By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ/First Place Global; Co-Founder, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center; and Matt’s Mom We had packed it all: extra meds and…
What’s a life plan? It’s a guide that ensures every essential element is in place for your loved one to live a safe, healthy, fulfilling life. A good plan can’t…
The differences among various residential living options for adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) can be confusing. Two models in particular, supportive and independent living, are often compared. While…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ/First Place Global; Co-Founder, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center; and Matt’s Mom In preparation for Matt’s 35th year and the…
For many adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), living independently is an important albeit lofty goal. It’s a milestone that can mean a purpose-filled, self-directed life with much greater…
Are you ready for greater independence in a home you can call your own? After you find the location, home and support systems that are just right for you, it’s…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ The 2025 Disability Awards and Recognition Event (D.A.R.E.), recently presented by the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) and…
Whether it’s counting down to a birthday trip, planning a milestone move or preparing for a first job, anticipation is a powerful force—one we can harness in our communities with…
Establishing housing and support systems for adults with autism and/or developmental disabilities (DD) takes creativity, tenacity and an openness to roads less traveled. With the diversity of needs, preferences, levels…
Exploring life beyond the nest often comes with a strong sense of trepidation for adults with autism and/or neurodevelopmental disabilities. Yet, without a plan, families risk hasty decisions and potentially…
For any individual, the transition from teen years to adulthood can be a time of confusing, new challenges—both practical and emotional. For individuals with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), Down…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO Birthdays and anniversaries are not only times of celebration for me but also reflection. This month, we celebrated the 66th wedding anniversary of…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO Schoolhouse Rock filled our home with music for two decades. Dozens of Multiplication Rock, Science Rock, Grammar Rock and American Rock video cassettes…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO I’ve never seen anyone express as much joy cleaning their home as Matt Resnik. While I doubt he actually enjoys the loud vacuuming…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO Recharging. It’s something we do daily and in a variety of ways. Consider the lengths to which we’ll go as we plug in…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO Flip one’s wig (v.): To react to something, good or bad, with strong emotion Matt loves my hair. Always has. He likes playing…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO Plans for an eight-day trip to Ireland as part of my immersive experience as a Virginia G. Piper Fellow hit big snags in…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO Long before a shovel of dirt was ever turned, I had been turning sugar packets, saltshakers, salsa dispensers—and whatever else I had at…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO The “boost” on electric bikes offers riders (like me) added confidence on hilly terrain. But what happens when you run out of power?…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO I remember my early days of learning how to dive from the big board. I practiced my form from the safety of the…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO Remember your firsts? Sure you do. That first love—and broken heart. Your first job and home—and all that followed to help you learn…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place® AZ From the earliest days of designing First Place–Phoenix, we used the concept of kintsugi—the Japanese art of golden repair—to describe…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place® AZ While we celebrate personal and communal feats, we are also humbly aware that we don’t always get it right the…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place® AZ If you’ve been airborne or on the ground these past few years, you’ve experienced turbulence. I was reminded of this…
By Denise D. Resnik, Founder & President/CEO, First Place® AZ In his latest book titled Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health, Thomas Insel, MD and former director…
