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Resources
A curated library for families
Neurodiversity-affirming, attachment-informed, identity-inclusive, and grounded in the Arizona context.
Arizona resources
Arizona DDD: Division of Developmental Disabilities
State-funded services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including HCBS waivers, support coordination, and DDD-funded therapy.
des.az.gov/dddALTCS: Arizona Long Term Care System
Arizona's Medicaid program providing long-term support for eligible individuals with disability or chronic conditions. Often coordinates with DDD services.
des.az.gov/altcsSARRC: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
Phoenix-metro hub for autism diagnostic evaluations, therapy, vocational programs, and research. Serves children through adulthood.
autismcenter.orgArizona Autism Coalition
Statewide family network connecting people to support groups, events, and legislative advocacy. Strong parent-led community with Arizona-specific focus.
azautism.orgEmpowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)
Arizona state funding for eligible students with disabilities to attend private school, access outside therapies, or purchase approved educational materials.
azed.gov/esaDisability Rights Arizona
Arizona's protection and advocacy organization. Free legal support for people with disabilities across education, housing, employment, and systems navigation.
disabilityrightsaz.orgEducational advocacy
Exceptional Lives
The most comprehensive free resource for parents and advocates, navigating special education law, IEPs, FAPE rights, and benefits.
exceptionallives.orgRaising Special Kids
Arizona's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTI). Free coaching, workshops, and support for families in the special education process.
raisingspecialkids.orgCenter for Parent Information & Resources
National hub for parent training centers. Plain-language summaries of IDEA, eligibility categories, procedural safeguards, and IEP team roles.
parentcenterhub.orgADE Exceptional Student Services
Arizona Department of Education's special education division: forms, policy documents, complaint procedures, and district-level resources for families.
azed.gov/specialeducationCOPAA: Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates
National organization of special education attorneys and advocates. Directory to find representation and resources on due process and dispute resolution.
copaa.orgUnderstood: Education Rights
Parent-facing breakdowns of IDEA vs. 504, evaluation rights, IEP vs. 504 plan differences, and practical navigation guides by grade level and disability type.
understood.orgNeurodiversity & identity
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Led by and for autistic people. Policy advocacy, community resources, and a deeply human "nothing about us without us" perspective on disability rights.
autisticadvocacy.orgCHADD: Children and Adults with ADHD
Research-backed resources for families, adults, and educators navigating ADHD: diagnosis, treatment, school supports, and comorbid presentations.
chadd.orgUnderstood.org
Practical, affirming content for parents of kids with learning and thinking differences, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and processing differences.
understood.orgADDitude Magazine
Strategies, expert Q&As, and community for adults and parents navigating ADHD and co-occurring conditions. Accessible, practical, and destigmatizing.
additudemag.comSTAR Institute for Sensory Processing
Research and clinical home for sensory processing differences: screening tools, treatment directories, and parent resources on navigating sensory needs.
sensoryhealth.orgThe Autisticats
Online community and resource hub written by three autistic adults. A grounded, first-person alternative to parent-only or clinical-only autism content.
theautisticats.weebly.comLGBTQ+ affirming resources
The Trevor Project
Crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and safe community space for LGBTQ+ youth. TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386. TrevorText: Text START to 678-678.
thetrevorproject.orgPFLAG
The original family-and-ally organization. Local chapters, family support groups, and guides for parents learning to support an LGBTQ+ child or family member.
pflag.orgGender Creative Kids
Resources for parents raising gender-diverse children: books, guides, and professional support for families at all stages of understanding.
gendercreativekids.comGLSEN
Works to create safe, inclusive schools for LGBTQ+ students. Research, educator resources, and student-led organizing guides for building affirming schools.
glsen.orgTrans Lifeline
Crisis line and microgrants organization run by and for trans people. Hotline: 877-565-8860. Peer-support model with trans operators staffing the line.
translifeline.orgAttachment & play therapy
Association for Play Therapy (APT)
The professional home of play therapy. For families: what play therapy is, what to expect, and how to find a credentialed play therapist in your area.
a4pt.orgCircle of Security International
Research-based program rooted in attachment theory. Helps caregivers tune into a child's emotional needs and build a secure base for healthy development.
circleofsecurityinternational.comZero to Three
Science-based resources on social-emotional development, attachment, and early learning for families with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
zerotothree.orgThe Gottman Institute: Parenting Resources
Research from decades of relationship science applied to parenting: emotional coaching, co-parenting, and raising emotionally intelligent children.
gottman.com/parentsMental health support
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime. Free and confidential.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Available 24/7.
- Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
NAMI Arizona
Arizona's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Education programs, free family support groups, and advocacy. Helpline: 1-800-950-6264.
namiarizona.orgTeen Lifeline
Teens helping teens. Peer-run phone and text line staffed by trained teen volunteers, evenings 6 to 10 pm PT. Call 1-800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839863.
teenlifeline.orgMental Health America
Free online mental health screenings, early intervention tools, and educational resources for individuals, families, and communities across the country.
mhanational.orgChild Mind Institute
Expert, evidence-based guides for parents and caregivers on childhood mental health, learning differences, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and behavioral challenges.
childmind.orgSuggested reading
The Explosive Child
Collaborative problem solving for kids who seem "difficult." A paradigm shift from behavior management toward genuine understanding.
Differently Wired
For parents of neurodivergent kids: reframing the journey with hope, strategy, and community. Honest and warm.
The Whole-Brain Child
Accessible neuroscience for parents. Twelve strategies to nurture a child's developing mind through connection.
What Happened to You?
A trauma-informed reframe: shifting from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?" Essential for caregivers.
Unmasking Autism
A deeply affirming, first-person account of late-identified autism and the real cost of masking. Essential for neurodivergent adults and those who support them.
Raising a Sensory Smart Child
Practical, comprehensive guide for families navigating sensory processing differences across home, school, and daily life.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
A classic for a reason. Concrete, relationship-centered communication skills for parents and anyone who works with children.
No Drama Discipline
Rethinking discipline as a teaching opportunity rather than punishment. Grounded in connection and brain science.
Lost at School
Collaborative problem solving applied to school settings. A must-read for parents advocating for struggling kids in the education system.
Neurodiversity in the Classroom
Strength-based strategies for supporting neurodiverse students. Helpful context for families navigating IEP and placement conversations.
Bloom Differently · sarahapotter.com
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