About Helping Hands Supported Living
A team dedicated to empowering autistic adults to live fulfilling, independent lives throughout San Diego County.
Our Story
Helping Hands Supported Living was founded with a clear and deeply personal conviction: every adult with developmental disabilities deserves the opportunity to live a life defined by their own choices, in a home that truly feels like their own. What began as a small team of passionate advocates has grown into one of San Diego County's most trusted supported living providers — but our heart has never changed.
We saw too many families left without answers after their loved ones aged out of the school system, too many autistic adults placed in settings that prioritized compliance over connection. We knew there had to be a better way — one rooted in genuine respect, individualized support, and the unwavering belief that independence looks different for everyone, and every version of it is worth celebrating.
Today, as a proud SDRC vendored provider, we serve individuals and families across all of San Diego County. Our programs are built on years of experience, guided by evidence-based practices, and shaped most of all by the people we support. They are our greatest teachers, and their growth is our greatest reward.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
To provide compassionate, person-centered supported living services that empower autistic adults to achieve their fullest potential, build meaningful independence, and live with dignity in the San Diego community they call home.
Our Vision
A San Diego where every autistic adult is welcomed, valued, and supported to live a life of purpose — where independence is not a destination but a journey, and where belonging is not earned but given freely.
Our Core Values
These values are more than words on a page — they guide every decision we make, every plan we build, and every relationship we nurture.
Person-Centered Care
Every plan we create is built around individual strengths, preferences, and goals. We listen first, then design support that honors who each person truly is.
Independence with Dignity
We support self-determination by providing exactly the right level of assistance — never too much, never too little — so every person can direct their own life with confidence.
Community Belonging
We foster real connections and meaningful participation in the broader San Diego community, because everyone deserves to feel they belong somewhere.
Family Partnership
We work alongside families as collaborative partners, respecting their knowledge, honoring their concerns, and celebrating milestones together.
Our Team
Helping Hands Supported Living is led by Dr. Meagan Andino, DSW, who brings over seven years of experience at the San Diego Regional Center as a Service Coordinator, along with a Master's in Psychology and a Doctorate in Social Work. Her clinical expertise and deep understanding of the regional center system ensure that every individual we serve receives the highest quality, most informed support available.
Our team members come from diverse backgrounds in social work, behavioral health, special education, and disability services — and they share a common commitment to seeing the people we support thrive. Every team member undergoes rigorous training in person-centered planning, positive behavioral support, crisis prevention, and autism-specific best practices.
We proudly offer services in both English and Spanish, ensuring culturally responsive care for San Diego's diverse communities.
Join Our Mission
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, looking to refer a client, or interested in joining our team, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can build a more inclusive San Diego.