About Autism
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States.
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Use these quick links to learn more.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
We are working hard to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our state capital this year!
Please help us by making a donation.
Your donation will help us get the word out to those who make laws for our state so that we can:
- Stop Drowning
- Put Cameras in Classrooms
- Train Police in #autism
- Require Autism endorsements of teachers in our pubic schools.
Together, we can make a huge difference this year!
THANK YOU!
Research tells us that 48% of children with autism wander from safety, although we believe it to be much higher, but yet under-reported.
In this ASF presentation given at The 2024 Family Cafe Conference, Steve Moyer, and AngelSense representative, Jeannie Callahan, share steps that you can take to create safer spaces for your kids.
SAFEGUARD YOUR KIDS AGAINST
We are EXCITED to introduce Conrad Blaze and Michelle Zeman as our new hosts of REACH, the podcast of the ASF.
These 2 self-advocates will bring personal perspective to the issues faced by many on the autism spectrum.
Their first podcast will debut in July, so watch out for that!!!!
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.
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.
Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine
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