SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK
The Go-to OrganizationFor Autism… Underserved Communities and Marginalized People.
Leave your Legacy
Join our naming rights campaign as we mark the opening of the landmark Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities on the campus of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital.
Tie your name to the delivery of innovative services and resources in the heart of a neighborhood that has endured some of the deepest disparities in care.
Their lives could be your legacy.
Celebrating World Autism Acceptance Month
In Celebration of the individuals and families living with Autism
Mission
Values Statement
Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) is a nonprofit grassroots organization responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities. We recognize the intersectionality of individuals with disabilities and that their fight for disability rights is inextricably tied to the fight for racial justice and the civil rights of all people.
A Word
From Our President
“It is the men and women that I am privileged to work with at Special Needs Network and those whom I serve with on the Board of Directors of this organization do each and every day for the most vulnerable children in our society. And for this I am grateful and filled with hope that not only my son, but the thousands of kids like him across this nation, will continue to grow, thrive, and live their best lives. “
– Areva Martin, Esq.
PROGRAMS
Our long list of programs and campaigns address issues from both a top-down approach – by changing government legislation; and bottom-up – by collaborating directly with parents, caretakers, and healthcare professionals who work with children with developmental disabilities.
SNNABA
SNNABA provides direct therapy in a one-to-one setting, delivered by highly-skilled, experienced and culturally competent clinical staff. During individualized therapy sessions, behavior-based principles and naturalistic teaching strategies are used to target maladaptive behaviors and increase functional skills with the goal of improving the child’s and family’s quality of life. Families can access services through regional center funding, private health insurance and Medi-Cal.
Calendar
Upcoming Events + Programs
FRI
1
APR
“Autism Awareness Month Takeover”
12:30 pm PST
Join Special Needs Network on Facebook LIVE for a music Celebration with DJ JD.
Event Info
www.facebook.com/specialneedsnetwork
See you there!! Tell a friend
Follow Sam Williams of Instagram @JDSWDE
If you have questions, please contact Connie Chavarria via eMail: connie@snnla.org or Call: 818.470.7929
FRI
1
APR
“Autism Awareness Month Takeover”
2:00 pm PST
Join us on Facebook LIVE for a LIVE music performance by Sam Williams.
Event Info
www.facebook.com/specialneedsnetwork
See you there!! Tell a friend
Special thanks for Jazz Hands for Autism
Follow Sam Williams of Instagram @iheartoldies
If you have questions, please contact Connie Chavarria via eMail: connie@snnla.org or Call: 818.470.7929
SAT
9
APR
“Wellness Saturday”
11:30 am
In-Person Workout with celebrity Coach Cleon “CJ” Joseph. Join us! …get Motivated.
Event Info
If you want to give light to others
you have to glow yourself.
Coach Cleon “CJ” Joseph
Certified Under the National Academy
of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Coach CJ 💪 (CJ’s Functional Fitness) has been a huge supporter of our South LA Gets Fit Program. He is going to be bringing that energy to our Special Needs Network community. So, Get ready for some fun, easy to do exercises that will get your body moving and feeling good
Location:
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall
3650 West Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90008
The Bridge, Level 2 – Near Malik Books
If you have questions, Please contact Connie Chavarria via eMail: connie@snnla.org or Call: 818.470.7929
SUN
10
APR
“Faith-Based Service“
9:00 am PST
Get inspired by the message and songs of healing | Pastor K.W. Tullos “The Historical” Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church
Event Info
129 S. Gless Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033 | Service Time: 9:00AM | In-Person + Facebook LIVE – @WellerStreetMBC
Livestream: wsmbcla.org
If you have questions, Please contact Mary@snnla.org | 323.338.9161
SUN
10
APR
“Faith-Based Service“
10:00 am PST
Hear from our community faith-based leaders as they share words and songs of healing | Pastor George E. Hurtt. | Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church
Event Info
3669 W. 54th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90043 | Service Time: 10:00AM In -Person (Registration required) + Facebook LIVE – @MtSinaiChurchLA
If you have questions, Please contact Mary@snnla.org | 323.338.9161
SAT
16
MAR
“Children’s Art + Activity Class“
11:00 am PST
This creative art therapy event will showcase the creativity and talents of children across the spectrum and beyond the label.
Event Info
If you have questions or to RSVP, Please contact Connie Chavarria via eMail: connie@snnla.org or Call: 818.470.7929
SUN
24
APR
“Virtual Happy Hour + Comedy Show feat. “V” @VVV Comedy“
7:00 pm PST
Join “V” AKA Vana Theiro an Autism Mom who knows the value of laughter as she brings together comedic acts that will lift our spirits. If you love comedy this is a must-attend event.
Event Info
If you have questions or to RSVP, please contact Connie Chavarria via eMail: connie@snnla.org or Call: 818.470.7929
SAT
30
APR
Tools 4 Transformation Conference
7:30 am – 3:00 pm
The in-person conference will feature workshops covering a range of educational, health, and advocacy topics for parents, professionals, and the community. Followed by a resource fair.
Event Info
Conference Theme
Resilience, Resistance and Rebirth
Building Powerful Voices, Families and Communities
The workshops will be complemented with a comprehensive resource fair which will provide invaluable resources and tools necessary to access special needs services for kids, teens, and adults. Contact Mary@snnla.org | 323.338.9161
Registration Required:
Testimonials
Meet Michelle Baylor
Michelle was introduced to Special Needs Network, Inc. in 2013 through the PAM program, and now she is one of our most involved Parent Advocate and Volunteer.
You are not alone
Your child has just received a diagnosis of autism, you are probably feeling completely overwhelmed. It is never easy to learn that someone you love has a serious health or developmental condition. Nothing is quite the same after the diagnosis comes in from the doctor. Many families report mixed feelings of sadness and relief when their child is diagnosed. You may also feel relieved to know that the concerns you have had for your child are valid. An entire world changes just at the diagnosis, but there is hope for both the parents and the child.
Join our network
We are more than an organization that provides health resources. we are support group …we are a family. Parent’s that engage with special needs network and our programs become the living breathing resources for the parent’s that follow. We are strong alone, but a force together.
Become and advocate
Our parent advocates participate in a wide-range of legislative advocacy campaigns and community and faith-based events throughout the state. Our “boots on the grounds” approach to community organizing helps to promote and support a wide-range of social justice issues and causes. Our Advocacy Teams launch and participate in grassroots policy advocacy campaigns and conduct activities such as townhall meetings, community forums, letter writing campaigns, press conferences and social media campaigns.
Parent Advisory Council PAC
Parents are our greatest resource, and SNN’s Parent Advisory Council provides our organization, partners, and policymakers with critical advice and counsel on issues related to children, teens, and adults with a range of special needs.
In-Person Events
Organization Employees
Virtual Programs
Families Served
Get In Touch
Location: 4401 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043
Telephone: (323) 291-7100
Email: info@specialneedsnetwork.org
School Hours: M-F: 8am – 5pm
In the NEWS
Press Releases + Statements
SNN serves as a link between families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, underserved communities and the governmental institutions which often fail.
Autism Acceptance Month: Celebrate, Support, but Don’t Forget the Disparities
When my son Marty was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two, April was Autism Awareness Month and had been since the 1970s. Last year, it was changed to Autism Acceptance Month. The shift away from the term “awareness” and towards “acceptance” was an important step...
CDC Reports Shocking Increase in Autism Rates
Los Angeles, CA (12/15/2021) — Special Needs Network (SNN) is calling for urgent action in the wake of the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) shocking new report on autism prevalence among children. The CDC analyzed data from 2018 and found that an estimated one in 44...
Kevin Hart Picks Up Shopping Spree Tab for Special Needs Kids
One of Hollywood's biggest stars teamed up with America's largest brick-and-mortar retailer to spread joy this holiday season. Kevin Hart and Sam's Club are all in for a special L.A. nonprofit. Spirits were high at Sam's Club in Oxnard as ten families with children on...
Celebrating Women’s History Month
In Celebration of the Vital Role of Women in American History
Celebrating Black History Month
A Celebration of African American Historical + Present Day Change Makers
Kevin Hart Picks Up Shopping Spree Tab for Special Needs Kids
One of Hollywood’s biggest stars teamed up with America’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer to spread joy this holiday season.
Kevin Hart and Sam’s Club are all in for a special L.A. nonprofit.