SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK
The Go-to OrganizationFor Autism… Underserved Communities and Marginalized People.
OUR SERVICES ARE BUILT AROUND FIVE KEY PILLARS:
1
Autism Health & Wellness
Providing therapy, assessments, and holistic support for families locally and nationwide.
2
Advocacy & Social Justice
Equipping families and communities to champion equity and systemic change.
3
Workforce Development
Creating career pathways in culinary arts, leadership, and behavioral health.
4
Education & Training
Empowering neurodiverse youth through inclusive learning and enrichment.
5
Community Engagement & Support
Strengthening families through outreach, research, and essential resources.
Recent Event Highlights
Christmas Care Exchange with Santa
The event brought families together for a joyful day of food and toy giveaways, holiday activities, and access to essential community resources—creating a meaningful and inclusive holiday experience in partnership with Assemblymember Isaac Bryan and the Crenshaw Family YMCA.
The Most Wonderful Team of the Year!
The SNN Staff and CORE Fellows holiday party was a fun, high-energy celebration of teamwork and gratitude, bringing colleagues together for dinner, dancing, networking, and shared appreciation for a year of impact. The lively atmosphere and strong sense of connection made it a standout evening and a tradition worth continuing.
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.
Partner with Us
Recruit directly from the CORE pipeline or become and official hiring partner.
Hire job-ready. Equity-driven talent for early childhood & behavioral health roles.
$1,000 hiring incentive for every CORE fellow you Employ!
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.
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
January Calendar Overview
SAT
10
JAN
“Joe Patton Academy Fundays“
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location:
SNN Center for Autism + Developmental Disabilities
1741 E. 120th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90059 (Second Floor)
Event Info
Every Saturday, JPAC Fundays offer year-round activities that foster friendship, creativity, and skill-building in a joyful, inclusive environment.
If you have questions, Please contact
Jessica Flores, QA Trainor
Email: Jflores@snnla.org
Michelle Matayoshi, Director of Quality Assurance Training
Email: mmatayoshi@snnla.org
SUN
11
JAN
“Altadena Wildfire Memorial“
1:00 pm
Location:
New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church
855 N Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
Event Info
Dr. Geroge E. Hurtt, Pastor | New Revelation Missionary Baptist Church
Memorial Service for Eaton Wildfire Victims | In remembrance of the Eaton Wildfire that began Jan 7, 2025, claiming the lives of 19 residents, destroying more than 9,400 homes and other structures, and damaging many other residents’ properties.
(Service in the Gymnasium)
If you have questions, Please contact Mary Lee via eMail: Mary@snnla.org or Call: 323.338.9161
SAT
17
JAN
“34th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit”
8:00 am – 12:00pm
Location:
California Science Center
Donald P. Loker
Conference Center
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
Event Info
Register HERE | https://empowermentcongress.org/event/ecsummit34/
Contact | Mary Lee | mary@snnla.org
SAT
17
JAN
“Joe Patton Academy Fundays“
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location:
SNN Center for Autism + Developmental Disabilities
1741 E. 120th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90059 (Second Floor)
Event Info
Every Saturday, JPAC Fundays offer year-round activities that foster friendship, creativity, and skill-building in a joyful, inclusive environment.
If you have questions, Please contact
Jessica Flores, QA Trainor
Email: Jflores@snnla.org
Michelle Matayoshi, Director of Quality Assurance Training
Email: mmatayoshi@snnla.org
MON
19
JAN
“Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Freedom Festival”
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Cardinal Park
Vermont and Martin Luther King Blvd.
Event Info
Please join us on Monday, January 19, 2026, as we come together to honor the life, legacy, and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s celebration is centered around the powerful theme: “Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.”
MLK Day Parade LA | Crenshaw + Leimert Park | 10am – 2pm (SNN will be part of the Parade)
MLK Freedom Festival & Hiring Fair | 1pm – 5pm at Leimert Park (HR Department)
MLK Day Parade
Parade Line-Up: 9:00 AM
Check-In Location: Cardinal Park
Parade Begins: 10:00 AM
Starting Location: Cardinal Park
Ending Location: HFV Wilson Community Center
We encourage all parade participants to go all out—create a float and/or decorate your vehicle to reflect Dr. King’s message of unity, peace, and community. Your creativity helps bring his dream to life for all generations.
If you have questions, Please contact Mary Lee via eMail: Mary@snnla.org or Call: 323.338.9161
FRI
30
JAN
“Racial Justice Learning Exchange “
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: (TBA)
Event Info
Event by 2nd Supervisorial District BOS
The Racial Justice Learning Exchange (RJLE) is an initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and discussions around racial justice, systemic racism, and equity.
If you have questions, Please contact Mary Lee via eMail: Mary@snnla.org or Call: 323.338.9161
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.
Beyond the Toy Box: Why Representation is a Right, Not a Luxury
MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESpecial Needs Network and Areva Martin’s Statement on Why an Autistic Barbie Matters More Than a Toy LOS ANGELES, CA — The introduction of an autistic Barbie has sparked a national conversation about representation, inclusion, and how...
No Child Should Go Hungry Because of Politics
MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAreva Martin Mobilizes Emergency Action as CalFresh Shutdown Threatens Millions of California Families Los Angeles, CA – Areva Martin, one of the nation’s most prominent civil rights attorneys and a leading voice for children,...
Areva’s USA Today Op-Ed on Autism, Tylenol, and Maternal Health
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, Special Needs Network (SNN) continues to lead national conversations on autism, maternal health, and equity in underserved communities. This week, SNN’s founder Areva Martin shared her perspective in a newly published USA Today opinion piece...
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
WEST LA / CULVER CITY
9608 Venice Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90232
BAKERSFIELD / KERN COUNTY
200 New Stine Road Suite 205
Bakersfield CA 93309
RIVERSIDE / SAN BERNARDINO
2155 Chicago Ave, Suite 306
Riverside, CA 92507
Autism Awareness Month
Areva Martin joins Sherri to celebrate individuals and families living with autism.