Autistic, Deaf and/or Blind

Special Agencies, Schools and Web sites for families of Autistic Children:

• FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment): 520-663-5945
• Greater Phoenix Chapter of Autism Society of America: 480-940-1093. www.phxautism.org.
• Southwest Autism Research Center: www.autismcenter.org.
• Children’s Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies is a special school in Glendale. Tuition is roughly $20,000-$30,000 per year. The school district receives 2/3 of its funding from the state and federal government and the rest is paid by the district.
• TEACCH - see article at: www.vaccinationnews.com
  - A teaching method, acronym for Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children. Emphasis is on organizing the classroom, developing individual schedules, setting clear goals and using visuals. Classes are divided by age level and there is a ratio of 5-8 students per teacher, with 2-3 instructional aides and speech and occupational therapists as well. Each student has a cubicle designed for individual work. Each student gets one on one time with teachers, as well as time built in for group activities. The program is taught at Washington Elementary and Scottsdale Unified School Districts and John Jacobs Elementary in Phoenix in classrooms specifically designed for autistic children.

Schools for the Deaf and/or Blind:

• Phoenix Day School for the Deaf. There are two campuses: one in Phoenix and one in Tucson. www.asdb.state.az.us. E-mail to vybarra@asdb.state.az.us.
• Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind Agency: www.azdb.org.

*Also see general special ed section for more links.