Florida Autism Resources
*Each underlined resource is hyperlinked for your convenience.
General Help and Resources:
Florida Health Autism Resources
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts. They have a list of Florida resources for Florida residents.
FAU CARD helps to bridge needs with resources and services for individuals with ASD. FAU CARD provides expert consulting, training, and support, at no charge, for all people across all race, ethnic, and gender groups, with autism and related disabilities, their families, employers, the professionals and community and governmental agencies serving them.
Provides individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy.
The mission of the National Autism Association is to respond to the most urgent needs of the autism community, providing real help and hope so that all affected can reach their full potential. NAA achieves its missions through six main areas: advocacy, research, education, direct tools, thoughtful awareness, and hope.
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
Through the Jewish Disabilities Network, they offer people with differing abilities and their loved ones the resources needed to live meaningful, fulfilling lives rooted in Jewish values. Programs include education, advocacy, mental health, residential services, summer camp, and family reimbursement education funds.
Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access by enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating the community.
Financial Assistance:
The Florida Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (FLHIPP)
The FLHIPP Program was developed to help qualified individuals enrolled in Medicaid pay for health insurance offered through an employer. FLHIPP will reimburse you for the employees’ portion of your insurance premium. FLHIPP membership is free and does not affect eligibility for Medicaid.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (Step Up for Students)
A state-approved, nonprofit, scholarship funding organization that empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children. By pursuing this mission, they help public education fulfill the promise of equal opportunity. It is available for students ages 3 to 22 with autism and/or other diagnoses.
Dedicated to being the preeminent tax credit scholarship administrators in the nation for Pre-K to 12th grade students in Florida.
Your Source for Children’s Medicaid Waiver Programs
This project is intended to simplify the Medicaid Waiver process as much as possible. They hope to provide a comprehensive resource of all Medicaid waivers and programs for children, including 1915(c) HCBS waivers, 1115 demonstration waivers, TEFRA/Katie Beckett programs, and state-based programs.
United Healthcare Children's Foundation Grant
Covers up to $1,500 in out-of-pocket medical costs (co-pays and deductibles), services and equipment.
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Medical Services, Treatments and/or Therapies MUST be administered by a licensed medical professional.
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Services or Treatments MUST be provided no more than 60 days prior to the date of your complete application. Don’t wait, apply right away! Grants are available for medical costs incurred within 60 days from the time UHCCF determines the application to be complete. It will then be good for one year following the month in which it is approved.
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Medical Services and/or Purchased Equipment MUST be administered or purchased in the United States (excludes U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other United States Territories)
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for a grant:
Child must be 16 years of age or younger at the time of application.
Child must have a Social Security Number issued by the Social Security Administration. TIN numbers are not accepted.
Family must not exceed maximum eligible family income as documented on IRS Tax Form 1040.
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$55,000 or less for a family of 2
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$85,000 or less for a family of 3
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$115,000 or less for a family of 4
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$145,000 or less for a family of 5 or more
Primary coverage for the child must be by a commercial health plan, either through an employer or individually purchased. Secondary insurance through Medicaid or CHIP is permissible.
Child is under the care of a licensed medical professional and family is applying for treatments/equipment/services prescribed by a Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) or Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) for hearing conditions.
Click here for Required Documents
Click here to complete the application
A leading independent non-profit dedicated to improving access to health care for America’s underinsured. When health insurance is not enough, they fill the gap by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. In 2021, they awarded more than $818 million in grants through our Disease Funds, and since 2004 we have helped more than 727,000 patients afford essential treatments and medications. HealthWell is recognized as one of America’s most efficient charities — 100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to patient grants and services.
Provides financial assistance to help with:
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Prescription copays
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Health insurance premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance
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Pediatric treatment costs
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Travel costs
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Behavioral health services
Email Support
Grant, Claims & Pharmacy Card-related questions:
grants@healthwellfoundation.org
Patient, Provider & Pharmacy Portal questions:
portal@healthwellfoundation.org
Autism Care Today Grant
Grants up to $5,000 per family and are designed to provide access to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Grant payments will be made directly to pre-approved treatment providers, assessors, or materials vendors.
If you have additional questions please contact the grants department at 818-340-4010 or 877-9ACT-TODAY (877-922-8863), or email to grants@act-today.org.
State and Federal Disability Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a monthly government payment through Social Security which is designed to support people who are aged (65 and older), blind, or disabled. Individuals with autism may be eligible to receive SSI to help support them financially.
Information on this and other programs can be found at www.ssa.gov. You can also review the following links which further explain the SSI program for children and adults with disabilities, family financial criteria, how to apply, and more.
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What You Should Know Before You Apply for SSI Disability Benefits for a Child
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Find much more information and answers to frequently asked questions about Social Security benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance is another financial benefit through Social Security. This payment is available for adults who have a disability that began prior to age 22. SSDI can be considered a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.
For a disabled adult to become entitled to this “child” benefit, one of his or her parents:
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Must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits; or
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Must have died and have worked enough to qualify for Social Security.
These benefits also are payable to an adult if he or she is disabled at age 18, and if they received dependent’s benefits on a parent’s Social Security earnings record prior to age 18. We make the disability determination using the disability rules for adults. SSDI disabled adult “child” benefits continue as long as the individual remains disabled. Your child doesn’t need to have worked to get these benefits.
For more information on SSI and SSDI, see this booklet called Benefits for Children with Disabilities.
You can find many more SSDI resources and information here.
Schools:
As the world’s most personalized school, they can help your middle or high school student rediscover their love of learning. With one student and one teacher per classroom, the entire school journey is individualized for your child. They’re ready to customize a full-time or a supplemental part-time program that works best for your child and family.
The DesignED Thinking School is a customized school experience serving students ages 4-18. Based in South Florida (but serving students throughout the United States), they serve students via in-person learning and online all over the world. Their mission is to provide a premium educational experience that customizes school how you want so that students and families unite in a love for learning.
The mission of Palm Beach School for Autism is to provide innovative education and behavioral support to empower individuals with autism.
The Learning Center’s efforts are directed towards improving the education and quality of life of our students. We are devoted to using proven approaches to maximize the developmental potential of each one of our students.
Respite:
Grandma’s Place offers respite services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year to parents of special needs children between the ages of 0-12. Grandma’s Place is a safe, fun, warm, and loving environment and feels like a “home away from home” for your child. Meals and age-appropriate activities are provided by their trained, nurturing staff. Every child’s stay is individualized to meet his/her needs.
We’re No Different, LLC is one of the most reliable Home Health Agencies in Palm Beach County. Their practitioners provide the best home healthcare services and cater to the specific needs of each client. Their services include caregivers, companion services, in-home support, respite care, and supportive employment.
Mental Health Counseling:
Strives to be America’s most valued mental health care company, where clients are treated with warmth and respect and communities benefit from access to high-quality care to health and thrive in life.
They are committed to creating a mental health community where therapists are guided by their hearts as much as their minds, have self-awareness and courage, adhere to ethical principles and treat all people with the dignity and respect they deserve. They also provide occupational therapy!
Support Groups:
Facebook Groups
Adults 21+
Their vision is to become the largest database of user-generated resources and residential opportunities while fostering a supportive and encouraging online community.
Dan Marino Adult Autism Resource List
Extensive resource list provided by the Dan Marino Foundation.
Exceptional Vacations provides high-quality supervised vacation opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They ensure a safe tour environment that promotes integrations, socialization, friendship, and fun. They have professional staff committed to providing the travelers with the experience of a lifetime.
A nonprofit disability employment service creating an inclusive workforce for people with disabilities through education, empowerment, and advocacy.
The adult services at Els for Autism provides lifespan instruction to help adults successfully transition to all aspects on life by providing programs in Employment and Community programs, Independent Living, and Recreation and Leisure.
Arc of Treasure Coast & Arc of Palm Beach County
The Arc has many programs supporting adults with autism including residential services, adult training program, supported living, community inclusion services which focuses on skills such as money management, personal safety, and social skills. The Arc also has transportation assistance and employment services.
An innovative program for young adults ages 23+ who have autism or related disabilities. The structured program focuses on social skills, community integration, independent living skills, vocational competencies, and functional leisure skills.
Palm Beach School for Autism – Project Next: Building Skills, Empowering People
Through Project Next, they are empowering young adults to reach their maximum level of independence for work, life, and leisure.
Inclusive Activities:
Legoland has made efforts to accommodate visitors with autism, aiming for an inclusive experience. They provide sensory guides to prepare guests for different attractions and offer quiet rooms for relaxation. A Ride Access Pass reduces wait times for rides, and special LEGO Brick Badges help identify individuals with autism to the staff. Discounts and promotions for visitors with autism may be available, but specific details vary by park location and time of year. For the most current information, check Legoland's official website or contact the park directly.