Autism Tree Newsletter
HIGHLIGHTS | EVENTS | PHOTOS
November 25, 2025
As we head into Thanksgiving week, we are deeply grateful for each of YOU. Your generosity, through volunteering, leading programs, sharing your story, or giving financially, is what keeps Autism Tree thriving in our 22nd year.
You are the heartbeat of our mission. Together, we create social-communication opportunities, improve mental health, and combat social isolation by building a supportive community, organic relationships, and lasting friendships that are critical for the autistic and neurodiverse individuals and families we serve.
As we enter the final stretch of 2025, we’re calling on our community to help us finish strong. We need your help to raise $200,000 by December 31st (learn why below). As always, every gift directly fuels our free programs, family support, and the growing culture of love that makes Autism Tree so unique.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community - we couldn’t do this work without you.
With gratitude,
The Autism Tree Team
| | Our Biggest Year Yet - And Why We Need You Now | | |
This year has been one of tremendous growth for Autism Tree.
We opened our new office on Morena Boulevard, expanded our team, and delivered an exceptional 11th Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference that elevated autistic and neurodiverse voices while strengthening connections across the global neuroscience community.
Our team is stronger, more energized, and more ready than ever to serve our families.
To sustain this momentum, we need your support. Grants typically make up half of our annual revenue and historically fund us in the fourth quarter of the year. This year, our grant funding has been the lowest in our 22-year history.
At the same time, our operating expenses have increased with the new office, and program event and conference costs have risen due to the broader economic climate. We continue to steward every dollar thoughtfully and remain committed to delivering the highest-quality experiences for our families.
To continue offering all of our programs and special events at no charge to our families and community in 2026, we must raise $200,000 by December 31st. Here’s how YOU can help:
Families – We’d love to hear from you! Share your Autism Tree story with a note, photo, or video, or ask friends and family to donate in honor of your child or match your gift. You can even start a simple social media fundraiser on #GivingTuesday - it’s easy and makes a big impact! Send your story today via text at 619-222-4465 or email info@autismtree.org.
Donors – Your support means everything. Make your year-end gift now to keep our programs accessible and to ensure every Autism Tree program stays free for our families.
Volunteers – Join the fun! Help us call past supporters at our #GivingTuesday Potluck, keep signing up for programs you love, or ask our team about donating supplies that make our events extra special.
In 2003, we were created with a “pay it forward” model at the heart of our mission, and every person who gives back in their own way helps strengthen our entire community. With your partnership, we can keep this incredible momentum going and ensure Autism Tree remains a lifeline for the autism community for future generations to come.
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#GivingTuesday is Better Together:
Stop By Our Potluck Party on December 2nd!
| | 11th Annual Global Neurodiversity Conference | | Thank you to everyone who made our 11th Annual Hybrid Global Neurodiversity Conference on November 7, 2025, such a tremendous success. We are especially grateful to our Conference Co-Chairs, Dr. Jonathan Sebat and Dr. Lilia Iakoucheva, our Moderator, Dr. Brian Boyd, and all of our speakers for delivering powerful insights and elevating neurodiverse voices. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous conference sponsors: | | |
Platinum Sponsor:
The Epstein Family Foundation
Silver Sponsors:
The Lena Barbaccia Family Fund
John J. Jr. & Theresa E. Guerra Family Fund
Bronze Sponsors:
CSR Cares
PMS Janitorial
Patron Sponsor:
Brad Benter
| | We invite you to relive the day through our conference photo album and stay tuned for the UCTV session recordings launching in January 2026. Thank you for supporting a conference that brings researchers, autistic individuals, families, and community partners together to create meaningful change and hope for the autism community. | | Honoring Community, Connection and 22 Years of Partnership with CSR Cares in the Bay Area | | Autism Tree Awarded $1,000 from Point Loma Nazarene University Marketing Students | | |
Join us for our 17th Annual Winter Wonderland Celebration:
Saturday, December 6th at the University of San Diego
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Community Partner Spotlight:
Thank You TVIA SD Chapter 4
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We are so grateful to TVIA-SD 4 for hosting a toy drive and delivering an incredible collection of gifts for our 17th Annual Winter Wonderland. A special thank you to Luke and Gavin for visiting us in person — your kindness and generosity mean so much to our Autism Tree families.
We can’t wait to share all this joy at Winter Wonderland, our biggest and most magical event of the year. Join us on December 6th for a day filled with holiday fun, sensory-friendly activities, buddies for every child, and meaningful community connection.
Register today and be part of the magic!
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Volunteer & Intern Highlight: Welcome New Autism Tree Office Intern, Josh Olivier | | |
We are excited to welcome Josh Olivier as the newest Autism Tree Office Intern! Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, has been a consistent and dedicated volunteer in our LEGO Playgroup. After spending time supporting the program, he reached out to ask how he could contribute more, and we were happy to welcome him into an official intern role.
Josh now comes into the AT Office once a week to support our team with program event prep and to help capture photos at our family events. We are grateful for his willingness to learn, his growing skill set, and his desire to give back to the Autism Tree community. Please join us in welcoming Josh — we look forward to supporting him in this new role and seeing him continue to grow with our team!
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#GivingTuesday Potluck Party
Date: Tuesday, December 2nd
Time: 2:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Autism Tree Office
4747 Morena Blvd, Suite 355,
San Diego, CA 92117
REGISTER
In-Person Only
For: Everyone in the AT Community!
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17th Annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: University of San Diego Hahn Center Rooms A&B
5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
REGISTER
In-Person Only
For: The whole family! Siblings and extended family welcome too.
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AT-USD Women's Basketball Mentor Home Game
Date: Sunday, December 7th
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location: University of San Diego Campus, Jenny Craig Pavilion
5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
REGISTER
In-Person Only
For: The whole family! Siblings and extended family welcome too.
| | Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date event announcements! | | QUICK LINKS + JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY | | |
AUTISM TREE
Office: (619) 222-4465
4747 Morena Blvd, Suite 355
San Diego, CA 92117
Questions? Call, text or email our team at 619-222-4465 or email info@autismtree.org.
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