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.
REPRESENT
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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.
Welcome to the Board!
Elizabeth Bonker and Janae Duclos
We are thrilled to introduce our 2 new Autism Society of Florida board members! Elizabeth Bonker is a self advocate who recently graduated as valedictorian of Rollins College and Janae Duclos, a sibling who has held numerous positions of leadership in the field of autism and comes to us with a great depth of knowledge.
We are truly thankful for their acceptance onto the board and are excited to see how they can help us forge better tomorrows for Floridians w autism.
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