2-1-1 Information
Referral one-stop shopping for health and welfare needs. Operators take full case histories and provide a plethora of resources. They also have information about court-ordered parenting classes
A Better Life Together, Inc.
Provides individualized support, services and activities relevant to a person’s age, preferences and culture. Offers day programs, independent living services and 1:1 supported living services in the client’s home or community.
Alzheimer’s San Diego
Offers free education, resources, and one-on-one support to families and professionals caring for those with developmental disabilities and dementia.
Autism College: Chantal Sicile-Kira
Founded by award-winning speaker and author Chantal Sicile-Kira, this online source for information and training on Autism and ASD offers advice for raising children and teens with ASD and invaluable resources for the transition to adulthood.
California Department of Social Services (DSS)
Identifies social needs and provides benefits to California residents.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
Works to improve quality of life of those with disabilities and chronic conditions by providing education, support and resources to family caregivers.
Children’s Museum of Discovery
At the Children’s Museum of Discovery, every child can explore and experiment regardless of ability. Enjoy 20+ hands-on exhibits in a welcoming and comfortable setting for families with children with ASD or sensory needs.
ChildTrauma Academy
Dr. Bruce Perry’s site translates findings about the human brain and child development into practical implications for the ways children are nurtured, protected, educated and healed.
Community Interface Services
Nonprofit offers rental assistance, help with home ownership and assisted-living support such as roommates and home healthcare.
981 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista, CA 92084; 760-729-3866
CURE (Complex, Undiagnosed, Rare and Extraordinary)
Meetings with interesting speakers and Facebook support group for parents of children with disabilities who do not know the etiology of their child’s condition or illness. Fun activities for kids while parents meet.
CYSHCNet
Online group of researchers, families, clinicians and national organizations working to improve coordinated care and health systems for youth with special health care needs.
Down Syndrome Association (DSA) of San Diego
Family Support Network offering information, education, social events, advocacy, public policy initiatives, pre/postnatal consults, support groups (English/Spanish) and lending library.
Easterseals Southern California
International charitable organization devoted to providing opportunities for children with physical disabilities.
Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC)
Community-based collaborative agency, staffed by parents and professionals, provides families with information, education and support. Resource library, parent groups, referrals and information about court-ordered parenting classes. Services and supports are offered in English and Spanish.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Improves the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog.
Family Voices
National organization and network of families with special health care needs or disabilities that promote partnerships to improve health care systems for kids.
Filipino-American Association for Developmental Disabilities
Monthly support group for Filipino-American families.
First 5 San Diego
Promotes the health and well-being of young children during their most critical years of development, from the prenatal stage through age 5.
Foundation for Developmental Disabilities
Provides support for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families, in the form of affordable housing, micro-enterprise job development, emergency assistance, and scholarships for students entering the DD field.
Hope on the Hard Road
Faith-based nonprofit dedicated to growing a thriving community where families with children of all ages with special needs can get connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead through resources, events, monthly support groups and more.
In Home Support Services (IHSS)
Resources for consumers and providers for In-home supportive care. Multiple regional offices
International Center for ADHD Coaching
Roya Kravetz, professional coach and certified parent educator.
Kara Ryska
Supportive life coach and podcast dedicated to helping moms of children with special needs navigate parenting, self-care and everyday challenges.
Kinship Support Services, YMCA
YMCA of San Diego County supports kinship caregivers, relatives who are raising the child of another family member through resources, case management. Support groups and respite care.
Leucadia Family Counseling
Offers counseling for children and adolescents with ADHD, Anxiety, behavioral issues, Depression and trauma/PTSD.
Linda Collins, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
Experienced in social skills training, writing goals for children with Autism/ASD and providing parent support. Provides consultation and training to school districts and programs for kids with Autism.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego
Creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Michelle McGrath Wolfson, MFT
Marriage and Family Counseling for families with special needs.
My Brain Buddies
Creates non-toxic, sensory-friendly plushies that represent neurodiverse minds. Each buddy helps children feel seen, understood and supported while educating families with love, play and compassion.
P.O.S.S.E. (Parents of Studentsin Special Education)
Help navigate IEP process for learning disabilities.
Parents Actively Seeking Solutions (PASS)
North San Diego County parents of kids ages 15+ are invited to join monthly discussions on strategies and solutions, with occasional social gatherings. Join our private Facebook group or email powayPASS@gmail.com.
Parents Advocating Together
Provides information, trainings and support to San Diego County parents of kids with special needs as they navigate their child’s rights under IDEA 2004.
Parents Helping Parents
PHP provides information, training, individual assistance and resources.
Rare Mamas Rising Podcast
Nikki Mcintosh’s podcast hosts a different mom of a child with a rare disease each week for hope and resources.
Roots and Wings Consulting
Marriage and family therapists, educators, social workers and psychologists with expertise in parenting, Autism, grief, anxiety, play therapy and more.
San Diego Family Magazine
Provides San Diego County parents with a plethora of helpful information and tips for family fun. Free monthly magazines and eNewsletters offer excellent articles and resources for camps, health, education, holidays, local activities and much more. Visit the website and stay connected through Facebook and Instagram @sandiegofamilymagazine.
San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)
Serves as a focal point in San Diego and Imperial Counties that provides services and community resources for families of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Sanford Autism Advocacy Group
You don’t have to do this alone. We’re parents, certified advocates and SLPs who understand the IEP journey firsthand. We support Autism families with advocacy, conferences and personalized 1:1 mentoring.
Self Determined Futures
Supports individuals in many aspects of their lives, including pursuing educational and career goals, accessing generic and Regional Center resources, building independent living skills, and engaging in their communities. Through personalized, person-centered services, we help individuals grow, navigate systems confidently, and achieve meaningful, long-term goals.
Somali Family Service SHIFA Pediatric Initiative
Offers culturally informed care coordination, service navigation and advocacy for families with young children, including case management, assessments, IEP support and translation (Somali, Arabic, Swahili).
Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
Connects families and individuals with disabilities to resources, services and opportunities while encouraging an inclusive community and enhancing quality of life. The foundation (in partnership with San Diego Family Magazine) publishes and distributes the annual edition of Flourishing Families and a bi-monthly eNewsletter, and offers several awesome annual events for families with disabilities. Visit website to get connected.
SYNERGY HomeCare
Offers personalized in-home support tailored to each person’s needs and preferences, promoting well-being and peace of mind for clients and families.
TERI Campus of Life
Guides parents through the process of finding services for kids and adults with developmental disabilities. Classes are available to become a qualified life coach for those with special needs for parents and professionals.
555 Deer Springs Rd.
San Marcos, 92069
The Arc of San Diego
Largest provider of services to children and adults with disabilities in San Diego County, including parent/infant programs, independent living and vocational skills training, camps and recreational activities. Also a leader in government advocacy for persons with disabilities.
The Autism Guide
Offers personalized support for caregivers navigating Autism, from diagnosis through key transitions. Resource navigation, parent coaching and caregiver support help families gain clarity, confidence and a roadmap forward. SDRC Vendor.
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI)
A licensed resource (foster) family agency providing placements for youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Offers support to birth families and their children to address needs before reaching crisis level.
TURN Behavioral Health Services
Family service programs identify and address mental health needs and substance abuse issues, and assist clients with creating healthy interpersonal relationships. Multiple SD County locations
UCSD Center for Mindfulness
Eight-week course to teach mindful coping skills.
Union of Pan Asian Communities
Works to improve the mental health and education of the Asian, Pacific Islander and other ethnic communities of San Diego County through multicultural community counseling, addiction treatment and small business support.
Walden Family Services
Foster care program for children with disabilities and medical needs. Kids are placed with specially trained, certified foster families. Training and support provided.
WIC-SDSU Research Foundation
Low to moderate income nutrition referral assistance program for pregnant and postpartum women and children 0-5.
Xcite Steps (Invo Family of Companies)
Xcite Steps is now part of Invo Companies. Provides ABA resources and more to families.