The Autism Expo is celebrating its 10th year in Phoenix this Saturday, and organizers are expecting a crowd. The free, family-focused resource fair runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Desert Willow Conference Center and is billed as Arizona's largest one-day gathering for neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers.
Event details
According to the Arizona Autism Coalition, doors open at 9 a.m. at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. The event schedule includes five information sessions that dig into ethical practices for autism services, how to navigate state services, strategies for academic success, special-needs trust planning and employment supports.
What to expect
Raising Arizona Kids notes that the Expo typically draws more than 1,000 attendees and features over 80 vendors. Families can connect with therapy providers, special-education programs, legal and advocacy resources and workforce-support organizations. The floor layout is designed to be family-friendly and accessible so visitors can compare services, ask questions and collect contacts in a single visit.
New this year and amenities
New for the 10th-anniversary event is a Neurodivergent Marketplace, along with a dedicated sensory room for attendees who need a quieter space. Visitors can also expect a complimentary tote bag, free parking, bottled water and snacks. Board president Ann Monahan of the Arizona Autism Coalition and Olivia Fryer of SEEDs for Autism highlighted these features in a recent Good Morning Arizona segment, according to AZFamily.
Who will be there
SEEDs for Autism, which offers vocational training and operates a mobile boutique for participants, is among the Neurodivergent Marketplace vendors. Organizers say the vendor lineup also brings together clinical providers, advocacy groups, research centers and special-education programs, giving families a rare chance to see a wide range of services in one place.
Plan your visit
Admission is free and registration is optional, but organizers recommend checking the session schedule in advance so you can prioritize which talks to attend. For more details, session times and vendor updates, visit the Arizona Autism Coalition event page.
