Include Autism

Specialties

We specialize in empowering individuals with autism by providing community access and meaningful skill-​building programs, while engaging the community through outreach and education

History

Established in 2003.

Include Autism, a 501© 3 nonprofit organization, began as Community Coaching Center (CCC) in San Diego in 2003. The community-​based social behavior program was founded by Include Autism’s Executive Director Tina Waters, MA, Autism Specialist with the goal of providing school-​aged individuals with autism the experiences and support they needed to become active and included members of their community. Starting out over 10 years ago with just three participants and two staff, Community Coaching has grown to meet the increasing demand for autism services. Now serving clients across San Diego County and running several outreach and education efforts, the organization takes on a much bigger role as Include Autism — a comprehensive nonprofit organization that facilitates and promotes autism inclusion in all aspects of the community.

Meet the Business Owner

Tina W.

Business Owner

Tina moved to San Diego and opened the doors of Include Autism and the Community Coaching Program in 2003 from Denver, CO. Tina has an M.A. in Education with a specialized certificate in Autism. She has been involved with individuals with ASD professionally or on a volunteer basis since 1994. A lifetime ago, Tina lived and worked in the UK and here and there in Europe for several years, which allowed her amazing travel experience around much of the world. Following life abroad, Tina «accidentally» moved to Denver and attended graduate school at Regis University, while beginning what developed into a career path working in both the public school district and with two nonprofit programs for children with developmental disabilities. After leaving the school district, several parents helped Tina develop a community-​based, behavioral social skills development program that was the blueprint for the CC Program for over seven years. During that time, Tina had married Mark, CC’s «on call» contr