SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK
The Go-to OrganizationFor Autism… Underserved Communities and Marginalized People.
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
THR
16
SEP
Mexican Independence Day
Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month would not be complete with celebrating Mexican Independence Day
Event Info
THR
16
SEP
SNN Women’s Round Table:
PAINT and TALK
12PM PST
Monthly Team Building and Women’s Empowerment Meeting to share work experiences and build working relationships.
Event Info
Reach out to Carolina Gonzalez for more information at Carol@specialneedsnetwork.org
SAT
18
SEP
National Dance Day
10AM – 12PM
C’mon and get up off that couch and dance, dance, dance!: Have the time of your life while you and your family.
Event Info
The American Heart Association shares that dancing can be a valuable and fund exercise, fight obesity, burn calories, tones muscles, and strengthens your heart. Our Guest Trainer will mix dance with simple exercise moves so mark your calendar to get your moves in.
on Facebook LIVE
WED
22
SEP
PAM Grad Certificate of Completion Recognition Celebration
4:00PM PDT/7:00PM EST
Celebration and networking with our first Stepping Stones Parent Advocacy Mentor Program Cohort.
Event Info
Zoom
Participants will share their learning experiences and how they will take their Everyday Advocate Leadership into their community to expand the pipeline of parent/caregiver empowerment for families of color.
TUE
28
SEP
National Voter Registration Day Social Media Blitz
As a national partner to help build the voice of our disability communities and other underrepresented communities, Special Needs Network is bringing back our #Get10 Voter Registration Blitz this year.
Event Info
We want to encourage everyone to harness the power of the vote through our campaign. Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate, why it’s everyone’s right to vote, and how you can become more civically involved.
TUE
28
SEP
South LA Community Vaccination Event
Special Needs Network will be hosting a community vaccine event which will include the COVID Booster vaccination, as well as Flu Vaccinations as we embark upon the fall and winter seasons.
Event Info
Save the Date
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.
SNN celebrates milestone anniversary
With 500 guests in attendance, Special Needs Network successfully raised $350,000 to help build a specialized medical clinic that will serve South LA children with autism and other developmental disorders. Areva Martin (L), SNN co-founder, with LA Supervisor Mark...
Areva Martin receives key to the city of Lynwood
Award-winning civil rights attorney and nonprofit leader, Areva Martin receives key to city of Lynwood Lynwood, Calif. (12/10/15)— Edwin Hernandez, mayor of Lynwood, Calif., presented Areva Martin Esq., the president and co-founder of Special Needs Network (SNN),...
Los Angeles Summer Camp Hires Counselors on the Autism Spectrum to Work with Younger Kids
By Sentinel News ServicePublished August 3, 2016 All over Los Angeles this summer, high school and college students are earning money and gaining experience as camp counselors. When college student and Los Angeles resident Carter Theiro shows up for work each morning...