Autism Society San Diego

What Autism Society San Diego does

Autism Society San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization (EIN 93-1132987) founded in 1966 as the National Society of Autistic Children, operating as the San Diego County affiliate of the Autism Society of America. It serves autistic individuals across the lifespan and their families throughout San Diego County, with additional support extending to military families stationed at Camp Pendleton, Miramar, and Naval Base San Diego. The organization delivers a broad portfolio of direct-service programs including the Autism Ask Line (a peer-to-peer information and referral helpline), AWARE Dance Parties, AWARE Summer Program, Camp I CAN (in partnership with YMCA of San Diego County), Surf Camp, Adult Camp, Family Camp, Family Pool Parties (at Aqua Pros Swim School), and inclusive Swimming with Autism lessons. It also operates support groups (Spectrum Social, Girl Power, Coffee Talk, Dadvocate Happy Hour, Moms Group, Spanish Support Group, Severe Autism Caregiver Support Group, and others), safety programs co-developed with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (Blue Envelope Program and Take Me Home Registry), Military Support/EFMP navigation, Autism Guides publications, Education Scholarships (funded by the Stauffer Family Foundation), and a Community Resource Guide across 17+ service categories.

The technology stack is intentionally minimal and consists of the organization's website (autismsocietysandiego.org), email systems, social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube), and standard third-party nonprofit management tools; there is no proprietary technology or AI/ML capability. Signature annual events include the Autism Social & Mental Health Conference (held at Sharp Healthcare's Prebys Innovation and Education Center), the Diamond Anniversary Gala, Golf Classic & Celebrity Dinner, Beers & Cheers for Autism (at Mike Hess Brewing), and Splash for Cash. The business model is donation- and event-driven: revenue comes from individual donations, corporate sponsorships, signature fundraising events, nominal program fees (kept low to preserve accessibility), annual membership dues, and grants from foundations such as Stauffer Family Foundation plus institutional funding from the San Diego Regional Center. Pricing is explicitly designed to be affordable with financial aid and SDRC vendor billing (code PY3056) available. Governance is provided by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes autistic individuals, family members, and subject-matter experts, with a small paid staff led by Executive Director Teresa Contreras.

Name

Autism Society San Diego

Legal name

Autism Society San Diego

Website

https://autismsocietysandiego.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Autism Society San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1966 that serves autistic individuals and their families across San Diego County through direct programs, support groups, safety initiatives, camps, and annual fundraising events as a local affiliate of the Autism Society of America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Support and Disability Services

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Child and Youth Services (62411), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Social Skills & Peer-Mediated Programs (EDAKAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Autism Support Instructional Materials (Structured Teaching, Visual Supports) (EDAGAMAK)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Special needs recreation
• Community resource programs
• Disability advocacy
• Caregiver support groups

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Primary revenue stream through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and annual fundraising events including galas, golf tournaments, and beer tasting events.
2. Program Fees: Nominal fees for programs such as camps ($200-$447), dance parties ($5), and conference attendance ($100-$300) help offset program costs while maintaining accessibility.
3. Membership Dues: Annual membership required or encouraged for program participation, providing recurring revenue and community engagement.
4. Grants and Scholarships: Funding from foundations (Stauffer Family Foundation) and regional center funding (SDRC) for programs and scholarships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Autism Society San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers direct service programs, community programs, and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families throughout San Diego County. Offerings span recreational camps and aquatics programs, peer support call lines, support groups, safety registries, educational scholarships, resource directories, and signature fundraising and educational events.

Product overview

Autism Society San Diego is a non-profit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services for individuals with autism and their families across San Diego County. The organization provides direct service programs including the Autism Ask Line (peer support call line), AWARE Dance Parties and Summer Program (recreational activities for adults), Camp I CAN and Surf Camp (summer camp programs partnered with YMCA), Adult Camp, Family Pool Parties, and Splash for Cash (aquatics programs). Additional services include support groups (Spectrum Social, Girl Power, Coffee Talk, Dadvocate Happy Hour, Moms Group, Spanish Support Group, and more), the Blue Envelope Program (law enforcement communication tool), Take Me Home Registry (safety registry with SD Sheriff), Military Support resources, Autism Guides (publications), Education Scholarships, and the Community Resource Guide. The organization also hosts signature events including the Autism Social & Mental Health Conference, Diamond Anniversary Gala, and Beers and Cheers for Autism fundraiser.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Autism Ask Line A call-in line for caregivers, autistic self-advocates, and autism service professionals providing peer-to-peer support, compassionate guidance through services and resources, and referrals to San Diego Regional Center, special education, mental health, and adult resources.
• AWARE Dance Parties Monthly dance parties (Adults With Autism Recreation Experience) for autistic adults 18 and older, featuring DJ music, pizza, beverages, and networking opportunities on the 4th Sunday of each month.
• Camp I CAN Camp Including Children with Autism NOW - a summer camp program created in partnership with the YMCA offering a fun, safe, and nurturing camp experience for kids and teens with ASD ages 6-17 at multiple locations including Ecke YMCA, McGrath YMCA, and Toby Wells YMCA.
• Surf Camp Annual surf camp providing one-on-one surf instructor aide for each participant, along with beach sports, arts & crafts, and beach adventures for individuals with autism ages 5 and up.
• Adult Camp Weekend camp program for adults with autism aged 18+ featuring activities such as climbing tower, archery, arts and crafts, and field games at YMCA Camp Marston in Julian, CA.
• AWARE Summer Program Adults With Autism Recreation Experience - a day camp providing summer activities for young adults ages 18+ with daily field trips to local venues, beach, and other community locations.
• Swimming with Autism Inclusive swim programs partnering with organizations to offer swimming lessons designed to help individuals with autism build water safety skills, confidence, and comfort in the water.
• Family Pool Parties Monthly Family Pool and Pizza Party held on the second Saturday of each month from 2-4 PM at Aqua Pros Swim School, featuring an indoor heated pool, free pizza, and drinks.
• Splash for Cash Annual aquatics program fundraiser featuring pool activities, silent auction, and fundraising opportunities that qualify participants for priority Surf Camp registration.
• Support Groups Various support groups throughout San Diego County including Spectrum Social, Girl Power, Coffee Talk, Dadvocate Happy Hour, Moms Group, Spanish Support Group, East County Support Group, Teen Enrichment Group, and Severe Autism Caregiver Support Group.
• Community Resource Guide Comprehensive resource directory categorized by service type including ABA Therapy, Advocacy, Assessments, Behavioral Health, Camps, Childcare, College, Day Programs, Dentistry, Education, Enrichment, Fitness, Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, Recreation, Respite, and Speech Language Therapy.
• Blue Envelope Program Program designed to enhance communication between law enforcement and community members with disabilities such as autism, dementia, or anxiety during law enforcement interactions, developed in collaboration with San Diego County Sheriff's Department.
• Take Me Home Registry Cooperative program with San Diego Sheriff's Department to help identify individuals with developmental disabilities or medical conditions who may be at risk of wandering or unable to identify themselves during law enforcement encounters.
• Military Support Resources connecting military families to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), supporting sponsors and family members with special medical and educational needs at Camp Pendleton, Miramar, and Navy installations.
• Autism Guides Helpful publications covering topics including airport experience guides, disability benefits, healthy relationships and sexuality, anti-bullying strategies, insurance information, and SSI benefits, with multilingual editions available.
• Education Scholarships Stauffer Family Foundation scholarships for autism-specific conferences, training, or seminars, available to teachers, aides, school administrators, or caregivers working with children with autism spectrum disorder, covering up to $250 of registration fees.
• Autism Social & Mental Health Conference Annual conference focusing on social and mental health needs of autistic children and adults featuring expert speakers, breakout sessions on topics including grief and loss, autism in women, relationships, and social skills, plus resource fair and autism spa services.
• Diamond Anniversary Gala Annual fundraising gala celebrating the organization's service to the autism community, featuring honoree recognitions, dinner, and entertainment.
• Beers and Cheers for Autism Annual fundraising event at Mike Hess Brewing supporting recreational programs including Camp I CAN, Surf Camp, AWARE, and Family Camp.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• YMCA of San Diego CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Camp I CAN program providing camp facilities, trained staff, and activity areas (gymnastics, climbing tower, archery, arts and crafts). Multiple YMCA locations used including Ecke YMCA, McGrath YMCA, and Toby Wells YMCA.
• San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding partner for programs and conference attendance. Provides vendor number PY3056 for SDRC-funded registration. Collaborates on Take Me Home Registry and Blue Envelope Program.
• San Diego County Sheriff's DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner for Blue Envelope Program (enhanced communication between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities) and Take Me Home Registry (identification program for individuals with developmental disabilities).
• Aqua Pros Swim SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides facility for monthly Family Pool Parties at Clairemont Boys & Girls Club location. Supports aquatic programs for autistic individuals.
• Mike Hess BrewingsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for annual Beers & Cheers for Autism fundraiser. 11th annual event held at Imperial Beach location.
• Town & Country ResortsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for Diamond Anniversary Gala event on October 3, 2026.
• Sharp Healthcare - Prebys Innovation and Education CentersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for annual Autism Social & Mental Health Conference.
• Autism Society of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational affiliate organization. Shares mission of improving lives of all affected by autism. Access to national resources, research, and advocacy.
• San Diego PadressupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through Easterseals for disability inclusion initiatives at Petco Park, including behind-the-scenes tours and awareness events.
• San Diego Tourism AuthoritysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner for Diamond Anniversary Gala, recognized for visionary leadership helping build a more inclusive tomorrow.
• Marquette University - Next Step Autism and Trauma ClinicsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for conference programming. Dr. Amy Van Hecke serves as Director of Research and co-developer of autism support programs.
• Prevent Drowning Foundation of San DiegosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater safety partner supporting aquatic programs and swim lesson scholarships.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Autism Society of Inland Empire: Adjacent SoCal affiliate serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Comparable affiliate structure and mission, but operates in a distinct geography and does not directly compete for San Diego donors.

Direct peers

• The Arc San Diego: Local San Diego organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including autism) through advocacy, recreation, and community programs. Strongest same-geography peer for overlapping beneficiary population.
• Autism Society of California: State-level affiliate providing direct peer comparison: same mission, same affiliate structure, similar portfolio of community education, advocacy, support groups, and information/referral for Californians with autism.
• Autism Society of Los Angeles: Sister SoCal affiliate offering direct peer programs (camps, support groups, information/referral) to an overlapping population in the adjacent LA market. Most structurally comparable affiliate peer.

Others

• YMCA of San Diego County: Core facility and operational partner delivering Camp I CAN infrastructure; operates community-based programs across the same region. Adjacent rather than competing—provides the physical platform the subject company's autism programs run on.
• San Diego Regional Center (SDRC): State-funded regional center providing case management and vendor funding for individuals with developmental disabilities. Key referral partner and funding source for subject programs—not a competitor but a strategic ecosystem participant.

Broad incumbents

• Autism Speaks: Largest national autism advocacy and fundraising brand; competes with subject company for donor dollars, corporate sponsorships, and awareness mindshare despite having different programmatic focus.
• Autism Society of America: National parent affiliate of Autism Society San Diego; shares mission, brand family, and advocacy infrastructure. Operates broadly across all 50 states while the subject company focuses on a single county.
• Easterseals: National disability services nonprofit offering overlapping programs (camps, recreation, advocacy, family support) across many disability categories including autism. Operates as a broader incumbent, not autism-specific.

Emerging players

• National Autism Association: National nonprofit focused on autism safety, wandering prevention, and Big Red Safety Box—directly comparable to subject company's Blue Envelope Program and Take Me Home Registry safety programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AutismSocietySD
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@autismsocietysandiego1840
• Facebookfacebook.com/autismsocietysandiego
• Instagraminstagram.com/autismsocietysandiego
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autism-society-san-diego

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles26 records

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 Autism Society San Diego