Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc.

What Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. does

Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. is a Georgia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1998 and headquartered in Duluth, GA, serving individuals with autism and their families across the metro Atlanta region. The organization delivers a lifespan service portfolio that includes educational consultations, social skills programs, support groups, recreational programs, summer camps, adult services, and transition planning, administered operationally through a program platform called Social Skills Today. It also holds a registered trademark for "Table Talk®," a branded social/dining skills program.

The business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack combining individual donations, corporate sponsorships, event-based fundraising (the annual Georgia Race for Autism, which has raised over $125,000), program fees, and grants. In 2024 the organization completed a capital campaign that raised $1,550,000, and in 2025 it added a diagnostic clinic partnership with Greater Goals ABA to extend front-of-funnel service capacity. The organization is led by Executive Director Claire Dees, employs 11 staff, and in 2026 launched the SpecTalks podcast as a new content channel to broaden reach beyond its in-person metro Atlanta catchment.

Name

Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc.

Legal name

Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc.

Website

https://spectrumautism.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Spectrum Autism Support Group is a Duluth, GA-based nonprofit founded in 1998 that delivers lifespan autism support services—including educational consultations, social skills programs, support groups, adult services, and summer camps—to individuals and families across metro Atlanta.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism-Specific Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Social skills programs
• Respite care programs
• Nonprofit family support
• Autism community programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Duluth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible gifts accepted anytime in any amount, including one-time and monthly recurring donations. Donors can give via PayPal, check by mail, or United Way workplace giving campaigns. Monthly giving program provides steady operational support.
2. Event Fundraising: Major annual fundraising events including the Georgia Race for Autism (20th annual, Oct 3, 2026, 3000+ attendees, raised over $125,000), StarShine Gala (Nov 7, 2026, platinum sponsorship $5,000), Raise Your Glass! wine tasting (March 19, 2026), and Mahj for a Cause. Revenue comes from event registration fees, ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auctions.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Event and program sponsorships at multiple tiers. Georgia Race for Autism sponsors range from $350 (Bronze) to $3,000 (Platinum). StarShine Gala sponsors from $750 (Bronze) to $5,000 (Platinum). Monthly Support Meeting sponsorship at $500. Mom's Day Out sponsorship at $500. Sponsors receive logo placement, social media recognition, and event access.
4. Program Fees: Revenue from fee-based programs including Summer Day Camp ($460/week), Saturday Social Club ($200 for 10 sessions), Saturday Day Camp ($190 for 2 sessions), Family Camp ($600/family), Teen Saturday Social Club ($120 for 4-week membership), Drama Club ($1,200/session), Camp Journey ($415 for overnight weekends, $850 for week-long), Summer Transition Academy (6-week program), and Partner Support Group ($10/session). Some fees are subsidized by family support funding.
5. Legacy Giving / Planned Gifts: The Spectrum Star Legacy Circle encourages donors to leave bequests, name the organization as IRA or life insurance beneficiary, create endowed funds, or use charitable gift annuities and remainder trusts. No immediate revenue but builds long-term sustainability.
6. Amazon Wish List / In-Kind Donations: Donors contribute items directly from the organization's Amazon Wish List, including sensory toolkit bags for first responders (cost $50 each), noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and craft supplies. Additionally, Kroger Community Rewards program generates donations through everyday grocery shopping.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers direct support, education, and recreational programs for individuals with autism and their families across metro Atlanta. The organization runs monthly support groups, social skills programs, day camps, transition academies, weekend social clubs, respite programs, family events, and educational symposiums. It also produces the SpecTalks podcast and partners with Social Skills Today to deliver specialized social skills curriculum.

Product overview

Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 that provides a comprehensive ecosystem of support, education, and resources for individuals and families impacted by autism in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The organization offers a diverse portfolio of programs including Monthly Support Groups (parent, dad, grandparent, sibling, and partner support), Social Skills Groups for ages 4-adult, Camps & Clubs (Day Camp, Camp Journey overnight camp, Drama Club, Summer Transition Academy), Saturday Social Clubs for adults and teens, Women on the Spectrum ArtReach, Neurodiverse Learning and Enrichment Program for homeschoolers, Respite Programs, and Family Camp. Education initiatives include the Autism Inclusion Symposium, Spectrum Kommunity Inclusion Project (SKIP) for training community organizations, Adelante Autismo Spanish-language sessions, and the SpecTalks podcast. Additional offerings include Table Talk and Table Talk Jr. social events, various community events (Georgia Race for Autism, StarShine Gala), and resource materials including the My Medical Alert Passport. Programs are administered in partnership with Social Skills Today and utilize Active.com for registrations, Zoom for virtual meetings, and DocuSign for forms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Support Groups
• Social Skills Group
• Day Camp
• Camp Journey
• Drama Club
• Summer Transition Academy
• Saturday Social Club for Adults
• Teen Saturday Social Club
• Respite Programs
• Family Camp
• Autism Inclusion Symposium
• SKIP (Spectrum's Key Information for Parents)
• Adelante Autismo
• Table Talk
• Table Talk Jr.
• Women on the Spectrum ArtReach
• NLEP for Homeschoolers
• SpecTalks Podcast

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3,000 attendees, 712 runners, and 135+ vendors at the 2025 Georgia Race for Autism, raising over $125,000
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

42 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Social Skills TodaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial Skills Today administers Spectrum Camps and Clubs programs, including Summer Day Camp, Saturday Day Camp, Camp Journey, Drama Club, Teen Saturday Social Club, and other social skills programs. Founded and directed by Mary O'Connell, a former Gwinnett County special education teacher with 17+ years of experience. SST provides certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and program management. Adrian Wilkins serves as assistant director.
• Georgia Race for AutismcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeorgia Race for Autism is a major annual fundraising event organized by Spectrum Autism Support Group, held at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. The 20th annual event is scheduled for October 3, 2026. Last year's event drew over 3,000 attendees, 712 runners, and 135+ vendors, raising over $125,000 for Spectrum's programs.
• Mary O'Connell (Social Skills Today)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMary O'Connell, director of Social Skills Today and former Gwinnett County special education teacher, is a featured speaker at the Autism Inclusion Symposium and a key partner in Spectrum's programs. She also founded New Directions Georgia, a day program for adults with moderate or severe autism.
• Adrian Wilkins (Social Skills Today)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdrian Wilkins, assistant director of Social Skills Today, co-presenter at the Autism Inclusion Symposium. She has 16+ years teaching experience in Gwinnett County Public Schools and manages various SST programs and summer camps for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
• Emory School of NursingsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmory School of Nursing partnered with Spectrum to start a Women Only Group for women ages 18+ with HFA/Asperger's. The group, facilitated by Dr. Susan Brasher, meets twice monthly via Zoom and has a private Facebook group (Emory PCORI Young Women on the Autism Spectrum Group).
• Annandale Village Theatre / Aurora TheatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnandale Village Theatre (home of Aurora Theater) in Suwanee hosts Spectrum's yearlong Drama Club program. The theater provides performance space, production support, and a professional drama environment for autistic individuals and their siblings to explore drama, improv, puppetry, and music.
• Camp Twin Lakes / Will-A-WaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCamp Twin Lakes/Will-A-Way at Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, GA hosts Camp Journey overnight camps. The facility provides traditional overnight camp infrastructure including heated/air-conditioned cabins, dining hall, pool, archery range, climbing wall, and waterfront activities.
• The Village ATLsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Village ATL partners with Spectrum to schedule both virtual and in-person Dad's Group meetings each month around the metro Atlanta area. Contact: Brandon Gardner ([email protected]).
• Salon Nine SevensecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalon Nine Seven partners with Spectrum to host the Annual Autism Awareness Art Show celebrating the creativity and talents of local autistic artists. The third annual event held April 25, 2026 featured an art showcase, silent auction, and community resource tables.
• Chess for ChampssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerChess for Champs partners with Spectrum to host the Autism Awareness Chess Tournament at Lilburn City Park Pavilion. The friendly tournament features 4 rounds (G/15 d5) using the Swiss System, open to all skill levels. Entry fee $25, with proceeds benefiting Spectrum programs.
• Greater Goals ABAsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpectrum partnered with Greater Goals ABA to provide free early developmental screenings and autism diagnostic access for children under 8 years old. The Diagnostic Clinic held September 2026 at Spectrum aims to reduce long waitlists and connect families to services faster.
• Studio Movie GrillsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpectrum partners with Studio Movie Grill to offer sensory-friendly movie screenings at multiple locations including Alpharetta (Holcomb Bridge Rd.), Duluth (Venture Drive), and Marietta (Powers Ferry Rd.). Special Needs Screenings have lights up, volume low, and movement welcome.
• Gwinnett County AquaticssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpectrum partners with Gwinnett County Aquatics for an evening Family Swim Party at Collins Hill Aquatic Center. Provides inclusive pool and water park access in a welcoming environment for autistic individuals and their families.
• Gwinnett Stripers / Coolray FieldsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGwinnett Stripers partner with Spectrum for annual Autism Awareness Day at Coolray Field. Also partners with ReClif Community and MLB for the PLAY BALL initiative, offering an autism-friendly baseball camp (Playball Weekend) at Coolray Field.
• City of NorcrosssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Norcross partners with Spectrum for the Eggs-Tra Special Needs Egg Hunt, an inclusive community event designed for families impacted by autism and other disabilities. Features egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, sensory-friendly activities, and free food.
• KYO Autism TherapysecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerKYO Autism Therapy sponsors Spectrum's Back to School Bash & Open House (August 9, 2026) and Family Swim Party (July 18, 2026), providing financial support for these community events serving autistic individuals and their families.
• Katherine Ball, State FarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKatherine Ball, State Farm agent, sponsors the Family Swim Party event at Collins Hill Aquatic Center.
• Able Autism Therapy Services (Snellville)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAble Autism Therapy Services sponsors the September Sunday Fun Day event at Spectrum Autism Support Center.
• Choice Wealth ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChoice Wealth Management sponsors the October Sunday Fun Day event at Spectrum Autism Support Center.
• HeadstartminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHeadstart sponsors Spectrum's Family Bingo events, held every other month.
• Peach State Federal Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPeach State Federal Credit Union provides support for Spectrum's Drama Club program.
• ConstellationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstellation provides program support for the Neurodiverse Learning and Enrichment Program (NLEP) Social Club for homeschoolers.
• Bubba's 33 (Buford)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBubba's 33 in Buford sponsors food at the Eggs-Tra Special Needs Egg Hunt event.
• CleanSparkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCleanSpark sponsors the sensory fun area at the Eggs-Tra Special Needs Egg Hunt. Michelle Huggins, Senior Community Engagement Manager at CleanSpark, was recognized as a Spectrum Super Star for the company's community support.
• Autism Centers of GAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutism Centers of GA sponsors the sensory fun area at the Eggs-Tra Special Needs Egg Hunt.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (Sigma Omicron Zeta Chapter)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerZeta Phi Beta Sorority (Sigma Omicron Zeta Chapter) sponsors the sensory fun area at the Eggs-Tra Special Needs Egg Hunt.
• Walton EMCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWalton EMC provides generous support helping fund Spectrum Day Camp programs, enabling meaningful camp opportunities for children and young adults with autism.
• Jackson EMCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJackson EMC provides support helping fund Spectrum Day Camp programs.
• Country Club of the SouthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCountry Club of the South provides support helping fund Spectrum Day Camp programs.
• Gwinnett Creativity FundminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Gwinnett Creativity Fund co-sponsors the Women on the Spectrum ArtReach program alongside Spectrum Autism Support Group.
• Cheryl Rhodes, LMFTsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCheryl Rhodes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist with 30+ years of experience with autism and developmental disabilities. She facilitates the Neurodiverse Partner Support Group at Spectrum.
• Dr. Susan Brasher (Emory School of Nursing)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Susan Brasher of Emory School of Nursing facilitates the Women on the Spectrum virtual support group (partnered with Emory). Contact for the Women Only monthly virtual meeting email list and private Facebook group.
• Latinx Disability Association (LDA)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpectrum Autism Support Group and the Latinx Disability Association co-present Sesiones En Familia (Adelante Autismo) — family sessions in Spanish covering advocacy, civic engagement, transition to adulthood, and educational rights. LDA Benefit Navigation also offered.
• Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpectrum collaborated with Georgia DPH to implement the Respite Care Service Pilot Program Model in Georgian communities. The project expands access for individuals ages 4+ at all ability levels of ASD to respite care, social skills training, behavioral accommodations, language-building activities, and family support.
• View Point HealthcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorView Point Health (Region 3) offers family support options that may cover a portion of costs for Spectrum camp programs. Contact: Dionne Ruiz, Family Support Coordinator, [email protected], 678-209-2555. Their application can be downloaded from Spectrum's website.
• InCommunity (formerly Georgia Community and Support Solutions)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInCommunity (formerly GCSS) provides Respite Funding and Family Support Funding for individuals ages 3+ with developmental disabilities in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Rockdale, Newton, and Douglas counties. Respite and family support funds can be applied toward Spectrum programs. Note: As of July 1, 2026, Respite funding can no longer be used for Spectrum's programs.
• Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBDI focuses on Outreach Services, Family Support, and Benefits Counseling. Contact: Anna Maki, 404-809-2957 or [email protected]. Provides guidance on funding and benefits for families of individuals with autism.
• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental DisabilitiessecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDBHDD allows families to apply for the NOW/COMP Waiver online through the Georgia Collaborative system. Individuals who already have the waiver can view their ISP online. The waiver can cover Spectrum program costs.
• Champions for ChildrenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChampions for Children (championsforchildrenga.org, 800-584-3742) serves families who have been denied Katie Beckett funding. Provides another pathway to funding for autism support services.
• Life With the Spectrum (Gina Kavali)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLife With the Spectrum (Gina Kavali on YouTube) co-developed Table Talk Jr. with Spectrum Autism Support Group. Table Talk® is a trademark of Life With the Spectrum and Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. The program is available for licensing to other organizations.
• Sweet View OpticalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSweet View Optical, owned by Tiffany Rosell (optician), is a presenter at Mocha Matters (October topic: 'When Light Hurts: How Light Sensitivity Impacts Behavior and Sensory Overload').
• Marianna Ortiz (DECAL Research and Policy Analyst)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarianna Ortiz, DECAL Research and Policy Analyst, presents Adelante Autismo (Spanish-language sessions) for Spectrum and LDA. Contact: [email protected] for current ZOOM meeting schedule.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Autism Speaks: National autism advocacy and research organization with significant Atlanta-area fundraising activity. Comparable as it competes for the same major-donor, corporate, and walk-run fundraiser dollars nationwide and within Georgia.
• Easterseals of North Georgia: Regional affiliate of the national Easterseals disability services organization, providing a broad portfolio of disability programs in metro Atlanta. Comparable as it competes for the same corporate sponsorships, United Way allocations, and disability-services funding in the region.

Emerging players

• New Directions Georgia: Founded by Mary O'Connell (Social Skills Today director and Spectrum's core program partner), this is a day program for adults with moderate or severe autism. Directly comparable as a community-based autism services nonprofit in the same catchment, with overlapping leadership and families.
• Greater Goals ABA: Atlanta-area ABA therapy provider that partnered with Spectrum on a Diagnostic Clinic to reduce autism diagnostic wait times. Comparable as a regional autism services provider competing for the same families, clinicians, and community visibility.
• KYO Autism Therapy: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider with clinics in the metro Atlanta area and a current Spectrum event sponsor. Comparable as an autism-focused organization competing for the same families, clinicians, and sponsor relationships.

Direct peers

• Autism Society of Georgia: Statewide chapter of the Autism Society of America providing support groups, advocacy, and resources across Georgia. Directly comparable as a peer autism nonprofit competing for the same donor, volunteer, and family-member audiences in overlapping metro Atlanta territory.
• Marcus Autism Center: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Marcus Autism Center is a major regional autism diagnosis, treatment, and research provider in metro Atlanta. Directly comparable as it competes for the same metro Atlanta autism families, donors, and clinical/therapeutic referrals.
• Emory Autism Center: Emory University's autism center provides diagnosis, clinical services, and research in Atlanta and is already a Spectrum partner (Women on the Spectrum group). It competes for the same professional talent, research funding, and adult-services families.

Others

• Life With the Spectrum (Gina Kavali): YouTube-driven autism advocacy brand that co-developed the Table Talk® program and Table Talk Jr. with Spectrum. Comparable as an autism content/community organization with overlapping audience, family relationships, and intellectual property.
• Camp Twin Lakes: Georgia-based nonprofit providing fully accessible camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges. Currently a venue partner for Camp Journey but is also an adjacent ecosystem participant competing for disability-services donations and family engagement in Georgia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/atlspectrum
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@SpectrumAutismSupportGroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/AtlantaSpectrum
• Instagraminstagram.com/spectrumautismsupportgroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spectrum-autism-support-group-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc.