Parent
Resource
Coordinator
California
Gail Singer-Chang:
Autism Advocate, Advisory Board Member, and Medical Education Consultant
Dr. Gail Singer-Chang retired early from medical education after 20 years to support her young adult son with autism in creating an engaging and meaningful life. While at Western University of Health Sciences’ (WesternU) College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), she served as the Founding Chair of the Department of Social Medicine & Healthcare Leadership, Founding Director of the Institute for Medical Educators for faculty development, and Assistant Dean for Inter-Disciplinary Professional Education.
Gail Singer-Chang
Email: changgailmail@gmail.com
Phone: 407-951-6117
She developed curriculum, taught doctor-patient communication, and received a grant from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for her research on the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in physician professional development. Dr. Singer-Chang also founded FACE: Faculty for Autism Collaboration and Education, a working group of faculty, staff, administrators, and students dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with ASD and their significant others. FACE had a show streaming on The Autism Channel (TAC) via Roku to promote the importance of integrated perspectives, activities, and resources.
Dr. Singer-Chang holds a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, 2 master’s degrees in counseling and psychology, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and a school counseling credential. As a parent and a professional, she has sat on both sides of the IEP. She is an autism advocate, educator/trainer, consultant, and sits on multiple non-profit advisory boards. Her passion is to promote understanding, share resources for empowerment, and help those affected by autism create their best possible lives. Her son just completed his Musical Theater Performing Arts certificate at their local community college. She is also a passionate shelter dog lover and works to connect vulnerable populations, such as animal rescue/service animals and military veterans find ways to collaborate creatively to support each other.
Local Organizations
1. Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs/MAPS
Website: www.medmaps.org
Medical professionals who attend the MAPS functional and translational medicine conferences will get an opportunity to avail world-class special needs education during a 3 day event. This CME conference will help prepare health professionals to effectively treat their patients suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders.
2. Stanford Neurodiversity Summit
Website: med.stanford.edu
The summit aims to bring together neurodiverse individuals, employers, educators, students, parents, and professionals to foster collaboration and understanding.
3. Touro Law Disabilities Conference
Website: www.tourolaw.edu
Convened experts, advocates, and community leaders to explore innovative strategies for advancing disability rights and inclusion across various sectors. The hybrid event featured diverse perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities, family members, and caregivers.
4. North Orange County Continuing Education (NOCE)
Website: noce.edu
North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) offers free, noncredit programs to help individuals achieve their educational and career goals. Programs include high school diploma/GED preparation, career technical education, English language and citizenship classes, disability support services, and courses for older adults.
5. Coastline Community College Special Programs
Website: www.coastline.edu
Coastline College's Special Programs & Services department offers comprehensive support for students with disabilities, aiming to foster academic proficiency and independence through accessible and effective services. These initiatives are designed to empower students with disabilities to achieve their educational and vocational goals in a supportive environment.
6. Meristem
Website: meristem.pro
Dedicated to helping neurodiverse young adults (ages 18–28) build independence and life skills through hands-on learning. Its curriculum blends vocational training, independent living, and social development in a supportive, experiential environment.
7. College Internship Program (CIP)
Website: cipworldwide.org
College Internship Program (CIP) offers comprehensive, year-round transition programs for young adults aged 18–26 with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. Since 1984, CIP has provided individualized support in areas such as academics, career development, life skills, and social competencies.
8. UCR Fight for Autism
Website: highlanderlink.ucr.edu
Fight For Autism (FFA) at UCR is a student-run organization that strives to advocate for those on the spectrum as well as represent and allow individuals on the spectrum to have a safe platform to freely express themselves.
9. Peer 1 on 1 for Autism
Website: www.peer1on1.org
A volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that fosters social inclusion for youth aged 5–18 on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disorders. Through peer-led clubs, events, and activities like movies, sports, and hiking, the program connects neurodiverse children with teen volunteers to build friendships and reduce isolation.
10. AdaptFit
Website: adaptfitlife.com
AdaptFit provides Adapted Physical Education services and works with local schools to support students with special needs. The center promotes social inclusion and well-being for all participants, creating a supportive environment for growth and fitness.
11. RAD Camp
Website: radcamp.org
RAD Camp offers inclusive, overnight summer camps that provide a safe and supportive environment for campers to engage in activities such as art, music, drama, science, and sports. The camps also serve as a much-needed respite for caregivers. With a 1:1 camper-to-volunteer ratio, RAD Camp ensures personalized attention and care, fostering independence, growth, and lasting friendships.
12. Special Camp for Special Kids
Website: www.specialcamp.org
The camp provides a fun and inclusive environment with a 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio. Activities focus on social development, communication skills, and emotional well-being. Special Camp operates in three one- week sessions each summer, with scholarships available.
13. Strength in Numbers
Website: strengthinnumbersorg.org
Their mission is to inspire, inform and heal Veterans, Active Military and Youth alike, changing one life at a time through our unique brand of Entertainment, Mentorship and Training. Strength in Numbers Organization Youth Programs create Structured Discipline and Support within a harder edged environment with Instructors/Mentors from the Entertainment, Military and Martial Arts/MMA world. We believe in Empowering our Youth through Entertainment and Military Training. Our Youth of today is facing many challenges, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, academic struggles and depression just to name a few. Our Team is rolling out a Program that will benefit young people, especially those who could use guidance and discipline. Our Goal is to help them find a purpose in life that they can believe in, a positive outlet that keeps them focused on productive things. We will achieve this through our programs below. Strength in Numbers has expanded its reach to help those with disabilities such as autism with in-home music lessons and collaborative camps with organizations such as Peer 1 on 1 for Autism.
14. Autism Spectrum Therapies
Website: autismtherapies.com
AST has offered in-home, school-based, and center-based programs to support skill development and independence. Their family-centered approach is focused on evidence-based interventions tailored to each child's needs.
15. Shea Center Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Website: sheacenter.org
Their mission is to restore women into leadership, decision-making, power, and privilege. The center offers a range of services, including coaching, certification programs, and community-building initiatives, all designed to help women transform their lives and lead with confidence.
16. Dogs for Better Lives (DBL)
Website: dogsforbetterlives.org
These dogs help individuals lead safer and more independent lives by alerting to essential sounds, assisting with daily tasks, and supporting professionals in various settings. Trains both shelter and purpose- bred dogs, ensuring a diverse and effective service dog program.
17. US Autism Homes
Website: usautismhomes.org
A nonprofit creating sustainable, community-based housing for adults on the autism spectrum. Their model combines safe, supportive residences, specialized staff training, and partnerships with faith-based communities to promote independence, inclusion, and long-term quality of life.
18. Home Life Community by Kartzinel Wellness
Website: www.homelifecommunity.org
A nonprofit organization dedicated to creating resort-style, co-housing communities for adults on the autism spectrum and those with neurological or physical disabilities. Their mission is to provide long-term, supportive living environments that promote independence, personal growth, and community engagement.
19. Department of Rehab
Website: www.dor.ca.gov
The Santa Ana Office offers a range of services, including vocational counseling, job training, and placement assistance, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. These services are designed to support clients in preparing for, securing, and maintaining meaningful employment.
20. Partners for Youths with Disabilities
Website: pyd.org
Through transformative mentoring programs, youth development opportunities, and inclusion expertise, PYD supports youth in achieving their personal, educational, and career goals. The organization also guides workplaces, organizations, and communities to become more inclusive.
21. My Interview Coach (Rich Luby)
Website: www.myinterviewcoach.co
Led by career coach Rich Luby, the blog provides practical tips on topics such as tailoring your interview strategy, uncovering hidden job opportunities, and negotiating salaries.
22. Autistic Voiceover Artists (AVA)
Website: autisticvoiceoverartists.org
AVA offers autism-friendly training in animation, audiobooks, and video games through live classes, on- demand courses, and community support—helping members build confidence and pursue voiceover careers.
23. Luv Michael
Website: luvmichael.com
Luv Michael is a nonprofit that trains and employs autistic adults to make and sell organic granola, while promoting autism acceptance through advocacy and volunteer programs.
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