Family Resources
Caregiver Resources
For Parents Raising Children with Autism & Unique Abilities
Florida-Focused Resources
- Florida’s Early Steps Directory – State-run program for children birth–3 with delays. (URL: https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/bright-expectations/general-resources.html)
- CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) – Individualized support across Florida. (URL: https://florida-card.org/)
- Autism Society of Florida (ASF) – Educational supports and family connections. (URL: https://www.autismfl.org/resources)
- Autism Hero Project – Directory of FL scholarships, waivers, and programs. (URL: https://www.autismheroproject.org/flresources)
- Dan Marino Foundation – Therapy, education, and Medicaid resources. (URL: https://danmarinofoundation.org/resource/)
- Experienced Autism Alliance – 18+ years of community-based resources. (URL: https://autismalliancefl.org/resources)
National & Expert Resources
Tips to help kids with ADHD thrive in and out of the classroom
Autism Foundation Toolkit – Articles on reinforcement, sensory spaces, and self-care. (URL: https://www.autism-foundation.org/parent-support-toolkit)
- Mindcolor Autism Guides – Professional caregiver guides on ABA and routines. (URL: https://www.mindcolorautism.com/resources/parent-and-caregiver-guides)
- Kori at Home – Free autism parenting printables and checklists. (URL: https://koriathome.com/autism-parenting-caregiver-resources/)
- Lighthouse Autism Center – Parent training, blogs, and downloadable supports. (URL: https://lighthouseautismcenter.com/autism-resources/parent-tools/)
- Autism Parenting Magazine – Comprehensive PDF resource guide. (URL: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/guides/autism-resources-for-parents2.pdf)
Advocacy & Legal Support
- ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network) – Run by autistic individuals; promotes inclusion. (URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autistic_Self_Advocacy_Network)
- COPAA – Special education advocacy and legal resources. (URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Parent_Attorneys_and_Advocates)
Love Serving Autism specializes in therapeutic racquet sports instruction for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and developmental challenges.
We provide a variety of programs and events through certified coaches and therapists across the country.
LSA Tennis Visual Schedule
Families may contact us for support group training class dates scheduled in the community to learn more about autism and the Love Serving Autism tennis program.
Tennis Rules for Kids and Adults with Autism
Nine Reasons to use Visuals
The Family Care Council (FCC) is made up of parents, grandparents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, along with self-advocates. Members are appointed to the Council by the Governor. Representatives of organizations and agencies who serve consumers who are developmentally disabled are also part of the Council. There are 15 Councils throughout Florida.
The Council provides education and outreach to other families. We work closely with the Agency for Persons with Disability (APD), and assist families in navigating the system to get the help they need. We also make referrals to agencies and organizations who can assist individuals and families with services.
The Family Care Council is the only family voice in Florida on behalf of those who are developmentally disabled. We meet monthly to share ideas, discuss matters pertaining to APD and the Florida Legislature, and receive information that will be helpful to individuals and families in our community. All are welcome at these meetings. We encourage individuals and families to become part of the decision-making process that affects the lives of their loved ones.
For those residing in Palm Beach County, contact Eileen Licitra at (561) 281-9311, or email at eileenlicitra@bellsouth.net for more information about our meetings, or if you are in need of assistance. Outside Palm Beach County contact the Family Care Council Florida at 1-800-470-8101, or https://www.fccflorida.org/ to find a Council near you.
Lou Knows What To Do Social Stories Book Series
A young child in the grocery store, what could go wrong? Pretty much anything, from shattered jars to crashing carts to sticky fingers. But you don’t have to worry about Lou making mischief like that, he knows what to do! Whether he’s in a new situation or a challenging one, Lou’s prepared. His special bubble wand shows him the future, helping him see what he needs to do and say to be successful…
Autism Navigator
Eye Coach
Alerting Sensory Activities for Kids
Alerting Sensory Activities:Movement
When it comes to providing alerting sensory input through movement, focus on faster, less predictable movement activities rather than rhythmic, linear movement.
1 || Jumping
Try a trampoline, jumping in place, or jumping jacks.
2 || Bouncing
Try sitting on a therapy ball and bouncing while singing a song!=
3 || Dancing
4 || Freeze Dancing
5 || Stop/Go Games
Red light green light, or stop and go obstacle course
6 || Obstacle Course
Alerting Sensory Activities: Sound
Try louder, faster-paced auditory games and activities to increase alertness and engagement.
1 || Movement and dancing paired with fast-paced music
2 || Fast-paced listening/direction-following games
3 || Using your own body to make sound
Try snapping, stomping, clapping, or humming.
Alerting Sensory Activities: Tactile
1 || Try cooler temperatures
Open a window, use a fan, or turn up the AC.
2 || Light touch instead of deep pressure
3 || Vibration
Try vibrating stuffed animals and toys.
Alerting Sensory Activities: Oral Sensory/Olfactory
1 || Crunchy snacks
Try apples, carrots, or pretzels
2 || Oil diffuser
Use alerting scents like peppermint and lemon.
3 || Cold drink
Iced water or even iced seltzer water are good options.
4 || Cold snacks
Popsicles or smoothies!
4 || Explore new, unfamiliar smells
5 || Vibration
Try a battery powered toothbrush or vibrating toys on cheeks/lips.
6 || Mouth noises
Try buzzing like a bee, clicking tongue, humming, blowing raspberries
7 || Sour snacks
Some of our favorites are Warheads, sour gummy worms, orange wedges, or lemonade.
Alerting Sensory Activities; Vision
1 || Brighter lights
Instead of a dim workspace, try a well-lit area or a space near a window.
2 || Use bright or contrasting colors
Try a bright-colored mat on the table or worksheets on bright colored paper.
3 || Bold fonts on worksheets
4 || Flashlights
Have kids read independently using flashlights, or follow along with guided reading.
5 || Light-up toys
Increase engagement in play activities by using toys that light up.
