SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK

The Go-to Organization

For Autism… Underserved Communities and Marginalized People. 

Make a Donation

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.

Thank you for your continued support and for being  and integral part of our journey

Together, we are making a difference, and together, we will continue to advocate for a world that embraces and empowers all..

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.

Calling all BIPOC College Students, Recent College Graduates and Clinicians.

We are looking for 40 ambitious individuals to become C.O.R.E. 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

Gift of Hope

There are numerous ways that you can make a meaningful, lasting impact in our underserved communities of color this holiday season.

Thank you for continuing to support our work, as we continue working to support our children and families.

Special Needs Network remains a bright beacon for our families. 

Gift of Learning Essentials

$50 provides two backpacks full of essential school supplies for students in need.

GIFT of Early Intervention

$100 provides an extensive therapeutic assessment for an uninsured child.

Gift of Groceries

$250 provides a month of fresh produce and groceries for a family facing food insecurity.

GIFT of summer camp

$500 sends a child to a week of sports, arts, and academic enrichment at Camp JPAC.

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.

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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. 

Telephone: (213) 291-7100

Email: snnaba@snnla.org

School Hours: M-F: 8am – 5pm

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

A Pink Pump Affair / Sweet Sixteen

Save the Date

Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Beverly Wilshire | A Four Season Hotel
9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

16 Years of Honoring Powerful Women.
For Sponsorship + Gala Information

Contact Krystal Williams
323.949.4191 / Krystal@snnla.org 

Tools 4 Transformation

Date: Friday & Saturday, April 12-13, 2024

Professionals Day – Friday, April 12, 2024
Time: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
West Los Angeles College
Fine Arts Auditorium
9000 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
(FREE Parking | South Parking Structure)

Parents Day – Saturday, April 13, 2024
Time: 8:00 am – 3:15 pm
California State University, Dominguez Hills
Innovation & Instruction Building
1000 E Victoria St., Carson, CA 90747

. . . . . . .

2-Days of Meaningful Workshops, Networking  and Resource Fair

    Past Events

Christmas in the Park

Date: Sunday, December 17th, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Leimert Plaza Park
4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 (Street Parking)

FOOD + TOY GIVE-AWAY
While supplies last. 

17th Annual Evening Under the Stars

Date: Thursday, October 19th, 2023
Time: Pregame starts at 6:00 pm
Location: The Beehive
1000 E 60th St, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Lace up and kick it with us!

We’re celebrating the launch of our comprehensive Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities on the MLK campus. Thanks to supporters like you, the C.A.D.D. is poised to transform the lives of thousands of children and families and help build a stronger Los Angeles.

Join us for an epic party featuring immersive experiences, an award show, live music, dinner, dancing and an opportunity to be a part of history!

Back 2 School

Community Health + Resource Fair

Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Location: Jane Addams Park
15114 Firmona Ave., Lawndale, CA 90260

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 
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 
OPENING… 
April 2024

i

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. 

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.