Autism schools in Florida have been around since 1987 and have experienced tremendous growth and improvement. The need for autism services is growing rapidly, as there are an estimated 3 million children or adults with autism or related disorders in America today. That’s one child every 15 seconds!
One of the most difficult things for a parent is choosing a school for a child with autism. Because of its intensive therapies, specialized care, and qualified teachers, the school must have a strong reputation. But don’t worry, I took care of that for you. I have narrowed down my search to the top 10 autism schools in Florida with a superb reputation.
Educational Options For Children With Autism
You will have a variety of options when picking a school for your child:
Public Schools: In many states, you can have your child attend a public school in a different district or one within your own school district.
Charter or Magnet Schools: These establishments are funded by the government and frequently run by lottery. Autism is one example of those who focus on developmental problems.
Private Academies: Since they may not receive government support, private schools frequently have an option regarding whether to enroll autistic children. Some exclusively accept children with an autistic spectrum diagnosis because they are autism specialists.
Home Education: Some parents decide to teach their children at home, frequently with the help of therapists.
How Autism Affects Learning
Language, communication, and learning are all impacted by the complex disease known as autism. Many autistic people experience learning problems in addition to their autism symptoms.
These elements work together to significantly affect how successfully individuals with autism access education.
Autism has a variety of effects on learning. Students with autism could go through:
- Routine is crucial in the classroom.
- Problems with unstructured times and find them very difficult
- Restricted or intense interests.
- Lack of planning and organization abilities
- Digesting sensory data with difficulty.
- Stress and annoyance
- Behavioral difficulties
- Meltdowns
The special requirements of students on the autism spectrum are frequently not adequately met in a general education classroom setting. Because of this, a lot of families opt for institutions and initiatives that focus on addressing the particular advantages and difficulties that people with autism experience.
With modest assistance and interventions, some autistic children are able to attend a general education school with success. There are numerous excellent autism programs available for autistic students that require more assistance.
Why Should You Choose Florida
It’s important to be aware that Florida has a rather high frequency of US residents with autism, with a rate of 329,131, according to the CDC. After California, Texas, and New York, it comes in at number four.
Additionally, there are numerous advantages available via the government of Autism if your child has autism.
Conditions like autism are recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as potentially disabling and may be able to qualify you or your child for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
So without further ado, let us find the best Autistic schools in Florida.
Top Autism Schools In Florida
- Academy for Autism
- Florida Autism Center of Excellence
- STARS Autism School
- Jericho School for Children with Autism
- Mountaineers School of Autism
- The Arbor School of Central Florida
- Treehouse Learning Center
- Easter Seals Florida
- The Royal Palm School
- South Florida Autism Charter School
Academy for Autism
One of Academy For Autism’s strengths is that it entirely relies on a small-class methodology.
The highly qualified teachers who are experienced in working with autistic children will provide each pupil with their undivided attention.
Additionally, the school’s on-site rehabilitation center adds to its advantages.
The Academy offers a challenging curriculum for autistic children that is backed by extensive research and will aid them in bettering themselves.
This school is for you if you’re a parent who values communication and being updated on their child’s progress.
One of Academy For Autism’s strengths is that it entirely relies on a small-class methodology.
Florida Autism Center of Excellence(FACE)
If you’re seeking a school to prepare your child intellectually, socially, and behaviorally, Florida Autism Center of Excellence (F.A.C.E.) is a top-notch autism school.
Everything is taught by instructors who have a lot of experience working with autistic children, whether it be academics, social skills, communication, life skills, or vocational skills.
This top-rated school’s teachers have access to a top-notch Board Certified Behavioral Analyst and Registered Behavior Technicians who will collaborate with them to support autistic students with a variety of requirements.
Stars Autism School
- Visit their website
- Location: 2, 10870 SW 113th Pl, Miami, FL 33176, United States
- Apply now.
One of the best schools is STARS Autism School because they provide all of the academic, behavioral, and other needs of the children with scientifically supported educational programs.
Additionally, they focus on each student individually and modify the program as necessary.
This school offers the best assistance for autistic children, with numerous field trips, treatment, and visual learning aids.
I would heartily recommend STARS Autism School if you’re seeking a school that fosters a failure-free environment for our autistic children.
Jericho School for Children With Autism
- Visit their website
- Location: 1351 Sprinkle Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32211, United States.
- Enroll here.
At this institution in Jacksonville, Florida, children with autism and other developmental disabilities get specialized, evidence-based teaching. The individualized education plans (IEPs) for every student include verbal and applied behavior analysis (ABA) elements.
Due to the exceptionally small class sizes and famous and experienced instructors, every student will receive undivided attention.
One of the main benefits of attending this school is the Assessment of Basic Language and Learner Skills (ABLLS)-based curriculum, which gives autistic students a top-notch education in both academic and behavioral skills.
Mountaineers School of Autism
- Visit their website
- Location: 1340 Kenwood Rd #7408, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, United States
- Enroll here
Mountaineers School of Autism is a well-regarded autism school that not only focuses on developing academic knowledge but also aids students in gaining valuable insight on Social Skills, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletics, Music, Spanish, Sign Language, and many other topics. It is situated in the lovely area of West Palm Beach.
The institution also accepts numerous grants and scholarships provided by the federal and state governments.
This is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking a cheap university with financial assistance possibilities. The institution is also approved for AAA Scholarships.
The Arbor School of Central Florida
- Visit their website
- Location: 3929 Red Bug Lake Rd, Casselberry, FL 32707, United States
- Apply here
If you’re looking for a school, I would strongly recommend The Arbor School of Central Florida if you’re looking for a school that not only prioritizes education but also offers fantastic therapy for your children. The school places a strong emphasis on helping your autistic child realize their full potential.
Moreover, the curriculum is unique compared to other autistic schools. They follow a sensory-based curriculum which will help them grow significantly.
The therapists at this school are renowned and have immense experience in dealing with autistic kids. This school is highly endorsed.
Treehouse Learning Center
- Visit their website
- Location: 3005 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205, United States
- Apply now
Treehouse Learning Center is a non-profit school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The school has two campuses, one in Sarasota and one in Bradenton.
It was founded in 1987 by Mary Beth Roberts who served as its president until her death in 2011. As of 2018, the school has more than 1,000 students enrolled from around Florida with an average age of 8 years old.
The curriculum at Treehouse focuses on academics as well as life skills such as socialization and independence (such as dressing themselves).
Easter Seals Florida
- Visit their website
- Location: 2401 E Henry Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
- Apply here
Easter Seals Florida is a private non-profit organization that provides services to children and adults with disabilities.
Easter Seals Florida is a member of Easter Seals, the nation’s leading provider of services, education and advocacy for children and adults with disabilities.
Easter Seals Florida has several programs for people with autism or mental illness including:
- In-home support services for families who need help caring for their loved ones
- A program called After School Care (ASC) provides supervision after school hours to students who need it most
- Community Support Teams (CSTs) are groups of trained professionals who work one-on-one with families by providing socialization activities such as playing games or bowling together
The Royal Palm School
- Visit their website
- Location: 6650 Lawrence Rd, Lantana, FL 33462, United States
- Enroll here
The Royal Palm School is a private school in the Tampa Bay area. It was founded in 2001, and has two campuses: one in Tampa and one in Orlando.
The Ocala campus offers preschool through 12th-grade education; while the Jacksonville campus offers preschool through 8th-grade education.
The Royal Palm School requires applicants to submit an application online before being accepted into any of their programs or classes.
You can also apply online if you have an existing relationship with someone who works at this school—they may be able to provide information about what type of class they take or how much tuition costs per month (this will vary depending on where you live).
South Florida Autism Charter School
- Visit their website
- Location: 3751 W 108th St, Hialeah, FL 33018, United States
- Apply here
Autism Charter School, which is a fantastic institution with numerous chances for children with autism difficulties, is situated in Hialeah, South Florida.
Children with autism spectrum disorders are provided with both educational and therapeutic services. It’s a school with a huge diversity.
The school prioritizes providing pupils with the greatest, scientifically recognized educational facilities in addition to adhering to the state-based curriculum.
They can be very helpful if they adhere to B.F. Skinner’s theories of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and verbal behavior (VB).
Colleges In Florida for Autism
- University of West Florida
- University of South Florida
University of West Florida
- Visit their website
- Location: 11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32514, United States
The University of West Florida provides specialized social, academic, and professional support for students with autism through the Argos for Autism program.
Professional coaches assist with academic planning and the transfer to college.
University of South Florida
- Visit their website
- Location: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
The Learning Academy at USF is a 30-week program that emphasizes career advancement and acquiring practical skills.
Students gain the abilities needed to locate internships and employment opportunities that match their interests and capabilities through group projects and mentorships.
The list above is simply a sample of the schools and universities in the nation that provide programs that are intended to promote the academic success of autistic students.
Finding a program that satisfies all of your or your child’s needs is essential because the programs differ in terms of cost, services, and accommodations.
Conclusion
The Autism schools in Florida are some of the best in the nation. They provide a safe environment for individuals with autism, their families and teachers.
Teachers and staff have all undergone extensive training to ensure that students can succeed in their classroom setting
FAQs
Is Florida Good For Autism?
The state has done a commendable job of providing money for autism research.
Sixteen states have already passed legislation to improve how autistic people are treated; however, Florida lags behind other states in the way it handles autism.
Is Autism a Disability in Florida?
Yes. Individuals must have been diagnosed with a developmental disability at 8 years of age or younger to be eligible.
Coverage is extended to those older than 18 as long as they are in high school.
Coverage for the treatment of autism is subject to a maximum annual benefit of $36,000 and a lifetime limit of $200,000.
Does Autism Qualify for SSI in Florida?
A disability applicant with a diagnosis of autism and limitations in communication or social functioning may be eligible for benefits.
Children with severe autism can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if their families meet the income and asset limit requirements.
Can I Get Paid to Stay Home With My Autistic Child in Florida?
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Parents who have been deemed caregivers are granted a specific number of paid hours every month so their child can remain safely in his own home, as it is considered an alternative to out-of-home care such as board and care facilities. IHSS pays up to around $3,000 per month.
What State Has The Best Special Needs Program?
The 10 best states for living with a disability:
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- North Dakota
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- Delaware
- Washington
- New York
- Oregon
Does screen time make autism worse?
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has been rising, but many studies suggest being over-diagnosed.
Currently, children are known to have more access to electronic media on the daily basis than those of the previous generation.
Some studies suggest that increased screen time is associated with melanopsin-expressing neurons and decreasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters, thus resulting in aberrant behavior, and decreased cognitive and language development.
Early exposure to electronic media in early life (less than 2 years old) gives an impact on language, but it is still inconclusive.
A study that aims at revealing the impact of early exposure to electronic screens on language development and autistic-like behavior was carried and the results showed that children who spent viewing less than or equal to 3 hours per day had language delay and short attention span, while children who spent viewing greater than or equal to 3 hours per day had language delay, short attention span, and hyperactivity.
While it was found that more than half of children (66.6%) had no parents-child interaction during the exposure, speech delayed and short attention had been reported in all cases, and hyperactivity was found in 66.6% of children.
Can Too Much TV Cause Autism?
Screen time for babies has been linked to a higher risk of Autism-Like Symptoms Later in childhood.
Sitting a baby in front of a tablet or television, as well as less parent-child play time, are associated with developing greater autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms later in childhood.
What Can Cause Autism in Pregnancy?
Studies have linked autism to a number of factors in pregnancy, among them the mother’s diet, the medicines she takes and her mental, immune and metabolic conditions, including preeclampsia (a form of high blood pressure) and gestational diabetes.