San Diego Business Mentorship for Autistic Adults
One-on-One Vocational Support for Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs
Flexible mentorship for autistic adults and neurodivergent minds. Whether you need specific digital skills, executive function support, or a full entrepreneurship roadmap, we meet you where you are.
Our mission is to transform your unique, deep passions into thriving, independent businesses, building a career path that finally fits you, not the other way around.
Your "Disability" is Your Business Superpower.
Hyperfocus: While others get distracted, you have the ability to go deep. In business, this means mastering a skill (like coding, design, or data) faster than anyone else.
Pattern Recognition: You see details others miss. You can spot trends, fix broken systems, and organize chaos. This is a CEO-level skill.
Authenticity: You don’t play office politics. Clients appreciate honesty. This builds trust faster than a "polished" sales pitch ever could.
At Caliminds, we don't try to fix you. We build a business model that leverages these strengths so you can stop masking and start winning.
The Traditional "9-to-5" Doesn't Work for Everyone. That’s Okay.
Many of our clients have incredible talents—coding, art, deep research, or creative writing—but struggle with the rigid structure of traditional jobs. They are tired of masking, tired of sensory overload, and tired of feeling like they have to "fix" themselves to earn a living.
There is another path. At Caliminds Launchpad, we don't force you into a box. We help you build a career infrastructure around your brain. We turn your special interests into income, independence, and confidence.
My Story is Proof That Your Story is Just Beginning.
There is a profound loneliness in feeling invisible—of being present, but completely unseen. I know this because I have lived it. For years, I felt like I was born with a map to a world no one else could read.
This video is the story of turning that pain into purpose. It’s about the moment the fear of being invisible was finally overcome by the need to be seen. It’s about realizing that our unique minds don't need to be fixed; they need to be understood, celebrated, and empowered.
I share my journey not to impress you, but to offer tangible proof that hope is real and a fulfilling, joyful life is possible. Your path is your own, but you don't have to walk it alone.
I didn't succeed by fixing myself. I succeeded by leaning into my unique way of thinking. This video isn't just my story; it's an invitation. You don't have to walk this path alone. I’ve already mapped the route.
I Built This Because I Lived It.
I know what it’s like to feel like the world wasn't built for you.
Growing up, I faced the same challenges many of you face. The social confusion, the sensory overwhelm, and the frustration of trying to fit into a system that demanded I be someone else.
I wasn't just a quiet kid; I was an outsider in my own life. At seven, I was asked to leave school because my internal logic didn't fit their mold. For years, I felt broken.
I struggled to find my place in the traditional workforce. But then I realized something: I wasn't broken. The system was.
I stopped waiting for the world to build a path for me, and I built my own. At 17, I opened my first business—an internet café. It was my declaration of independence.
I turned to entrepreneurship, and everything changed. I realized that the very traits that made a "9-to-5" difficult—my intense focus, my specific interests, and my different way of thinking—were actually assets when I was in the driver's seat.
Today, as a father and business owner, I created Caliminds Launchpad to be the mentor I needed back then. I am here to offer proof that your unique mind is not a life sentence of struggle—it is your greatest asset waiting to be unleashed.
Why Caliminds? I created Caliminds Launchpad to be the guide I wish I had. I want to save you years of trial and error. I want to show you that you don't have to wait for someone to "give" you a job. You have the power to create your own.
Sam Fawaz
The CaliMinds Difference: Our Philosophy
My ability to guide founders to success is built on three pillars: Lived Experience, Professional Certifications & Commitment, and Skill-Based Technical Expertise. As an autistic entrepreneur who has successfully navigated this exact path, I don't just teach strategies; I understand the internal journey, communication styles, and unique strengths of a neurodiverse mind—an insight no traditional program can offer.
Our Guiding Principles:
Lived Experience, Not Just Theory: Our mentorship is grounded in real-world success. We provide strategies that are proven to work for neurodiverse minds because they were built by one.
A Focus on Strengths, Not Deficits: We don't see deficits; we see superpowers. We identify the client's unique gifts—be it intense focus, pattern recognition, or deep knowledge—and build the entire business strategy around them.
True Independence as the Ultimate Goal: Our mission is to make ourselves obsolete. Every skill, system, and strategy is designed to empower the founder to a point where they can confidently run their business entirely on their own.
Google Career Certificate: Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Gemini AI Certified Educator: Professional Certificate by Google for Education
Google Certificate: Build, Launch, and Manage E-commerce Stores
University of Colorado: Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School
CPD Certified: Assisting Older Adults With Autism
Specialization: AI for Business: Branding, Creative Content, and Marketing
CPD Diploma: Diploma on additional needs
The Services & Curriculum
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The Services & Curriculum *
The Services & Curriculum: A Detailed Look
Build Your Own Roadmap We meet you exactly where you are. Whether you have a fully formed business plan, a vague hobby, or absolutely no idea what you want to do yet.
Option 1: The "Spark" Session (Discovery)
"I don't have an idea yet."
That is the perfect place to start. You don't need a business plan; you just need a personality.
What We Do: We sit down and explore. We look at your obsessions, your hobbies, and the things you hyperfocus on. We work together to find the "Spark"—that specific intersection where your passion meets a real income opportunity.
The Result: You walk away with a clear direction and a sense of "I can do this."
Commitment: 1-3 Sessions (Low Pressure).
Option 2: Skill-Specific Modules (IPP Goals)
"I just need to learn a specific skill."
Best For: Learning hard skills to meet IPP Goals without the pressure of launching a full business yet.
Pick What You Need:
Digital Presence: Learn to build your own website and handle your own Social Media.
Content Creation: Master video creating, editing, and photography.
Executive Function for Work: Learn time-blocking, and professional email communication.
Commitment: Flexible / Hourly.
Option 3: The Founder’s Mentorship (The Full Experience)
"I want to launch a real business."
For the Blank Slate: We start from scratch and build a business around your brain.
For the Existing Idea: Already have a concept? We don't just accept it; we upgrade it. We "stress test" your idea, refine your pricing, and polish your brand to make sure it is actually ready for the real market.
How We Do It (The 3 Phases):
Phase 1: The Foundation. We define the mission. If you have an idea, we make it bulletproof. If you don't, we find one. We build the plan, the pricing, and the brand identity.
Phase 2: The Build. We stop planning and start building. We build the website, set up the social media, and use AI tools to handle the boring stuff so you can focus on creating.
Phase 3: The Launch. We go live. We help you find your first paying client, send the first invoice, and build a routine that keeps you independent.
Commitment: Paced entirely to your needs (Typically 4-6 Months, but flexible).
Your Local San Diego Business Coach
My personal, one-on-one mentorship is available across all of San Diego County. While I am based in Poway, I provide hands-on, in-person autism business coaching and neurodiverse coach services where you are. I proudly work with neurodiverse entrepreneurs and their families, meeting you in your community.
This includes dedicated neurodivergent support for clients in Poway, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, and throughout the surrounding San Diego County communities. This local approach to vocational support allows us to work together in the real world, whether at your home, a local park, or a co-working space. It is the most effective way to provide autism employment services that are tailored, tangible, and perfectly suited for San Diego families, including those navigating the SDRC Self-Determination Program.
Our Process: How We Work Together?
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Our Process: How We Work Together? *
Our Process: How We Work Together
A Clear Path Forward
Step 1: The Discovery Call/Meeting
Our journey begins with a free, no-pressure call/Meeting. This is purely for us to connect, for me to hear your story and your goals, and for us to see if we are a good fit. There is no sales pitch.
Step 2: The Strategy Session
If we decide to move forward, we'll have our first in-person "Foundation Session" at a local coffee shop or co-working space. We'll map out your initial goals and create the personalized roadmap for your six-month program.
Step 3: Weekly In-Person Mentorship
The core of the program consists of our weekly 4-6hour, in-person sessions. We can meet at your home office, a rented co-working space, or out in the community for real-world projects (like a photoshoot). This is our dedicated time for hands-on learning and building.
Step 4: Continuous Support
My support doesn't stop when our session ends. You'll have access to me via text and email for questions, feedback on your work, and encouragement throughout the week.
Step 5: Launch & Long-Term Partnership
After the six-month program, you will officially launch your business. But our relationship doesn't have to end. I am committed to being your long-term partner, offering continued mentorship or management services as you grow
A Partnership for the Long Haul
Our Commitment Doesn't End at Launch
My ultimate goal is your independence, but my support doesn't have an expiration date. Launching your business is the beginning of a new chapter, and I am committed to being a part of your journey for as long as you need. Our partnership can evolve to provide you with the exact support you need to thrive long-term.
Continued Support Options:
Ongoing Mentorship: We can continue with weekly/monthly check-in sessions to navigate new challenges and brainstorm growth strategies.
Project-Based Support: Need help launching a new product or running a big ad campaign? I can step in as your trusted partner.
Full-Service Management: If you discover your true passion is creating, not marketing, I can offer full-service management of your digital presence, acting as your dedicated business partner so you can focus on what you do best.
A Message for Our Partners
For Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Your unique mind is your greatest asset. This program is a safe space to be exactly who you are, while building the skills and confidence to turn your passion into your profession. This is your chance to build a life on your own terms.
For Parents & Guardians: You are searching for a long-term plan for your autistic adult and need career help for your adult child with autism. You want to see them achieve financial independence and avoid the common autistic burnout from work. Our program is the path to that future.
For Service Coordinators: You are looking for a reliable provider to help clients achieve their IPP Goal for Self-Employment. Our Founder's Program is a structured vocational support for Self-Determination service that makes billing easy for your client's FMS. We provide the expert SDRC Self-Employment Support your clients need.
Let this be the sunset on worry
A new day of purpose is on the horizon
Your Future Starts Now
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
The first step is a simple, no-pressure conversation filled with understanding and possibility. I invite you—whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a hopeful parent, or a Regional Center coordinator—to schedule a complimentary discovery call. Let's talk about your goals and see if this is the right path for you.
Contact Us
Your questions, Answered
Making the decision to invest in a future of independence is significant. It’s natural to have questions, and I want to answer them with complete transparency. Here are some of the most common things that parents and aspiring entrepreneurs ask.
Question 1: How does funding work? (SDRC Self-Determination Program & Supported Self-Employment)
That's an excellent and important question.
The great news is that for clients in the Self-Determination Program (SDP), my services are available for funding right now. The SDP empowers you to choose the best providers for your unique goals, even if they aren't vendored. I work directly with your Financial Management Service (FMS) for billing, which is a very straightforward process.
So, I have two clear pathways for families: immediate access for SDP clients, and I am working diligently to open access for all other SDRC clients through vendorization. I am happy to walk you through exactly how this works on our discovery call.
Question 2: What are good Business Ideas for Autistic Adults if we don’t have one?
That is perfectly okay, and in fact, it’s the ideal starting point. The entire first phase of my program is dedicated to this beautiful process of discovery. I don't expect a business plan; I only need a spark of passion. Together, we work to explore their deepest interests, unique skills, and natural talents to find the viable, exciting, and fulfilling business concept hidden within.
Question 3: My child has significant social anxiety. How does the in-person mentorship work?
This is a core part of my program's design. My mentorship is strictly one-on-one, creating a safe, low-pressure, and predictable environment. I am not a group class. Every session is tailored to the individual's comfort level and needs. I can meet in a quiet home office, a private co-working space, or a calm park. The entire process is built on patience and trust, ensuring your child feels seen and supported, never overwhelmed.
Question 4: What if I have no business or marketing experience at all?
You don't need any. The only prerequisite for this program is a passion you are willing to explore. My job is to provide all the structure, strategy, and technical skills. I will guide you through every single step, from registering your business name to launching your first ad campaign. Your passion is the engine; I'm here to help you build the car around it.
Question 5: Is this therapy?
While my work together is deeply therapeutic and confidence-building, it is not therapy. I am a mentor and a skills coach, not a licensed therapist. My focus is squarely on the practical, tangible steps of building a business and achieving professional independence. I work in parallel with, and in full support of, any clinical therapy a client may be receiving.
Question 6: What kind of support is available for us, the parents?
I see parents and guardians as essential partners in this journey. You are part of the team. While the one-on-one sessions are confidential to build trust with the founder, I offer optional, complimentary monthly check-in calls/meetings for parents. This is our time to discuss progress, celebrate wins, and ensure we are all aligned in supporting your child's path to independence.
Question 7: What are the real, tangible outcomes of the program?
Beyond the invaluable growth in confidence and independence, every founder will complete the program with a full toolkit of tangible business assets. This includes: a professionally designed and launched website, established social media channels with a content strategy, a portfolio of high-quality photos and videos, a clear client outreach script, and a foundational business plan. They will not just have an idea; they will have a real, functioning business.
Question 8: How is this funded? (SDRC Self-Determination Program)
The Founder's Program is a premium, all-inclusive mentorship, and I believe in discussing the investment openly and personally. I cover the full details during our free discovery call, which allows me to first understand your unique goals and for you to understand the profound, lifelong value of the partnership. The program is specifically structured to be eligible for funding through the SDRC's Self-Determination Program.
Question 9: How do you measure and report on client progress?
I believe in clear, measurable outcomes. Progress is tracked against the specific goals outlined in Phase 1. At the end of each month, I provide an optional summary for parents and service coordinators (with client consent) that details the skills acquired, milestones achieved (e.g., "Website Launched," "First Client Inquiry Received"), and the plan for the upcoming month.
Question 10: Can the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) help pay for this?
Yes, this is very common. My program is structured to be paid for using your Self-Determination Program (SDP) budget. The SDP was created to give you the freedom to choose the best providers, even if they aren't on the traditional "vendor" list. If you are in the SDP, your FMS (Financial Management Service) can pay me directly from your approved budget. I can walk you through this simple process.
Question 11: My autistic son/daughter can't seem to hold a job. How is this different?
This is not a job-finding program. Traditional jobs often fail autistic adults by forcing them into environments that lead to autistic burnout. I do the opposite. Instead of fitting your child into a "job," I help them build a business around their specific passion or special interest. This gives them control over their environment, their schedule, and their future.
Question 13: What if my child (or I) has no business ideas?
You don't need one. You only need a passion. My entire first phase is dedicated to exploring that special interest—whether it's gaming, art, history, or coding—and finding a viable, exciting business idea hidden within it. I'm not looking for business plans; I'm looking for passion. I will handle the "business" part.
Question 14: What do I say to our SDRC coordinator? This all sounds complicated.
It's not. You can make it very simple. You can tell your coordinator, "I am looking for small business support for my child" or "I want to add a goal for 'Supported Self-Employment' to my IPP." If you are in the Self-Determination Program, you can simply state that you have found a provider (Caliminds Launchpad) that you want to use. I am happy to talk to you or your coordinator to explain how I help clients achieve their IPP goals.
Question 15: I'm an autistic adult who wants to be my own boss, but I'm not good with marketing or "people skills."
This program is designed for you. As an autistic entrepreneur myself, I built this program specifically because I understand this. You don't have to be good at everything. You just have to be good at your passion. I teach you the technical skills (like AI, websites, and social media) and provide the structured mentorship so you can run your business your way, without ever having to "pretend" again.
