What is autism?

Autism is a neurological disorder typically diagnosed before the age of 3, and affects the areas of communication and socialization.  Though there is no know cause or cure for autism, the disorder is very treatable and children with autism can make significant progress. 

What is ABA?

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA, is based upon operant conditioning and learning theories brought about by the research and findings of B.F. Skinner and Edward Thorndike.  In the past 30 years, several thousand published research journals have documented the effectiveness of ABA across a wide range of interventionists, populations, behaviors, and settings.  SDSA will utilize the principles of ABA to generalize behaviors/learning from one situation or environment to another, reduce negative behaviors, and to modify conditions under which undesirable behaviors occur.

How is St. Dominic Savio Academy different?

St. Dominic Savio Academy is unique in so many ways!  SDSA is proud to be the first ABA-based private school serving children with special needs to offer a Christian-based religious education program after school for its students who wish to take advantage of the program.  As a leader in innovative teaching methods, we structure our classrooms to run as similarly to a typical classroom setting as possible, while supporting our students with ABA trained instructional assistants and ABA-based teaching methods.  In addition, we are proud of our commitment to integration with typical peers as an integral piece of our dynamic program.

Who was St. Dominic Savio?

Dominic Savio was born in 1842 in Italy.  From a young age, Dominic demonstrated a sincere prayer life and an exceptional knowledge of his faith.  He died at the age of fifteen.  As the first school in Arizona serving children with special needs to offer an after-school religious education program, we felt that naming our school after an exceptionally holy young boy was appropriate.

How is a 501(c) 3 (non-profit) organization different?

A non-profit organization is formed specifically for the purpose of the benefit of the community, and not for the collection of a profit.  A non-profit is required to use it's "profits" to continue to improve the organization, rather than as a profit to its owners.

How can I help St. Dominic Savio Academy?

As a non-profit organization, St. Dominic Savio Academy welcomes help from its supporters! SDSA has a variety of ways that you can lend help, including office work, organization/clerical, fundraising, grant writing, media relations, and more! Please contact Michelle at (480) 659-5456 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more information.