Florida has real programs that help families of children with autism — but they are scattered across agencies and written in language nobody understands. Here they are, explained simply, with the official link for each one.
ℹ️ These are public programs run by the State of Florida and other organizations. We are not affiliated with them and we do not process their applications — but we are happy to point you in the right direction. Verify all details on the official sites, since rules and amounts change.
👶 Early Steps — birth to 36 months
What it is: Florida's early intervention system for babies and toddlers who have or are at risk for a developmental delay or disability. Services are provided at no cost to families and include an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP).
Who qualifies: children from birth to 36 months with an established condition (such as a diagnosed disability) or a documented developmental delay. Autism can qualify.
Why it matters: you do not need a completed autism diagnosis to be referred — a concern is enough to request a screening. Do not wait.
How to apply: anyone can refer a child, including parents. Contact your Local Early Steps office.
🏥 Florida Medicaid — how to apply
What it covers: for children with a documented autism diagnosis and medical necessity, Medicaid covers ABA therapy, along with medical, dental and other therapy services.
Where to apply: through MyACCESS, the official portal of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Create an account and select "Apply for Benefits."
Watch out: only the site ending in .myflfamilies.com is official. There are look-alike sites that charge for a free application.
Phone help: DCF toll-free (866) 762-2237.
MyACCESS portal → DCF Medicaid info →
✅ Once your child has Medicaid, we are an approved Florida Medicaid provider — eligible children receive ABA therapy at no cost. Ask us to verify for free.
🎓 FES-UA scholarship — age 3 and up
What it is: the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities. Funds go into an account the family can use for approved educational expenses.
What it can pay for: private school tuition, therapies (including ABA), speech and occupational therapy, curriculum, tutoring and other approved expenses.
Basic requirements: be age 3 or older (turning 3 by December 31 of the application year) or eligible to enroll in a Florida public school, be under 22, be a Florida resident, and have an IEP or qualifying disability documentation.
How to apply: through an approved Scholarship Funding Organization — Step Up For Students or AAA Scholarship Foundation. Applications typically open early in the year for the following school year.
🏫 School district services (IEP / 504)
What it is: public school districts must evaluate and provide supports for students with disabilities through an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or a 504 plan. This is educational, not medical — and it does not replace ABA therapy. See how they differ →
How to start: submit a written request for evaluation to your school (email counts and creates a record). The district has legal timelines to respond.
Your district: Miami-Dade · Broward · Palm Beach · Monroe. Ask for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department.
🤝 Support and community
- CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) — free support, training and consultation for Florida families. Regional centers, including UM-NSU CARD for Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe. umcard.org →
- Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) — long-term services and the iBudget waiver for eligible individuals. apd.myflorida.com →
- Family Network on Disabilities — parent-to-parent support and help navigating the school system. fndusa.org →
- Autism Speaks resource guide — searchable local services directory. autismspeaks.org →
- Our free parent workshops — Q&A sessions with our BCBAs. See upcoming dates →
📞 If you need help right now
Medical emergency or immediate danger: call 911.
Emotional crisis (24/7, free, confidential): call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Florida DCF (Medicaid, food assistance): (866) 762-2237
Our team (Mon–Fri, 9–5): (786) 652-6945
Not sure where to start?
Answer five questions and we will tell you which of these apply to your family.