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 rely on donations to support our work. ASF is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America. For 35 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.
The
connection
is you.
The Autism Society of Florida creates connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
About Autism
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability affecting 1 in 36 children in the United States.
Use these quick links to learn more.
Water Safety
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.
National Water Safety Month is observed in May. This summer is a time to raise awareness about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention. By promoting water safety education and awareness, we can help reduce the number of drowning incidents and save lives.
The Autism Society of Florida provides training to swim instructors on how to teach kids and adults with autism to swim, advocates legislatively for drowning prevention initiatives, and provides grants to programs that support people with autism.
SUPPORT
Join our support group and chat with other parents who can offer advice or support others by sharing your own knowledge and experience.
Also visit our Support Groups Page for more info about our Military Parent Support Group
REPRESENT
your love and acceptance with our NEW MERCH
Cool t-shirts and hats,
backpacks, tumblers and totes!
ADVOCATE
Thank you for joining us at the Capitol for Autism Day 2023
• Drowning Prevention
• First Responder Training
• Safe Schools
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.
