The Autism Society of Florida is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our board of directors are all volunteer parents of people with autism and adults with autism. We are an affiliate of the Autism Society of America. For 34 years, we have been working to ensure full participation and self-determination in every aspect of life for people across the autism spectrum. We work every day to empower lives by opening avenues of self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of others in a way that values equity, respect, dignity and diversity in all communities.
About Autism
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability affecting 1 in 44 children in the United States.
Use these quick links to learn more.
The ADDM (Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network)
Details Autism Prevalence Rate Increases to 1 in 36 Children.
News Update
Rockville, MD, March 23, 2023 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released two new reports from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network detailing prevalence rates, characteristics, and screening and diagnostic information. As a CDC partner, the Autism Society of America routinely reviews these reports to disseminate information, educate the greater community, and advocate for critical policy changes that ensure everyone in the Autism community has access to the resources they need to live fully. Today, the CDC reports a continued increase in the prevalence rate with one in 36 children receiving an Autism diagnosis.
On May 6, we will be participating in the Bike to the Beach Ride
from Miami to the Keys to raise money for drowning prevention
activities for kids with autism!!!
Will you help us by joining our team or by making a donation
(no amount is too small as every dollar makes a difference!!)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
CHECK OUT OUR BRAND
NEW MERCH!
Cool tshirts and hats,
backpacks, tumblers and totes!
We are fueled by passion and the desire to empower every person with autism and their families. People with autism have unique gifts and can contribute to their communities in many ways. We're fortunate to have them in our lives. The best advocacy occurs with education, respect and the presumption of competence for all.
To learn more about our initiatives click the link below.
PREMIER FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING
ASF provides autism training for police officers and other first responders with information and life saving techniques to assist in encounters between professionals and children and adults with autism.
Training includes recognizing the signs of ASD, handling behavioral challenges, de-escalation strategies, elopement issues, helpful resources and much more.
COMMUNITY AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Our board advocates for and contributes to crafting legislation to protect, empower and improve the quality of life for people with autism in all aspects of life. We forge relationships with legislators as well as people in our communities to educate, inform and create awareness about the needs of individuals with autism in Florida.
DROWNING PREVENTION
Drowning is the #1 cause of death in autism and Florida leads the way in child drownings resulting in death. Kids with ASD are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their neurotypical peers. The Autism Society of Florida provides swim lesson scholarships that help to save lives. Training in autism is provided to water safety instructors to prepare them for teaching necessary skills to children and adults with autism.
PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS
Our kids don’t come with a special manual or born to parents who have a certain set of skills. We learn as we go. Sometimes we figure things out fairly quickly, and sometimes it takes years of hard work and perspiration. If we try to do it all alone, or feel that we’ve been abandoned by those we once counted on, life can easily begin to feel as though it’s impossible. Join our support group.
