Bay Area Autism Nonprofit Guide
A great many Bay Area nonprofits serve our children and adults with autism. Here are just a few dozen of them:
Aascend, San Francisco, www.aascend.org
Provides meetings where adults on the spectrum along with family, friends, and professionals, work to promote education, employment, networking, and development. |
Abilities United, Palo Alto, www.abilitiesunited.org
Provides a variety of programs for kids and adults with disabilities, including aquatic therapy, education and therapy services, socialization and basic skill learning, occupational training, and adult day programs. |
AchieveKids, Palo Alto, San Jose, www.achievekids.org
A school serving kids and young adults with emotional and/or developmental disabilities. Programs include mental health support, speech therapy and vocational training. |
Addison Penzak JCC: Special Needs Programs, Los Gatos,
apjcc.org/preschool-youth/youth/special-needs Provides programs for kids and teens with special needs to have fun, make friends, and participate in an array of activities including sports, swimming, and arts and crafts. |
Angels On Stage, San Jose, www.angelsonstage.org
Children and teens with disabilities interact, grow, and have fun through musical theater. Participants sing, dance, act, and work with props and costumes in workshops and performance. |
Anova, Marin County,
www.anovaeducation.org Anova is a non-profit organization serving children with autism and related social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. In addition to three K-12 campuses in Santa Rosa, San Rafael, and Concord, CA, Anova provides innovative educational and behavioral services, early intervention, and paraprofessional support throughout 15 counties across California. |
The Arc, San Francisco, www.thearcsf.org
Supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can live more independently and engage in the community. Participants learn life skills and engage in a variety of programs. 
Autism Fun Bay Area and Azure Concerts, San Francisco, Palo Alto, www.autismfunbayarea.org
Sponsors free professional musical performances, from classical to jazz, tailored to people on the autism spectrum or have similar challenges, and their families and caregivers. The website also lists a calendar of Bay Area autism-friendly events. 
Autism Health Insurance Project,
www.autismhealthinsurance.org Helps families, providers and others secure health insurance and other coverage for autism related interventions such as direct assistance and advocacy for families, provider and employer consulting and educational presentations & training. |
Autism Center of Northern California,
www.acnc.org ACNC supports families learning to live with their child’s autism from diagnosis to adulthood. We are a community of professionals experienced in autism diagnosis, treatment, and education. We provide clinical assessments, parent training, behavior consultation and education consultation. 
Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area, Bay Area-wide, www.sfautismsociety.org
An all-volunteer, grass-roots organization of parents, family members, friends and professionals working for the well-being of local autism families, with an emphasis on expanding the limited lifespan care options for the dramatically increasing numbers of adults with autism. 
Autistry Studios, Marin County, www.autistry.com
Builds independence in teens and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences through pre-vocational workshops, a Model Employment Program, and college support workshops. |
Bay Area Autism Consortium,
http://bayareaautismconsortium.com/index.php A collaboration among researchers from the areaʼs leading research and clinical centers--University of California-San Francisco, Stanford University, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, the California Department of Public Health, SRI International, Childrenʼs Hospital Oakland Research Institute, and the Childrenʼs Health Council. 
Best Buddies, San Francisco, www.bestbuddies.org
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society. |
The Bay School, Santa Cruz, www.thebayschool.org
A school using applied behavior analysis treatment and research to improve the lives of children with autism. They maintain a one-to-one student to staff ratio to ensure that curriculum is personalized to the needs of the student. 
Big Wave Project, Half Moon Bay area, www.bigwaveproject.org
A project that is in the process of creating residences, jobs, office space, an organic farm, and a community center, where adults with developmental disabilities can find affordable housing and employment opportunities. 
The Burkard School
Located in San Mateo, The Burkard School is a small independent K-8 school for bright children who need extra support with self-regulation, executive functioning, and/or social-emotional learning in the classroom. Visit https://theburkardschool.org for information. |
California Autism Foundation, East Bay, www.calautism.org
Provides services in education, employment, and housing for children and adults with autism. They also provide jobs for adults at their on-sight packaging company and offer housing in Contra Costa County. 
College of Adaptive Arts, San Jose,
www.collegeofadaptivearts.org A multidisciplinary school where adults and children with disabilities can take classes of their choice in various forms of music, communications, performance, dancing, and art. |
Community Gatepath, Redwood City,
www.gatepath.org Provides programs for people of all ages with disabilities. Programs range from handwriting classes for children to employment services for adults. 
Camping Unlimited and Camp Krem, Boulder Creek,
www.campingunlimited.org Enriches lives of people with developmental disabilities through summer camps, outdoor experiences and year-round weekend adventure programs. |
Contra Costa Arc, www.contracostaarc.com
Working to enrich the lives of children with special needs and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and similar conditions. 
Creative Learning Center, Los Altos, www.clcsped.com
A school for children with autism and similar neurological disorders, also offering summer camps, social skills development groups, occupational therapy and speech therapy, ABA eligibility assessments, and early intervention programs. |
Coryell Autism Center, Santa Cruz, www.coryellautismcenter.org
Provides specially designed educational services to transition-age students with autism so that they can lead more successful, fulfilling, and independent lives as adults. 
Creekside School, San Jose, www.creeksideschool.org
A school for students with autism and similar disorders, providing individualized education while remaining devoted to discovering untapped potential often overlooked due to communicative and/or sensory motor-based issues. |
De Colores Arts, decoloresarts.org
Promotes the artistic talents of young adults with autism and other abilities. The kickoff performances with The Miracle Project in August 2017 will be the first of many workshops that focus on drama, music, theater and dance programs in the San Francisco Bay Area. |
Easter Seals and Camp Harmon, Boulder Creek, www.easterseals.com
Provides programs for people with autism and other disabilities. Camp Harmon is an overnight camp for people with disabilities from age 8 to 65 where campers can participate in a variety of outdoor activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and horseback riding. |
Family Resource Network, Oakland, www.frnoakland.org
An organization geared toward helping the parents and families of children with disabilities and special health care needs. They offer support groups, workshops, resources, and referrals. 
Friendship Circle, Palo Alto, www.bayareafc.org
Pairs trained high school students with children and teens that have special needs for a full range of social, educational and recreational activities. |
Friends of Children with Special Needs,
Fremont and San Jose, www.fcsn1996.org Provides programs for children and adults with disabilities to aid them in their development and integration into society along with respite programs for parents. They offer recreation, adult day programs, and supported living services. |
Greater Opportunities, Santa Clara County. www.GreaterOpportunities.org
Provides Supported Living Services and Independent Living Skills training in consumer homes; Residential Semi-Independent Living Skills training for tenant/consumers residing at GO's 6-unit apartment building in Sunnyvale; and Day Program/Adult Development and Activity Services in San Jose, for adults aged 18+ years with developmental disabilities including autism. |
Hope Services, Mountain View, San Jose, and other locations,
www.hopeservices.org Provides services to children, adults, and seniors with disabilities. Programs range from at-home developmental training, professional counseling, employment programs, and community engagement. |
Housing Choices Coalition, San Jose, www.housingchoices.com
Helps adults with disabilities and their families find, obtain, and maintain affordable housing that meets their individual needs. |
Jeena, Milpitas, www.jeena.org
Focusing on families from South Asia, Jeena is a volunteer-based organization that aims to provide support services and information to families of children with special needs. |
Life Services Alternatives, Santa Clara County, www.lsahomes.org
Provides residential care and exceptional community living experiences and programs for adults with special needs. |
Matrix Parents, Marin, www.matrixparents.org
Provides training, support groups, and resources for parents and families of children with disabilities. Parents become advocates while creating a community of parental support. |
Mochaa—Mothers of Children with Autism and Aspergers, Santa Clara, www.mochaa.org
Offers support groups and social opportunities for mothers (and fathers) of children with disabilities. Playgroups and youth groups also available for children and teens with autism and Aspergerʼs. |
Monkey Tail Ranch, Hollister, www.monkeytailranch.org
Places specifically trained service dogs with children and adults with autism. Recreational horse therapy is also available at the ranch. |
Morgan Autism Center, San Jose, www.morgancenter.org Provides a school for children with autism who need 1:1 attention, as well as an adult day program that includes employment,volunteerism, community involvement, and recreation. Curriculum is tailored for each client to fulfill individual educational needs. |
Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center,
La Selva Beach, www.gombhtc.org A fully inclusive Equestrian Center where lives are transformed, providing activities for all individuals, including those with special needs. |
Oak Hill School, San Anselmo, www.theoakhillschool.org A school for children and young adults with autism and other disabilities. Studentsʼ curriculum is supported by teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. |
Open Mind School
www.openmindschool.org A nonprofit 501(C) 3 inclusive school with small classrooms, adapted curriculum, innovative technology, and a BIG emphasis on enrichment activities. They proudly partner with Yahoo for their Tech Bridge Program and Stanford University D School students for their Innovative Learners Project. |
Pacific Autism Center for Education, Santa Clara,
www.pacificautism.org Provides programs, schooling, and early intervention for children with autism, geared primarily toward non-verbal students and those with challenging behaviors. PACE also operates residential homes for children and adults. |
Parca, San Francisco Peninsula, www.parca.org
Parca provides quality care, support and advocacy services to adults and children with Autism and other developmental disabilities, helping them to reach their greatest potential for happiness and independence. You can donate clothes and small household items to support Parca's mission. For how and what you can donate, visit www.parca.org/donate. |
Parents Helping Parents, San Jose, www.php.com
Supports parents and families of children with many forms of disability with trainings, seminars, resources, a library, classes, mentoring, and groups. 
Shire House, San Jose, www.shirehouseinc.org
A residence for young adults with Aspergerʼs. Residents are not only given a place to live, but are provided with training and support by trained professionals so that they can live independently and develop social skills. 
Square Peg Ranch, Half Moon Bay, www.squarepegfoundation.org
A ranch where children of all backgrounds can learn life lessons and gain confidence by working with and riding horses and other animals. |
Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center, SF www.prrcsf.org
Afterschool program serving kids in SFUSD and summer camps serving kids from throughout the Bay Area. Adult programs serve individuals with autism, too. 
Special Haven, Antioch, www.specialhaven.org
Special Haven is providing a multi-sensory environment for the benefit and development of children and adults with Special Needs in the local community of Antioch and the surrounding towns. Please take a moment to watch our latest video of our brand new, state of the art multi-sensory room! 
Stanbridge Academy, San Mateo, stanbridgeacademy.org
Stanbridge Academy provides education programs for young adults with high functioning autism and/or learning and intellectual differences who have completed a high school program. Stanbridge also provides panels, events, and forums for participants, their families, and the community to learn about topics relevant to individuals with special needs. |
Sunflower Hill, East Bay, www.sunflowerhill.org
An organization that is developing a residential living model for adults with disabilities in the East Bay. They aim to create a life-long residential center where those with disabilities can live, flourish, and gain their independence. |
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities, San Francisco, www.supportforfamilies.org
Provides resources, support groups, mentor programs, and events for families of children with disabilities. |
Sweetwater Spectrum,
Sonoma, www.sweetwaterspectrum.org Has created a pilot residential model for adults with autism. They hope that this model will be recreated on a larger scale to better help autistic adults elsewhere. |
Taylor Family Foundation, Livermore, www.ttff.org
Provides stays at Camp Arroyo to children with chronic medical issues, developmental disabilities, or those that are at-risk. |
Via Services and Via West,
Santa Clara and Cupertino area, www.viaservices.org Via Services offers weekend and weeklong respite programs to provide a much-needed break for parents of children with autism. Via also provides developmental assessments, speech therapy, and occupational therapy for children. |
Wings Learning Center, Redwood City, www.wingslearningcenter.org
A school for children with autism where they can learn in small groups with the ultimate goal, if possible, of transitioning them into public or private schools |
Please note this is a partial list of organizations and does not purport to include all nonprofits serving people with autism. Inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. Organizations are listed at the discretion of Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area. The information is gathered primarily from public sources and is not guaranteed to be accurate, including 501c3 status. Please check with the nonprofit organizations for details before making donations if you expect an income tax deduction. To suggest additions, please email info@sfautismsociety.org.