SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK
The Go-to OrganizationFor Autism… Underserved Communities and Marginalized People.
Autism Awareness Month
Areva Martin joins Sherri to celebrate individuals and families living with autism.
Calling all BIPOC College Students, Recent College Graduates and Clinicians.
Join a community of driven individuals eager to transform their future with CORE. Be part of something extraordinary!. Fellows. Receive FREE cutting-edge, culturally sensitive and anti-bias training for early intervention providers. C.O.R.E. is here to help you discover your PASSION, your POWER and your PURPOSE.
L.A./Altadena Fires Family Support
HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR
Special Needs Network’s President and CEO Areva Martin Offers Support to Families with Disabilities Amid Devastating L.A. County Fires.
We understand that accessing intensive support services for autism can be challenging, especially in areas where such services are scarce. Our program offers a unique opportunity for families worldwide to spend a week at our center, receiving comprehensive, personalized care tailored to your child’s needs. Through our services, we aim to bridge the gap, providing not just support, but hope and empowerment for families navigating the complexities of autism.
Impact of a helping hand.
The Bonnie A. Berry Memorial Fund exists to lighten a parent’s load in a moment of challenge,
so they can return their focus to caring for the children they love.
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.
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.
CDC reports for the first time autism is being recognized more frequently in Black children than white kids in the United States, particularly in children around eight years old. One in 36 had autism in 2020, which is more than what it was two years earlier, with the numbers being one in 44.
Children who receive an Autism diagnosis by age 4, are more likely to receive services that lead to improved long-term outcomes. This confirms the need to urgently increase our capability to screen and effectively diagnose children as early as possible. Special Needs Network recommends that children be screened three times before age three (9, 18, and 24 or 30 months), so that they can be referred for services to have the best chance of success to live fully.
Calendar
Events + Programs
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Testimonials
Meet Michell 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
Telephone: (323) 291-7100
Email: info@snnla.org
School Hours: M-F: 8am – 5pm
Locations
BALDWIN HILLS / CRENSHAW
Chief Office
4401 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite 215
Los Angeles CA 90043
WILLOWBROOK / COMPTON
Jacqueline Avant Child and Family Center
Center for Autism + Developmental Disabilities
1741 E 120th St. Second Floor
Los Angeles CA 90059
VALENCIA / LANCASTER
25115 Avenue Stanford, Suite B125
Valencia, CA 91355
HISTORIC WEST ADAMS
F.A.M.E. Renaissance Building
1968 W Adams Blvd. Suite 201
Los Angeles CA 90018
BAKERSFIELD / KERN COUNTY
200 New Stine Road Suite 205
Bakersfield CA 93309
RIVERSIDE / SAN BERNARDINO
2155 Chicago Ave, Suite 306
Riverside, CA 92507
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.
Tess Mann Atelier Takes Center Stage as Exclusive Designer for Beverly Hills Fashion Show Fundraiser
Former FBI agent turned couture designer showcases couture designs at 17th annual Special Needs Network fundraiser. Beverly Hills, CA — Tess Mann Atelier was selected as the exclusive fashion brand for the highly anticipated fashion show at A Pink Pump Affair 2025,...
Historic Win for Foster Youth and Families: A New Medicaid Benefit Becomes Reality
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOS ANGELES, CA — Special Needs Network is proud to announce a major policy victory that will change lives across California. Thanks to our leadership and collaboration with state partners, a brand-new Medicaid benefit – the Fee-for-Service...
Hope Amidst Loss: The Sawyer Family’s Journey After the Eaton Fire
When the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, it left behind a trail of devastation that changed lives overnight. Among those affected was the Sawyer family—Lydia and Tom, their 87-year-old uncle Richard Castañeda, and their three young grandchildren. Their home on Olive...
Did You Know…
1. Inequitable access to developmental services through California’s regional center system continues to plague communities of color?
2. California spent $66 million on programs intended to reduce racial disparities and little has changed?
These disparities don’t have to exist
Celebrating Women’s History Month
In Celebration of the Vital Role of Women in American History
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.