Autism Society of Florida

08/27/2025

The Autism Society of Florida and Autism Society of Greater Orlando ASGO are thrilled to announce that sponsorship of the bill for cameras in special education classrooms is well underway!
We will be providing additional information next week so that the community across the state will help to get this bill across the finish line in 2026. We came extremely close last year and we are excited to see this come to fruition.

08/26/2025

We are excited to share the launch of AAMP IT UP! The Autism Advocacy Mentorship Program of the Autism Society of Florida 🙌

All of our mentors are parents and caregivers of children and adults on the autism spectrum. This service is free and offered statewide!

If you need support on your journey through autism, fill out the application on our website to access a mentor today.
https://www.autismfl.org/mentorship

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, email info@autismfl.org to learn how to get involved.

https://youtu.be/SQ3UmPdpBnY?si=RPJ8KcV-6hinwSpd

Support is a vital component of the Autism Society of Florida. To achieve this, we are launching a mentorship program called Amp It Up. Mentors will provide ...

08/22/2025

A very special thank you to Davie Fire Rescue Department for sharing their expertise on with local families. And to We Rock the Spectrum - Davie for being incredible hosts!! If you’re an family in Broward County, definitely go check them out! Fun place for kids! 

08/18/2025

Soooo fun!
🎨👩‍🎨👨‍🎨 Join us TOMORROW (Monday Aug 18) at 6:00 PM.
art classes for kids 5-12 years old w . Classes are virtual and take place on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 PM eastern time.
Have paper, pencils, and markers ready for fun! Don’t miss out on this opportunity!!!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuduGhqTgiHNGd0UeE_LZsvBZY71kJXyX1

08/17/2025

🫤

Autism is being diagnosed earlier in young children, especially in boys, according to a major new analysis of medical records — but the analysis also found that many girls still face years-long delays in receiving a diagnosis.

In girls, early signs of autism may be harder to notice, which can delay recognition. https://abcnews.visitlink.me/r0NRdj

08/17/2025

Another family devastated by tragedy 😔
PLEASE don’t rely on one precaution. We all get distracted. You must ensure:
- 👁️Supervision
- 🫀CPR
- 🔐Alarms, locks and fencing
- 🏊Swim lessons
- 🦺Life jackets

We are ahead of last year’s record-breaking year for childhood drowning. Don’t assume it won’t happen - be prepared.

https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/3-year-old-dies-after-drowning-nocatee-retention-pond/J47ZRCMRRZDLVG4FIOYA2Y6LFY/

A tragic incident in a Nocatee neighborhood on Friday night has claimed the life of a 3-year-old child, who was pulled from a nearby retention pond. Authorities said the investigation is still ongoing, but there is currently no indication of foul play.

08/15/2025

$300,000 Designated to children w autism
𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀!
Do you have a child age 4 or younger? Your family may qualify for FREE swim lessons through Florida’s Swimming Lesson Voucher Program with the Florida Department of Health (DOH)!

Apply for the swim lesson voucher at https://www.watersmartfl.com/ or scan the QR code below!

08/14/2025

Spectrum Sailing, 501c3, is so excited to bring back their FREE 3-day Autism Sailing Camp to Jacksonville March 18-20. They are hosted by Florida Yacht Club. Application flyer is below or head to www.spectrumsailing.org

For info scott@spectrumsailing.org.

08/13/2025

We are proud and honored to share that Zack, who is our video and podcast editor, is being recognized by UM-NSU CARD ❤️

The 2025 Annual CARD Self-Advocate Award is presented to Zachary Hoaglund. We have watched Zachary’s journey with great pride and have been inspired by his commitment to advocating for all those with autism and related disabilities through his various personal and professional ventures including his work with the Autism Society of Florida. Most recently, we have watched in awe as Zachary has lent his talents to The Autism Project’s “The Voice Inside,” in which he has a starring role. We want to thank Zachary for everything he has done for the autism community. Congratulations!

08/12/2025

Congratulations to Senator Jay Collins for being appointed as Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida.
Senator Collins has been a sponsor and extremely supportive of the law-enforcement training bill that we have been working on for the last few years.
He is also an autism parent ❤️
We are excited for what his perspective will bring to state leadership!

'I am truly honored to be appointed by the Governor — not just any Governor, Florida's Governor, America's Governor, the GOAT.'

08/08/2025

We have another safeguard - SPECTRUM ALERT. 🚨
Special thanks to State Senator Bryan Ávila and several members of the Florida House for bringing this bill to life.

What You Need To Know
* Awards $190,000 to FDLE to create a statewide alert system known as “Spectrum Alert” that now identifies when a child with autism is missing
* FDLE has a year to roll out the new alert system and create a training program that will be available to law enforcement agencies across the state
* Drowning deaths are 160 times more likely to occur with children on the autism spectrum compared to children who aren't
* UPDATE - this article and news piece don’t include updated numbers. Florida is currently at 80 children who have died this year from drowning. Last year we broke a record at 105 and we are tragically likely to break that record in 2025.

A new law awarded $190,000 to FDLE to create a statewide alert system known as “Spectrum Alert” that identifies when a child with autism is missing.