style setting, supporting adults transitioning to greater independence.
• Arbor TherapyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArbor Therapy sponsors the Halloween Bash event page. The multidisciplinary outpatient therapy provider offers speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy services for individuals with autism in Chandler, Glendale, and Mesa.
• Bierman Autism CentersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBierman Autism Centers is the sponsor of the Every Bunny Belongs Autism Acceptance Picnic and Let's Connect events. The ABA clinic focuses on early intervention for children 18 months to 9 years old, with centers in Scottsdale and Tempe.
• Polaris AcademyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPolaris Academy sponsors the Swim Parties event page. The private school is specifically tailored to autistic and neurodivergent students, blending academics, ABA, real-life skills, and therapies in experiential learning environments.
• Children's Specialized ABA CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChildren's Specialized ABA Company is the sponsor of the Great Wolf Lodge Family Weekend event, supporting autism acceptance month programming.
• Goodwin Learning AcademyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodwin Learning Academy sponsors the Sensory Friendly Movies event, enabling private, sensory-friendly film screenings for autistic individuals and families.
• Raising Voices CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRaising Voices Coalition leads advocacy efforts to continue the Parent as Paid Caregiver (TDCW) program for DDD/ALTCS members. The organization submitted letters of support co-authored by the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix to maintain this critical funding stream for families.
• Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACDL, along with the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, co-hosted a January 2022 press conference with the organization highlighting a Crisis Report on how Arizona's crisis response system fails people with I/DD. The organizations collaborate on advocacy and systemic reform.
• Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADDPC co-hosted the Crisis Report press conference with the organization in January 2022. The council works with the organization and other advocacy groups to strengthen policies supporting people with I/DD in crisis situations.
• Autism Society of America (ASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASA is the national parent organization of the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. ASGP is one of 70+ affiliates and was awarded ASA's 2024 Affiliate of the Year. ASA provides the Safety on the Spectrum training program, national advocacy frameworks, and shared resources.
• Fry's Food Stores (Community Rewards Program)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFry's Food Stores allows customers to select the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix as their charitable organization through the Fry's Community Rewards Program (code FE489). Shoppers link their Fry's card and a portion of qualifying purchases can be donated to the organization.
• Valley of the Sun United WayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerValley of the Sun United Way accepts payroll deductions directed to the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix (#0281), enabling employees at participating companies to make recurring monthly donations through workplace giving campaigns.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Autism Society of America: National parent organization of which Autism Society of Greater Phoenix is an affiliate. Provides umbrella brand, Safety on the Spectrum training, and nationwide advocacy infrastructure that ASGP leverages locally.
• Autism Speaks: Large national autism advocacy and research organization. Competes for donor dollars and corporate sponsorships, and operates its own local affiliate/community programming overlapping with ASGP's mission.
• Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit with a wide portfolio including autism support, employment, and community programs. Competes for the same community-level grants, sponsorships, and donor base in Arizona.
• The Arc: National disability advocacy and services organization with local chapters serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operates in Arizona and overlaps with ASGP on family support, advocacy, and DDD/ALTCS navigation.

Direct peers

• Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC): Arizona-based autism nonprofit offering community programs, education, research, and vocational services. Direct regional peer serving overlapping Phoenix-area families with comparable education, social, and employment programs.
• Ability360: Arizona-based disability services and advocacy nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Directly comparable as a community-driven support, advocacy, and resource organization in the same Phoenix market.

Emerging players

• National Autism Association: National nonprofit focused on autism safety, wandering prevention, and family support. Overlaps with ASGP's BE SAFE and Safety on the Spectrum programs through a comparable safety-and-family mission.
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR): National autism research and applied-practice organization producing caregiver and educator resources. Touches ASGP's parent education and community training adjacencies.

Regional players

• Autism Society of California (regional affiliate analog): State-level ASA affiliate operating similarly to ASGP as a regional community support, training, and events nonprofit. Useful as a same-model peer in a different geography.

Others

• Sesame Workshop (Sesame Street and Autism): Adjacent organization that produced the "See Amazing in All Children" autism initiative including Julia, an autistic Muppet. Less of a direct peer but a comparable national autism-awareness and inclusion content producer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about AUTISM SOCIETY OF GREATER PHOENIX