Welcome to Hidden Wings
A school dedicated to 'Unfurling the gifts'
Of young adults with autism
Our Year-End Open House is happening Friday, June 14, 2013!
For details, visit our News & Events page.


Team Hidden Wings and the Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding program, with Captain Ryan Abbott, raised $1600 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on Saturday, May 18, coming in SECOND PLACE for total contributions/donations!

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What is Hidden Wings?

"Hidden Wings is a place where young people with autism can spread their own wings, learning life skills and how to participate with others in a warm and supportive environment.

The Billingtons are building a future for every child in their program, which is a model well worth emulating. The world needs many more such havens."

-Oliver Sacks, Physician, Author, Neurologist


"Every person on the ... spectrum has a single overriding talent, like a beam of light. Teachers and parents need to direct this talent into skills that can eventually turn into satisfying jobs."  

-Temple Grandin, Doctor, Author, Advocate
Our Latest News

The Mission of Hidden Wings

Hidden Wings is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to nurturing the gifts of young adults with autism so that they might have full and productive lives in society.  

Most high school graduates with autism are ill-prepared to face the challenges of the world. Hidden Wings is pioneering the development of a post-secondary school, a unique college specifically designed for those on the autistic spectrum. 

The school is dedicated to the belief that everyone on the autistic spectrum possesses “Hidden Wings,” which are extraordinary gifts often masked by social limitations. Its programs emphasize: 
  • rigorous exercise
  • a predictable and loving environment
  • intellectual stimulation based upon the unique gifts of every student. 

The goal is not the remediation of deficits but the cultivation of individual talents. 

Hidden Wings is funded by private donations and receives no government funding. All of its programs and courses are available tuition-free. Your contributions are tax deductible, and we deeply appreciate your support.

Hidden Wings was established in 2009 by the Rev. James and Dr. Julia Billington, both honors graduates of Harvard University with decades of combined experience in the Episcopal Ministry, business, and medicine.

Based in California's Santa Ynez Valley, our Board of Directors and advisors includes a special needs lawyer, a CPA, a special education teacher, a transition specialist, a child psychiatrist, the world's most renowned expert on Savant Syndrome, a prominent businessman, and a pediatrician.

We invite you to join us in this exciting adventure to unfurl the gifts of autism.

To learn more about our Mission and read our Founding Story, visit our About Page.