Autism

Sara Parker, a USF student and former representative for Special Olympics who petitioned Congress, says she wants to advocate for people with autism.

One measure would address the strain on Florida's child welfare workforce and another addresses the increasing prevalence of autism in children.

Today autism is considered to affect one in 36 individuals

The bill would expand early intervention programs, set up charter schools and fund summer learning for students with autism.

The measure puts a focus on early detection and intervention

The measure would designate the University of Florida's Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as the state hub for research, services and best practices

When a storm hits, autism families typically have more hurdles to clear than others. A survey helped a Lee County advocacy group develop priorities for them.

The report finds 109 children with autism drowned in Florida between January 2012 and April 2024.

A new program aims to alert law enforcement that an occupant within a home or a vehicle has autism. Police departments have increased training on how to interact with individuals on the spectrum.

The measure proposed by Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, and Sen. Victor Torres, D-Orlando, would require schools to have a plan in place to quickly respond when a child wanders from campus.

“No one ever forgets 911. No one ever forgets 411. And now, no one will ever forget 988,” says one mental heath expert.

We’re reaching out to autistic folks who have gone through ABA therapy and want to share their experiences.