Community Autism Resources

What Community Autism Resources does

Community Autism Resources (CAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992/1993 and headquartered in Taunton, Massachusetts, that provides free, comprehensive support services to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families across 82 cities and towns in Southeastern Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands region. Its service portfolio spans CAR Resources (information packets, lending library, vetted referral lists), Clinic Services (IEP planning, visual systems clinics), Courses/Workshops for schools and community organizations, Autism Waiver Services under the Massachusetts Children's Autism Waiver Program, the Assistive Technology Hub (AT evaluations, visual systems, equipment lending library since 2015), College Navigation, the evidence-based PEERS social skills program (UCLA curriculum), and the Gottschall Access Program (GAP), a 3-year college experience partnership with Bristol Community College for adults on the autism spectrum. Technology components are limited to assistive and clinical tools rather than proprietary software; core differentiation rests on certified clinical staff (e.g., CCC-SLP, ATP credentials) and structured curricula.

The organization is led by two Co-Executive Directors, Mary Fox and Kate Dansereau, with a staff of 11-50 employees and combined clinical experience exceeding 150 years. CAR operates a regional distribution model combining a Taunton headquarters, seven regional clinic locations, mobile on-site services at schools and homes, plus virtual consultations. The business model is grant- and donation-funded: the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides primary government funding, supplemented by individual donations (PayPal, Venmo, check, cash), corporate event sponsorships with tiers up to $5,000, foundation grants (e.g., Pledgeling Foundation, Mass Cultural Council), Amazon Smile, and community bag programs at Stop & Shop, Hannaford, and Shaw's. All services are provided at no cost to families. Go-to-market is community-led and referral-driven, channeled through DDS service coordinators, school referrals, family word-of-mouth, a Facebook presence, and a weekly newsletter reaching 2,000+ recipients, with signature annual events (Family Fun Day / Walk, Par for C.A.R. Golf Tournament) serving as both fundraising and awareness engines.

Name

Community Autism Resources

Legal name

Community Autism Resources

Website

https://community-autism-resources.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Community Autism Resources is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1992/1993 in Taunton, Massachusetts, providing free autism support services to 4,000+ families across 82 Southeastern Massachusetts cities and towns, funded by the state DDS and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Individual and Family Services (6241), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Assistive Technology & Learning Tools (Educational) (EDAKAKAM), Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG), Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Assistive technology services
• Social skills training
• Family resource services
• Developmental disability services

Headquarters

HQ city

Taunton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Department of Developmental Services Funding: Primary government funding from Massachusetts DDS to provide services, programs, and supports to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations via PayPal, Venmo, check, and cash. Corporate sponsorships for events including golf tournaments and family fun days. Foundation grants from organizations like Pledgeling Foundation. Amazon Smile and retail community bag program proceeds.
3. Event Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue from annual Family Fun Day and Walk event with multiple tiers from Friend ($100) to Title ($5000), providing marketing benefits to sponsors.
4. First Responder Awareness Patches: Police departments design autism awareness patches with proceeds benefiting Community Autism Resources as their designated nonprofit recipient.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Community Autism Resources is a nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive suite of free support services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families across Southeastern Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands. Its core offerings include CAR Resources (information packets, lending library, referral lists), Clinic Services (consultations, IEP planning, visual systems clinics), Courses/Workshops, Autism Waiver Services, an Assistive Technology Hub, College Navigation, the PEERS social skills program, the Gottschall Access Program (GAP) college experience, and family events and activities. All services are provided at no cost to families, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and charitable donations.

Product overview

Community Autism Resources is a nonprofit organization providing a comprehensive suite of free support services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families across Southeastern Massachusetts. The portfolio includes CAR Resources (information packets, lending library, referral lists), Clinic Services (consultations, IEP planning, visual systems), educational Courses/Workshops, Autism Waiver Services, an Assistive Technology Hub, College Navigation, the PEERS Program for social skills, and the Gottschall Access Program (GAP) for college experience. Family events and activities complement the service ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gottschall Access Program (GAP): A college experience program offering adults on the autism spectrum a unique opportunity to enhance their life, vocational and social skills through a 3-year program at Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA.
• PEERS® Program
• Assistive Technology Hub (AT Hub)
• College Navigation Service

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 4000+ families at no cost
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Bristol Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for the Gottschall Access Program (GAP), a 3-year college experience program for adults with ASD. Students enroll in specially designed courses with full student access on the Fall River campus. BCC provides computer lab access, campus integration including dining, library, gym, sporting events, and graduation ceremony.
• Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for AutismmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor providing funding for family events including the Get Air Trampoline Park event for individuals with ASD and their families in the service region.
• East Bridgewater Arts CouncilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrant funding through Mass Cultural Council for sensory-friendly family movie events.
• Taunton Cultural CouncilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrant support for adult programming including art classes for adults with ASD.
• YMCA SouthcoastmajorGTM or Marketing Partner2024 Advocate level sponsor of the Hearts and Hands Walk for Autism and Family Fun Day event.
• BankFivemajorGTM or Marketing Partner2024 Advocate level sponsor of the Hearts and Hands Walk for Autism and Family Fun Day event.
• Stop & ShopminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Bag Program participant where customers designate CAR to receive proceeds from reusable bag purchases at Somerset and Seekonk locations.
• HannafordminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Bag Program participant where customers designate CAR to receive proceeds from reusable bag purchases.
• Amazon SmileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmazon Smile program designates CAR as charitable recipient for Amazon purchases, generating ongoing donations.
• PayPal Giving FundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline donation processing through PayPal and PayPal Giving Fund for tax-deductible contributions.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Melmark: Nonprofit provider of autism services, special education, and adult programs in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Comparable in mission to CAR for individuals with ASD, though operates residential schools and clinical programs beyond CAR's community-based scope.
• Justice Resource Institute (JRI): Massachusetts-based human services nonprofit providing special education, clinical, and community-based services including autism supports. Comparable in providing community-based autism services in Massachusetts, with broader clinical scope than CAR.
• Autism Speaks: Largest national autism advocacy and research organization, funding services, research, and family resources. Comparable to CAR in family resource delivery, though at national scale and primarily advocacy/research rather than direct service.
• The Arc of Massachusetts: Statewide advocacy and service organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Comparable in family advocacy, DDS-system navigation, and Massachusetts-based services to CAR.
• Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism: National autism-focused foundation that funds programs, services, and family support events for individuals with ASD. Directly comparable as an autism services funder/partner that also delivers community programming, and is already a sponsor of CAR events.
• May Institute: Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing autism services, special education schools, and adult programs across multiple states. Comparable to CAR in serving individuals with ASD across the lifespan, but at much larger scale and with clinical/educational program breadth.
• Easterseals Massachusetts: Massachusetts affiliate of Easterseals providing services for individuals with disabilities including autism, including early intervention, vocational, and family support. Comparable mission and regional Massachusetts footprint to CAR.

Direct peers

• Northeast Arc: Massachusetts-based nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, including autism, across the lifespan through family support, adult services, and community programs. Closely comparable regional nonprofit peer serving Southeastern MA families and individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): New England-based nonprofit providing support, education, and community programs for individuals with Asperger/autism profiles and their families. Closely comparable to CAR in mission, regional service model, and free family support offering, with overlapping but broader New England geographic reach.

Emerging players

• The Autism Community in Action (TACA): National nonprofit providing education, support, and resources for families affected by autism through chapters, conferences, and online resources. Comparable in family-education and community-resource model, though with national reach and online delivery focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/Community-Autism-Resources/178879888813112
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-autism-resources

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Autism Resources