NJ: (908) 858-0858
AZ: (602) 935-4211

SECTION 3 OF 5

Phoenix / Maricopa County

Adaptive recreation, specialized schools & local support services

ABA S.T.E.P.S. – Behavioral Health Specialists  |  Skills Training – Personal Success
The Phoenix metropolitan area offers one of the most extensive adaptive recreation networks in the country. Nearly every major city in the Valley operates dedicated programs, specialized schools, and respite services for families.
Adaptive Recreation Across the Valley
City of Phoenix Adaptive Recreation
Year-round inclusive activities including Special Olympics bowling, golf, adaptive cooking, and Telephone Pioneers Park — the first barrier-free park in the nation — with beep baseball, therapeutic heated pool, and wheelchair-accessible playgrounds.
Ages: All ages(602) 534-0385phoenix.gov/parks
City of Scottsdale Adapted Recreation
Adaptive sports, inclusion support, Chaparral Teen Connection, monthly Adapted Recreation Dance and Social Club, and the Scottsdale Bobcats (Special Olympics).
Ages: All ages(480) 312-2234scottsdaleaz.gov/adaptive-recreation
City of Chandler Therapeutic Recreation
IBCCES Certified Autism Center. Staff trained in autism awareness, communication, and sensory awareness. Programs: arts/crafts, cooking, Camp Challenge, Special Olympics, and Unified Sports.
Ages: All ages(480) 782-2709chandleraz.gov/adaptive-recreation
City of Tempe Adapted Recreation
Bowling league, Camp Challenge, Friday night social activities, LEAP afterschool program, and serves as a Special Olympics delegation.
Ages: All ages(480) 858-2469tempe.gov
City of Mesa Adaptive Leisure
Partners individuals with staff/volunteers across all recreation programs. Dobson Ranch Park and Desert Arroyo Parks are Autism Certified locations.
Ages: All ages(480) 644-7529mesaparks.com
City of Glendale Adaptive Programs
Bowling, swimming, dances, field trips, and supports Special Olympics Softball and Challenger Little League.
Ages: All ages(623) 930-4335glendaleaz.com/adaptive
Miracle League of Arizona
Safe, successful baseball experience on a specially designed rubberized field for children, teens, and adults with disabilities.
Ages: All ages(480) 686-8137mlaz.org
Sensory-Friendly Events & Camps
  • Crayola Experience (Chandler): Sensory Sundays on the 3rd Sunday of each month
  • Harkins Theatres: Sensory Friendly Screenings one Saturday/month at select locations
  • AMC Theatres: Sensory Friendly Films in partnership with Autism Society
  • Children's Museum of Phoenix: Periodic 'Special Night of Play' events
  • Elevate Trampoline Park: Sensory Sunday every Sunday at 9 AM ($10, 1 caregiver free)
  • Phoenix Zoo: Special needs field trips and multi-sensory Camp Zoo — (602) 914-4333
  • HEART Center: Day, overnight, and family camps with certified recreation therapists and equine experiences — (480) 584-5161
  • Envision Therapeutic Horsemanship: Therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy — (480) 262-3434 | envisiontherapy.org
  • AZ Magic of Music & Dance: Theatrical summer camp for children with disabilities — (480) 262-6803 | azmagic.org
  • ARCH (AZ Recreational Center for the Handicapped): Afterschool program (M–F 2–6 PM) and camps during school breaks — (602) 230-2226 | archaz.org
Specialized Autism Schools
Arizona Autism Charter Schools (AZACS)
Arizona's first and only tuition-free public charter network specializing in autism. ABA-grounded, evidence-based strategies with STEAM and project-based learning. Yass Prize winner 2022. Campuses in Central Phoenix (K–3 and 4–12), West Valley (Peoria), and accredited online school. Transition Academy ages 18–22.
Ages: K–12 + Transition (18–22)(602) 882-5544autismcharter.org
Autism Academy for Education & Development (AAED)
WASC-accredited private school with six campuses (Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria, Glendale, Tucson, and online). One of Arizona's lowest teacher-to-student ratios.
Ages: Elementary–high school(623) 439-5368aaed.org
Gateway Academy
Serves students with high-functioning autism in grades 6–12.
Ages: Grades 6–12(480) 998-1071gatewayacademy.us
LEARN Academy (Scottsdale)
ABA-based education with on-site BCBAs.
Ages: K–12+thelearnacademy.com
Achieve School for Autism
K–12 campuses in Phoenix, Maryvale, and Show Low.
Ages: K–12asautism.com
ACCEL
K–12, Adult Day Center, and ABA center for ages 18 months–13 years.
Ages: 18 months–adultaccel.org
Children's Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies
Specialized educational and therapeutic services.
Ages: Ages 3–22(623) 915-0345
L.I.F.E. (Lauren's Institute for Education)
K–12 school, transition programs (ages 14–21), and summer programs.
Ages: K–21
Local Respite Care & System Navigation
AZA United Respite & Attendant Care
DDD-authorized respite care with maximum annual approval of 600 hours through ALTCS. Family Support Team assists with ALTCS eligibility and DDD service requests at no cost.
(602) 773-5773azaunited.org/services/respite
Civitan Foundation
DDD-contracted respite provider in Maricopa County.
(602) 953-2944
Family Partners
DDD-contracted respite care provider.
familypartners.net
The Opportunity Tree
DDD-contracted day services and respite care.
(602) 956-0400
CDT Kids
Allows parents to become certified Habilitation providers through the Parent Provider program.
cdtkids.com
DMG Children's Rehabilitative Services
Only multi-specialty interdisciplinary clinic in Maricopa County for coordinated care of children with complex conditions.
Ages: Infancy–21(602) 914-1520dmgcrs.org
Key starting point for new families: The Autism Society of Greater Phoenix's free monthly Autism 101 class (Zoom) covers steps to access DDD, special education, and ALTCS. AZA United's Family Support Team also offers free phone consultations at azaunited.org/supportcall.