Recreation for Individuals with Complex Needs

Finding social recreation opportunities for individuals with complex needs can often be difficult, especially when programs aren’t designed with higher levels of support in mind. The Autism Society Inland Empire maintains a general list of social recreation opportunities for individuals with Autism at https://ieautism.org/social-recreation-resources/.
In addition, this specific list was created to highlight options that may be a better fit for those with more complex needs, offering families pathways to safe, supported, and meaningful activities in the community.
AAC Connections, LLC
Darlene Hanson
https://www.aacconnections.org/contact
Provides comprehensive services to individuals with limited communication, non-speaking individuals, and those who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Provides speech and language services to children and adults with Autism and/or developmental differences. Language therapy addresses the individual’s receptive and expressive language skills and development.
Adaptive Athlete
https://www.theadaptiveathlete.com/adaptive-classes
Upland – (909) 931-2764
Offers adaptive fitness, sports, and gymnastics classes tailored for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. These inclusive programs are designed to foster a supportive environment where athletes of all abilities can thrive. Classes focus on building strength, improving flexibility, enhancing coordination, boosting balance, and promoting overall well-being.
Autism Society Inland Empire
ieautism.org/events
Riverside and San Bernardino Counties- (951) 220-6922
Hosts inclusive events year-round, including jump nights, family and holiday gatherings, summer activities, and sensory-friendly community programs. Also maintains an online social recreation resource guide featuring arts, inclusive events, sports, and other adaptive activities: https://ieautism.org/social-recreation-resources/.
Autistically Inclined
https://www.autisticallyinclined.com/
(413) 329-6200
Offers three educational programs for parents and professionals to learn how to be effective communication partners, helping your minimally speaking student communicate through text-based tools. Spelling camps are available for neurodivergent individuals who use text-based multimodal communication, as well as their families.
Fenixia Foundation
https://fenixiafoundation.org/events
Fenixia Foundation offers fun, inclusive social outings throughout the Coachella Valley for teens (16+) and adults with disabilities, including neurological and physical disabilities. Events are held monthly and provide opportunities for recreation, friendship, community connection, and confidence‑building in safe, welcoming environments. Activities vary—from art museum visits and festivals to game nights, holiday parties, and outdoor adventures—and some events are free.
Special Olympics
https://sosc.org/region3/
Special Olympics Southern California provides seasonal sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in sharing gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.


