Autism Tree
Autism Tree Project Foundation is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 20-plus free programs and 200-plus annual events for families affected by autism, spanning early childhood through adulthood, delivered through a volunteer- and partnership-led model with two full-time staff.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersLa Jolla, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Autism Tree does
Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF), founded in 2003 in La Jolla/San Diego by Dayna and Todd Hoff following their son Garret's autism diagnosis, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates more than 20 free community programs and 200-plus annual events for families affected by autism, primarily across San Diego County with a secondary footprint in Southern Nevada. The portfolio spans the full age continuum — early childhood (Musical Playgroup, Preschool Screening), school-age (LEGO Playgroup, Heart & Hooves, Red Flags Training, USD and PLNU athletics mentor programs), and teens/adults (Teen Time, Autism Advance, Kitchen Confidence, Spectrum Socials, Virtual Book Club) — and is delivered through a volunteer-led, partnership-driven operating model in which two full-time staff and a large volunteer base coordinate with university athletics programs, professional sports franchises, airports, farms, therapy providers, and schools. The underlying technology stack is deliberately lightweight: Zoom for virtual programming, a YouTube channel hosting more than 400 educational videos and recorded Lunch & Learn sessions, and a Virtual Reality experience built in partnership with the Interactive Media Institute Autism Center of Excellence for immersive learning and relaxation. Revenue mechanics consist almost entirely of individual donations (monthly tiers of $10, $15, $25, and $50), vehicle donations, and grants from institutional partners such as DPR Construction and McGowan Advocacy Group, with one paid B2B line — Red Flags Training for teachers at $500 per group — sitting alongside the otherwise free-to-families model. All programs are provided at no charge to participants, and growth is driven by word-of-mouth referrals, school partnerships, and community organization collaboration rather than sales motion.
Autism Tree firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Autism Tree
- Legal name
- Autism Tree
- Website
- https://autismtreeproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Autism Tree Project Foundation is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 20-plus free programs and 200-plus annual events for families affected by autism, spanning early childhood through adulthood, delivered through a volunteer- and partnership-led model with two full-time staff.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Autism Tree industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Autism Community Support Services
- NAICS
- Child and Youth Services (624110), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Autism Social Skills & Peer-Mediated Programs (EDAKAKAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB), Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI)
Keywords
Where Autism Tree is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- La Jolla
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Autism Tree business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 71-0942573), Autism Tree relies on donations from individuals and grants from organizations. Monthly donor tiers range from $10 to $50, with vehicle donations also accepted.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | All programs free for autism families |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Red Flags Training Workshop for schools/organizations |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly donor tiers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels10 records
Autism Tree product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Autism Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a portfolio of 20 community programs and 200+ annual events at no charge to families affected by autism, spanning mentor programs, social outings, therapy-based and adaptive programs, STEM and arts education, family advocacy and navigation, and inclusive experiential events. Programs are delivered through in-person community events, virtual Zoom sessions and YouTube content, and school-based screenings/teachers' workshops in San Diego County and Southern Nevada, with services sustained by donations, grants, and an extensive volunteer network supported by two full-time operational staff.
Product overview
Autism Tree is a nonprofit organization providing over 20 community-based family programs annually, all offered at no charge to families affected by autism. The portfolio includes: mentor programs pairing autistic individuals with university athletes (USD Football, USD Baseball/Softball, USD Basketball, PLNU Soccer, Las Vegas Football); social and skill-building programs (Teen Time, Spectrum Socials, Kitchen Confidence, Virtual Book Club, Siblings Support Group); STEM/education programs (Girls in STEM, Coding, S.T.E.A.M. Workshop, Education & Virtual Resources); therapy and adaptive programs (Musical Playgroup, Heart & Hooves Therapy, Adaptive Dance, Adaptive Arts, Fit & Fun); outdoor/experiential programs (Bridge to the Beach, Blue Horizons, Food Farming & Nutrition); advocacy and support programs (Navigating Neurodiversity, Parent Mentor, School & Education Resources, Autism Advance); and community events (Padres Game Day, Little Free Library, Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference). The organization operates 200+ events annually through volunteers and has two full-time operational staff.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- In Harmony: A dynamic, structured learning approach combining speech and music therapy, based on research principles of music and speech therapy.
- Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference
Products and services
- Parent Mentor Program Provides face-to-face support for families new to autism diagnosis from parent and professional mentors with strong knowledge of autism spectrum disorders.
- Musical Playgroup Program Monthly music therapy sessions led by board-certified music therapists for children with autism ages 5 and under, helping them learn to communicate, interact, and play through making music.
- In Harmony Program Combines speech and music therapy into a structured learning program that builds skills in activities of daily living, community living, pragmatics/social skills, motor imitation, and academics.
- USD Football Player Mentor Program Pairs autistic children and their siblings one-on-one with University of San Diego Football player mentors for the entire fall season, building friendships through shared experiences on and off the field.
- NCL Girls Mentor Program Pairs Autism Tree girls with National Charity League (NCL) Del Sol Chapter girls at girls-only events throughout the year to encourage friendships and peer mentorship.
- Autism Tree Padres Game Day Program Provides Autism Tree families with free annual San Diego Padres home game tickets at Petco Park, allowing families to meet volunteers and cheer together in the same stadium section.
- Blue Horizons Program Allows Autism Tree children and families to practice safe air travel by going through airport check-in, security lines, and boarding onto an airplane, in partnership with JetBlue Airways, TSA, and San Diego International Airport.
- Teen Time Program Organized social outings in San Diego for teens and young adults with autism who can independently participate, including tours, theater, cooking classes, museum visits, bowling, yoga, and parkour.
- Intern & Young Volunteer Program Provides young adults and college-age students work experience by assisting with 200+ annual Autism Tree events, administrative tasks, and expanding the family base, with interns required at least two weekdays/week (3+ hours/day) and two weekend events/month.
- Bridge to the Beach Program Annual summer program pairing Autism Tree children one-on-one with San Diego Junior Lifeguards for beach days and a week-long summer camp with swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling activities.
- Food, Farming, & Nutrition Program Connects children and families with local farms and healthy food sources through hands-on farming experiences with Wild Willow Farm, exploring nutrition and preparing fresh, locally produced meals.
- Girls in STEM Program Empowers girls in grades 6-12 to explore computer science through creative, hands-on activities in an inclusive environment, covering topics such as coding and robotics.
- PLNU Soccer Player Mentor Program Partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University Men's Soccer Team in which players are paired one-on-one with Autism Tree children and their siblings for soccer activity days and pizza parties in spring and fall.
- LEGO Playgroup Program Monthly sessions in which children with autism, their siblings, and parents build, connect, and grow through LEGO play, strengthening communication, social interaction, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
- Adaptive Dance Program Weekly sensory-friendly dance classes for Autism Tree families, provided in partnership with Tap Fever Studios in Pacific Beach and led by certified dance instructors for all abilities.
- Heart & Hooves Therapy Program Workshop program using mini therapy horses and farm animals to work on communication, instruction following, independent tasks, responsibility, patience, focus, teamwork, and confidence for children, teens, and families with ASD, sponsored by 1 FUR 1 Foundation.
- Virtual Reality Program Lets teens with autism explore oceans, space, and science disciplines through virtual reality technology in partnership with Interactive Media Institute Autism Center of Excellence, including virtual reality–based relaxation trainings.
- Fit & Fun Program Monthly workshops that introduce children on the autism spectrum to engaging exercises designed to build balance, strength, and a love for an active, healthy lifestyle.
- Adaptive Arts Program Monthly art workshops providing sensory-friendly creative experiences for children with autism, designed to offer sensory stimulation, encourage social interaction and communication, and improve motor skills.
- Education & Virtual Resources Program Provides expert-led Lunch & Learn sessions and on-demand video content through the Autism Tree YouTube channel, featuring hundreds of short educational videos and recorded events.
- Coding Program Provides children and young adults with autism the opportunity to learn computer science through an engaging curriculum and interactive coding using Code.org, limited to 10 students per class via Zoom.
- Virtual Book Club Program Provides a supportive environment to create and strengthen social connections between individuals who type to communicate, their supporters, and community allies, featuring conversations with published authors.
- Autism Advance Program Professional development workshops for teens and young adults designed to help participants advance in the classroom and succeed in the workplace, founded by autistic professional and Duke Law student Garret Hoff.
- Las Vegas Cimarron-Memorial High School Football Mentor Program Pairs IEP students and their siblings with Cimarron-Memorial football players for one-on-one mentorship and relationship building, providing role models and confidence-building opportunities.
- USD Men's & Women's Basketball Player Mentor Program Connects autistic individuals and their families with University of San Diego men's and women's basketball player mentors for friendship and shared community experiences throughout the basketball season.
- USD Baseball & Softball Player Mentor Program Pairs autistic individuals of all ages and their families with University of San Diego Baseball and Softball player mentors for the entire spring season to form friendships and experience the Torero community.
- Navigating Neurodiversity Program Provides in-depth advocacy and guidance to parents new to autism diagnosis or navigating complex care systems, connecting families with governmental, educational, and community support structures, with support from DPR Construction grant and McGowan Advocacy Group.
- Siblings Support Group Addresses the needs of siblings of children with autism for information, support, and connection through peer support, games, activities, crafts, and age-appropriate discussions in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
- School & Education Resources Program Provides free legal advocacy, support, and consultation at no cost to Autism Tree families of children with disabilities, with participating attorneys and advocates donating their time.
- Kitchen Confidence for Teens Program Monthly hands-on cooking workshops for autistic individuals ages 13 and up to learn and practice real-world kitchen skills, fostering independence and healthy daily living habits.
- Spectrum Socials Program In-person social gatherings every other month for autistic individuals aged 13 and older, providing opportunities to connect, build friendships, and gain confidence through outings such as tennis clinics, karaoke nights, and Dave & Buster's visits.
- S.T.E.A.M. Workshop with Miss Vietnam San Diego Monthly hands-on workshops empowering autistic children and young adults to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics while developing creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.
- Red Flags Training Workshop Training workshop for teachers and professionals on autism, speech and language disorders, the 'Red Flags,' and inclusive strategies for neurodiverse classrooms, priced at $500 per group of any size.
- Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference Annual day-long event provided at no charge bringing together leading voices in Neuroscience, Autism, and Neurodiversity, chaired by Alysson Muotri, Ph.D. of the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, with 2027 Co-Chairs from UCSD.
- Little Free Library Free book exchange service providing free books for autism families to take and share as part of Autism Tree's broader resource offerings.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20 community programs and 200+ events annually serving families affected by autism
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Autism Tree
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Autism Tree technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Autism Tree partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Miss Vietnam San DiegominorS.T.E.A.M. Workshop Program launched in 2025 by the 2025 Royal Court of Miss Vietnam San Diego for monthly hands-on workshops on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
- Las Vegas Cimarron-Memorial High SchoolminorLas Vegas Cimarron-Memorial High School Football Mentor Program launched in 2022, pairing IEP students with football players for mentorship.
- 1 FUR 1 FoundationcoreHeart and Hooves Therapy workshops sponsored by 1 FUR 1 Foundation. Provides mini therapy horses and farm animals for ASD community learning environment.
- Interactive Media Institute Autism Center of ExcellenceminorVirtual Reality Program created in 2019 in partnership, allowing teens to explore oceans, space, and science disciplines through VR technology.
- Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)corePLNU Soccer Player Mentor Program pairs Autism Tree children with PLNU Mens Soccer Team players for soccer activity days and pizza parties in Spring and Fall.
- Wild Willow FarmcoreFood, Farming & Nutrition Program partnership connects children and families to local farms and healthy food sources through hands-on farming experiences.
- San Diego Junior LifeguardscoreBridge to the Beach Program partnership with San Diego Junior Lifeguards and City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Lifeguard Division. Provides immersive summer beach activities for children with autism.
- JetBlue AirwayscoreJetBlue Airways partnered with Autism Tree in 2013 for the Blue Horizons for Autism Program, allowing children and families to practice safe air travel through airport check-in, security, and boarding. Partnership includes the Transportation Security Administration and San Diego International Airport.
- San Diego Padres / Tickets for CharitiescoreAutism Tree Padres Game Day Program partnership since 2013 provides free home game tickets annually at Petco Park. Families meet volunteers and cheer for Padres together.
- National Charity League (NCL)coreNCL Girls Mentor Program pairs Autism Tree girls with NCL Del Sol Chapter girls for peer-to-peer mentoring through girls-only events. NCL San Diego and San Dieguito Chapters support LEGO and Art programs.
- University of San Diego AthleticscoreUSD Football Player Mentor Program launched in 2008 pairs autistic children with USD Football players for the fall season. Expanded to include Baseball, Softball, and Basketball mentor programs.
- Music Therapy Center of CaliforniacorePartnership with Music Therapy Center of California for Musical Playgroup Program (monthly music therapy sessions) and In Harmony Program (music and speech therapy integration).
- McGowan Advocacy GroupcoreMcGowan Advocacy Group provides in-depth advocacy services and guidance to parents navigating the autism diagnosis system. Partner in Navigating Neurodiversity Program.
- Tap Fever StudioscoreTap Fever Studios in Pacific Beach provides weekly adaptive dance classes for Autism Tree families.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative MedicinecoreAlysson Muotri, Ph.D. of Sanford Consortium chairs the Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference.
- University of California San Diego (UCSD)coreJonathan Sebat, Ph.D. and Lilia Iakoucheva, Ph.D. of UCSD serve as 2027 Co-Chairs of the Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Autism Tree competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- The Arc: National disability advocacy and services network (formerly Association for Retarded Citizens) operating local chapters that deliver family support, advocacy, and community programs to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism.
- Autism Society of America: National 501(c)(3) advocacy and support organization serving autistic individuals and families across the U.S. through affiliate chapters, similar in mission to Autism Tree's family-services and peer-support programming.
- Autism Speaks: Largest U.S. autism advocacy organization providing family services, research funding, and policy advocacy; comparable as a national nonprofit with free family-resource programming, though operating at much greater scale than Autism Tree.
- National Autism Association: National nonprofit providing safety, advocacy, and support resources to autism families; comparable in mission and family-services orientation to Autism Tree's Parent Mentor and Navigating Neurodiversity programs.
- Easterseals: Large national disability services nonprofit operating direct programs across autism, developmental disabilities, and broader disability services; comparable in delivering free/in-subsidized community programs and school-based autism support.
- Organization for Autism Research (OAR): National nonprofit funding autism research and applied programs for individuals and families; comparable to Autism Tree in combining research dissemination (Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference) with direct family-services delivery.
Direct peers
- Special Needs Network: California-based nonprofit providing autism services, advocacy, and family support particularly in underserved communities; comparable as a regional California nonprofit offering free programs and partnerships with schools and healthcare providers.
- Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism: Family-focused nonprofit supporting autism communities through grants, partnerships, and community events; operates a similar donor-and-partnership-driven model of regionally delivered programming for autism families.
- AbilityPath: California-based nonprofit supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities through direct programs, parent education, and community engagement; comparable in regional scope, free program delivery, and Bay Area/California focus.
Others
- Music Therapy Center of California: Specialized therapy provider partnering with Autism Tree since 2006 to deliver Musical Playgroup and In Harmony programs; relevant as an ecosystem partner rather than a competitor, but comparable in autism-focused clinical/educational delivery model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Autism Tree social profiles
Digital presenceAutism Tree financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Autism Tree leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Autism Tree funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Autism Tree M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Autism Tree
What does Autism Tree do?
Autism Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides a portfolio of 20 community programs and 200+ annual events at no charge to families affected by autism, spanning mentor programs, social outings, therapy-based and adaptive programs, STEM and arts education, family advocacy and navigation, and inclusive experiential events. Programs are delivered through in-person community events, virtual Zoom sessions and YouTube content, and school-based screenings/teachers' workshops in San Diego County and Southern Nevada, with services sustained by donations, grants, and an extensive volunteer network supported by two full-time operational staff.
Is Autism Tree a public or private company?
Autism Tree is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Autism Tree founded?
Autism Tree was founded in 2003. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Autism Tree based?
Autism Tree is headquartered in La Jolla, United States, in the North America region.
How does Autism Tree make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Grants.
Who are Autism Tree's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are The Arc, Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, National Autism Association, Easterseals and Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Direct peers are Special Needs Network, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism and AbilityPath. Music Therapy Center of California is listed as an others.
Does Autism Tree have an API?
No public API is recorded for Autism Tree.
What industry is Autism Tree in?
Autism Tree's product category is Autism Community Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKAKAF, Autism Social Skills & Peer-Mediated Programs, with a secondary code of EDAKAKAJ, Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked). Its NAICS code is 624110 and its SIC code is 8300.