Sacramento Autistic Spectrum and Special Needs Alliance

Specialties

We are Northern California’s première nonprofit organization providing comprehensive social services to nurture and protect autistic and other mentally-​diverse youth, and their families. Since 2011, we have led the effort to ensure the well-​being of the Sacramento metropolitan area’s mentally-​diverse youth. SASSNA is at the forefront of conceptual and practical interventions to optimize the quality of life for young people with mental diagnoses. We exist to make sure that every mentally-​diverse child is nurtured and protected toward a life of self-​defined happiness and health. Toward this goal, we provide comprehensive assistance to youth and their families so that every aspect of the young person’s development is cared for. SASSNA is a California nonprofit corporation, and is state and federally (501c3) tax exempt. We are an alliance of, primarily, families of mentally-​diverse youth, but also include professionals, mentally-​diverse adults, and others interested in our cause.

History

Established in 2011.

SASSNA was established by behavior analyst and disability advocate Dave Gaines in 2011. Dave has obsessive-​compulsive disorder and is possibly on the autistic spectrum. SASSNA’s original board of directors consisted of Dave, two parents of mentally-​diverse children, an autistic adult, and an adult with Fragile X. This group, with Dave as CEO, built SASSNA into an operating nonprofit corporation. Hard work and grassroots fundraising allowed for a small budget, and for SASSNA to complete its legal and structural framework. SASSNA also began providing limited services. Everyone involved with SASSNA was still a volunteer at this point.

2013 was an intensive year for SASSNA. The organization expanded its activities to include more significant fundraising efforts, service delivery and community outreach. The first employee was hired — Dave Gaines. And the board of directors changed significantly.

SASSNA, with still only a tiny budget, is now very busy providing services and trying to grow.

Meet the Manager

Dave G.

Manager

Dave founded the Sacramento Autistic Spectrum and Special Needs Alliance in 2011. He runs the day-​to-​day operations of the organization and shares the ultimate decision-​making regarding SASSNA with his fellow board directors. Dave has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and graduate-​level education in psychology and applied behavior analysis. He has nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, primarily providing behavior analysis services. Most of his work experience has been with autistic and similar children of all ages, but he also has experience with children and adults with other labels and without any labels. In addition, Dave is a passionate advocate, both professionally and personally. He focuses on disability advocacy, primarily mental disabilities, but believes in equality and diversity among all people.

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