Publisher & Mom![]() What you may not know is that in addition to being a Publisher, I am also the mother of a child with Autism. The past thirteen years have been a challenging journey and along the way I have learned a lot.
The day I was told my son Jake had Autism, a debilitating disease without a known cause or definitive known treatments, I was devastated and scared. Jake was two at the time and it has lead our entire family down a kind of rabbit hole of alternative treatments including, biomedical interventions, neurologists, applied-behavior-analysis, play therapy and a host of other phantom treatments to no avail. Having a child with special needs is not only filled with challenges regarding health and therapy needs but has affected our family’s social interactions. People often do not realize Jake has a disability because on the outside he looks like any twelve year-old. When he picks up food off the ground and sticks it in his mouth, has a tantrum at the grocery store, or stares blankly when a well-intentioned stranger asks him to stop hugging them, I find myself offering, “I’m sorry, he has Autism”. Years ago most people did not know a thing about Autism, but thankfully times are changing and awareness is better than ever thanks to grassroots efforts in our communities. Hopefully, this resource page is a way to connect families dealing with autism to the resources that will help them along their journey. IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO OTHER FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY PLEASE EMAIL Debbie @stjohnsmag.com |
ResourcesAwetism Wonderland Moving with children with Disabilities; Tips & Advice for Easing Transition Sprout & ABA Therapy Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics Center for Autism & Related Services (CARD) UF CARD Florida Health Early Learning Coalition of Jax Heal Autism Now Jacksonville School for Autism Surfer's For Autism Brain Balance Jacksonville Sesame Street & Autism (awareness done right) Traveling with Kids with Autism Renters Rights for People with Disabilities Managing Your Child’s Transition to Adulthood Guide to Remodeling a Home for Adults with Special Needs Special Needs Checklist: How Disability-Friendly is Your City? vocational Training for Adults with Special Needs Safety.com's Keeping Your Child With Autism Safe www.mattressadvisor.com/autism-and-sleep/ Designing the Perfect Home Playroom for Children with Autism children-with-special-needs-planning-guide/ For help with legal issues from transitioning to adulthood, to guardianship to SSI benefits & more Autism Resources on Pinterest |
AUTISM RESOURCE LIST
HELPFUL
RESOURCES
UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Jacksonville
6271 St Augustine Road Suite 1
Jacksonville, FL 32217
1-800-9-AUTISM
https://hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism/
McKay Scholarship
325 W. Gaines St. Suite 522
Tallahassee, FL 32399
800-447-1636
http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/mckay/
Doctors
& Therapists
Beacon Pediatric
Behavioral Health
6816 Southpoint Pkwy Suite 202
Jacksonville, FL 32216
OR
150 Warren Circle
St Johns, FL 32259
904-419-7792
Bloom Behavioral
Solutions
9141 Cypress Green Drive
Suite 2
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-647-2625
http://www.bloom-behavioral-solutions.com/
Keystone Behavioral
Pediatrics
6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-619-6071
Pediatric Behavioral Services, LLC
41223 University Blvd South, Suite C
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-329-3317
http://www.pediatricbehavioralservices.com/
Pediatric Hearing
Program
Early Steps Program
910 North Jefferson St
Jacksonville, FL
904-360-7022
Ext 230
Carlos Gamma,& MD
2736 W University Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32217
904-773-4262
https://www.baptistjax.com/doctors/neurologist/dr-carlos-gama-md
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources
System 4030 Boulevard Center Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207-
904-348 -778
800-586-9579
http://www.fdlrs.org/
Adult Education
& Work Experiences
The ARC of St. Johns
2101 Arc Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904.824.7249
http://www.arcsj.org/
The ARC of Jacksonville
1050 North Davis Street
Jacksonville, FL 32209-6808
(904) 355-0155
https://www.arcjacksonville.org/
Angelwood Jacksonville
P.O. Box 24925
Jacksonville FL 32241
904-288-7259-13
http://angelwoodjax.org/cms2/
BASCA, Inc.
841 Plainfield Avenue
Orange Park, FL 32073
904-541-1742
http://bascainc.org/
BASCA’s mission is to provide better living, working, educational, social and recreational opportunities for children and adults with special needs.
Henderson Haven.Org RESPITE
2554 Moody Road
Orange Park, FL 32073
904-264-2522
http://www.hendersonhaven.org/
Pine Castle
4911 Spring Park Road Jacksonville, Fl 32207
904-733-2681
https://pinecastle.org/
May Institute
175 Industrial Loop South Orange Park, FL 32073
904-269-0773
https://www.mayinstitute.org/
Crisis
Wolfson’s Behavioral Services Child
and Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit
800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-202-4959
www.wolfsonchildrens.org
Mental Health
Resource Center Emergency Inpatient
11820 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, Fl 32099
904-642-9100
JaxHATS
Duval Co Health
Department
580 West 8th Street
Tower II 7th Floor,
Suite 7005
Jacksonville, FL 32209
904-244-9233
https://hscj.ufl.edu/jaxhats/
APD CARES
NE Region Manager: Leslie Richards
3631 Hodges
Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 992-2440
Main Fax Number: (904) 992-2442
Counties Served: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Madison, and Taylor counties.
Pharmacies
A1A Pharmacy
Ponte Vedra Beach,
Fl 32082
904-373-0835
http://www.a1apharmacy.com/
Smart Pharmacy
14003 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville Beach,
FL 32250
904-503-5030
https://smartpharmacy.com/
WELLhealthrx Rx
12276-707
San Jose Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-880-1660
http://www.wellhealthrx.com/
DENTISTS
Safari of Smiles
IVIS ALVAREZ, DMD
Address:807 Baymeadows Road East, Suite 305
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-641-7455
Argyle Dental
Minh Nguyen, DMD
6327-1 Argyle Forest Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32244
904-772-8898
www.argyledental.com/
BARRY SETZER, DDS, STEPHEN COCHRAN, DMD, Karen HUBBARD, DMD
8355 Bayberry Road
Jacksonville, FL
904-733-7254
https://setzerandcochran.com/
Dr. Beth Kailes, DMD
2245 Plantation Center Dr., Suite 36
Orange Park, FL 32003
904-215-7800
Weaver & Stratton
Pediatric Dentistry
GERALD WEAVER, DMD, MIKE STRATTON, DMD and MARIA FRASER, DMD
1584 Kingsley Avenue, Suite B
Orange Park, FL 32073
904-264-5437
www.264kids.com/
Kids First Dentistry
Jila J.Mahajan, D.D.S.
4495 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 111
Jacksonville, FL 32210
904-423-1377
Marzieh Zahedi, DDS
14453 Beach Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-992-8900
H. Raymond Klein
943 Cesery Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-743-2000
ABA, Physical,
Occupational and Speech
Therapy
Therapeutic
Butterfly Effects
*FEATURED BUSINESS (page 3-5)
St. Augustine, Florida
340 Paseo Reyes Dr
St Augustine, FL 32095
904-318-6109
healinghearts904@outlook.com
OR
Jacksonville, Florida
13500 Sutton Park Dr. S Suite 702
Jacksonville, FL 32224
[904] 318-6109
healinghearts904@outlook.com
www.therapeuticbutterflyeffects.com
The butterfly effect states that small changes can have a big impact. At therapeutic butterfly effects, we believe that small changes individuals make can have a huge impact in one’s life. It can be a small change such as allowing oneself to have a different thought, focus on a different feeling, and/or try a different behavior. Positive changes bring about positive effects
The PsychoEducational Consultant Group
*FEATURED BUSINESS
pg 15-17
4745 Sutton Park Court, Suite 802, Jacksonville, FL 32224/ 904.874.6164
info@pecgroup4kids.com
www.pecgroup4kids.com
The PsychoEducational Consultant Group provides school psychology services to children and adolescents with varying learning styles. Our goal is to assist students in becoming successful in their education setting and to enhance their abilities.The mission of the PsychoEducational Consultant Group is to provide quality professional services to children and adolescents. Our goal is to assist children with varying learning styles to become successful in their education setting. Our directive is to serve as consultants to parents, and to assist them in “navigating” school district procedures. We are committed to providing services that will ultimately help children be more successful, while maintaining the highest level of integrity and empathy.
Invo Behavior & Therapy Services
*FEATURED BUSINESS
back cover
Providing high quality clinic and home-based services for children with autism and other developmental delays.
Toll Free: 844-425-8779
www.invocompanies.com/invo-therapies/
A+ Children’s Therapy
111 Nature Walk Parkway, Suite 101
St. Augustine, FL 32092
904-203-7761
Brooks Rehabilitation
3599 University Blvd. South
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-858-7600
Occupational, speech and sensory integration therapy
Coastal Therapy
& Learning Center
2730 Isabella Avenue, Suite 10
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
904-372-4070
Speech, language, educational, physical and occupational therapy
Great Strides
Rehabilitation and
Playworks Therapies
12276 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, Fl 32203
904-886-3228
Haven Horse Ranch
7333 County Road 208
St. Augustine, FL 32092
904-813-5710
Equine Assisted Therapy and A Licensed SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding and Training Center
Keystone Learning
3 North Florida locations
904-264-7392
Educational and therapeutic program for preschoolers with special developmental needs
Merritt Speech
& Learning
9951 Atlantic Blvd. Suite 250A
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Regency East Office Park
904-721-4122
Communication and processing disorders - Visual Processing Therapy, Interactive Metronome Therapist, Fast ForWord Provider
Occuplay, Inc,
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
1102 A1A North, Suite 105
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-382-9790
Nancy Marin
Orange Park
Medical Center
Outpatient Rehabilitation
2020 Kingsley Ave Suite A
Orange Park, 32073
904-276-7170
Occupational, speech and sensory integration therapy
Wolfson Children’s
Rehabilitation Programs
800 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Comprehensive pediatric occupational, speech and physical therapy services in multiple locations
SCHOOLS
Broach School
Ten schools in Florida including
Jacksonville Beach, Orange
Park and Terry Road
904-247-7288
ESA schools with services for spectrum children
Great Strides
Rehabilitation/Pediatric Enrichment Center
12276 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville, Fl 32083
904-288-8910
Developmental preschool
Greenwood School
9920 Regency Square Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32225
904-726-5000
Grades 6 - 12, specializes in auditory, ADD and processing delay
Hope Haven’s
Discovery School
4600 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, Fl 32207
904-346-5100
Education for 3-6 yr olds pre school, VPK and kindergarten
Growing Together Behavioral Center
www.gtbjax.org 904-556-7330
6789 SouthPoint Parkway, Bldg 100
Jacksonville, FL 32216
One of Jacksonville's premiere schools for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. We pride ourselves on being a school of high integrity where each child is treated as an individual, and educational plans are tailored to their personal needs.
At Growing Together we believe that all students affected by autism and other developmental disabilities can reach their fullest potential through an education based in structure, fun engagement with peers, and loving teachers and staff supporting and encouraging them daily. Each child's individual strengths and challenges are continually assessed to direct the child's teachers in selecting the best methodologies to target the child’s current needs. We believe that open communication between teachers, staff and families is a must, and we have communication plans in place with each family to meet those needs.
For the 2018-2019 school year, we are excited to partner with 25 students with autism and other development disabilities, ages 3 through 15 years. For each child, we will offer a comprehensive educational and therapeutic program, specifically providing students with customized academic plans, while integrating proven, research-based behavioral strategies into every learning task. Our school is unique from the public school settings, as we are able to focus on the specific needs of each individual child, whether academic, life skills or behavioral. We are also unique in that we offer year-round school and extremely low student to teacher ratio (largest class 6:2), both of which are proven methods to help our children work toward their highest level of learning.
Jacksonville School
for Autism
9000 Cypress Green Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-732-4343
ABA Model using an Integrative Approach for children with ASD
The Jericho School
1300 Sprinkle Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-744-5110
Private non-profit for autism and other developmental disabilities
ABA therapy
The Keystone Academy
6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 103
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-619-6071
Private school serving students Pre-k through high school who are diagnosed with cognitive, developmental, and mental health disorders.
Mosaic Day School
Keystone Child Development Center
6867 Southpoint Drive North
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-619-6071
http://www.mosaicdayschool.org/contact-us/
Keystone Child Development Center (KCDC) serves children from 3 months old through kindergarten, typically developing and those with developmental and behavioral issues who would benefit from low student-to-faculty ratios (12:2), an inclusion classroom and individualized learning plans. Thecenter focuses on all aspects of each child – mind, body and soul – to offer the best opportunity for success in elementary school and throughout life.
Little Star Center
3771 San Jose Place,
Suite 22
Jacksonville, FL 32257
904-928-0112
Little Star Center is a private, non-profit school providing comprehensive, affordable, individual education and behavioral services for all who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental delays.
http://littlestarjax.com/
Mainspring Academy
6867 Southpoint Dr suite 103 Jacksonville, Fl 32216
904-619-6071
www.mainspringacademy.org/
Mainspring Academy is a private, nonprofit school serving students in kindergarten through high school who are diagnosed with cognitive, developmental and mental health disorders. The school was founded on the principles of special education, applied behavior analysis and psychology. The staff believes that every student is capable of learning and growing in their knowledge and understanding of educational and life concepts.
Mainspring keeps the entire child in mind by examining in detail each area of development to ensure that students are presented with academic, social skills, vocational and behavioral content in the most effective manner. The academic environment focuses on life-long learning.
The school offers a variety of curricula to accommodate each student’s unique style of learning. While in attendance at Mainspring, each child is exposed to a variety of strategies and teaching techniques meant to bring out the child’s best effort.
Morning Star
725 Mickler Road
Jacksonville, Fl,32211
904-721-2144
Catholic special education for children 5 - 14
http://morningstar-jax.org/
Reaching Milestones
with BCS
11512 Lake Mead Avenue, Suite 601
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-374-8536
OR
10175 Fortune Parkway Unit 903
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-538-0713
http://www.reachingmilestones.com/
Reaching Milestones with BCS is a privately owned organization and provider of ABA services dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities by providing highly-effective, research-based behavioral interventions.
Florida Autism
Centers
Florida Autism Center - Jacksonville NW
2425 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32218
(904) 420-2304
We are Florida’s leading provider of center-based ABA therapy.
http://flautism.com/locations/jacksonville-northwest/
Florida Autism Center - Orange Park
1563 Kingsley Ave, Suite 103 Orange Park, FL 32073
(904) 602-9740
Florida Autism Center
St Augustine
124 Capulet Dr., Saint Augustine, FL 32092
(904) 429-3859
We are Florida’s leading provider of center-based ABA therapy.
http://flautism.com/locations/saint-augustine/
We are Florida’s leading provider of center-based ABA therapy.
http://flautism.com/locations/orange-park/
Specialized
Therapies
First Coast Music
Therapy
546 Rosebush Ln
Jacksonville, Fl 32225
904-237-3087
www.firstcoastmusictherapy.com
Project Chance
Service Dogs
95512 Arbor Lane Fernandina Beach, Fl 32034
904-491-0414
http://www.projectchance.com/
Peace of Mind Jax
Babysitting services
Michelle Castanos
Phone:
904-257-6424
Hearts, Hands and Hooves
1783 Nolan Road
Middleburg, FL 32086
904-778-9697
Hippotherapy
NARHA riding center
Hope Therapy
1591 Bog Branch Road
Middleburg, FL 32068
904-291-6784
Hippotherapy
Healing Touch Music
Therapy, Inc.
904-540-1169
Gretchen D. Mitchell, MMT, MT-BC
Horse Haven Ranch
7333 County Road 208
St. Augustine, FL 32092
904-813-5710
Hippotherapy
Independent Living
esource Center
2709 Art Museum Drive
Jacksonville FL 32207
904-399-8484
Positive Space Therapy + Consulting
5270 Palm Valley Road
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-607-2834
Art therapy and consulting services and yoga for children, parents, and adults with autism and related conditions. Group and individual sessions are available.
Natural Horsemanship Horse Program
Drop Your Reins
PO Box 1124
Live Oak, FL 32064
386-466-6466
Alternative Healing for ADD ADHD and Autistic kids
Brain Balance Center
of Jacksonville
Shoppes at Bartram Park
13820 Old St. Augustine Rd, Ste 301, Jacksonville, FL 32258
www.brainbalancecenters.com/locations/jacksonville/
Brain Balance is an after-school program for children ages 4-18 that addresses academic, social and behavioral struggles as found in high functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, OCD, Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders, Dyslexia, and Sensory Integration Disorder. The Program combines physical and sensory motor exercises with cognitive skills training as well as healthy nutrition, placing both hemispheres of the brain back in sync. BrainBalanceCenters.com/locations/Jacksonville. Call 904-800-7278 to schedule your child’s comprehensive assessment. Complimentary consultations and center tours are available also. BBC of Jacksonville is an approved PLSA/Gardiner Scholarship provider.
Support Groups, Associations and Foundations
Great Strides
Rehabilitation Ctr
12276 San Jose Blvd, Suite 508, Jacksonville FL 32223
786-205-5498
CARD Center –
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
904-633-0760
Ongoing Support Groups
Federation of Families
of Northeast Florida
8280 Princeton Square Blvd. West Suite #10
Jacksonville, FL 32256
904-379-0617
Jill Hill Fane
First Coast Autism
Support
Connect families raising a child with ASD so they can share ideas and support each other
Mandarin Counseling
12058 San Jose Blvd #703
Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-260-0454
Tammy Kacmarynski, Advocate, Mentor and Coach
Teen Aspie educational and social group
Puzzle Peace Consulting:
5270 Palm Valley Road
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
904-607-2834
Janeen Herskovitz, licensed therapist
www.puzzlepeacecounseling.com/
Summer Camps
Angelwood Summer Day Camp Children with
Disabilities
4674-2 Hood Road
Jacksonville, FL 32257l
The Butterfly Project
904-257-5276
Students will learn what happens behind the scene of recording a song and producing a music video.
Camp Endeavor
1300 Southern Rd.
Dundee FL 33838
863-439-1300
Children with hearing impairment
Camp Possible
904-264-2522
This weekly day camp provides learning in a fun environment while promoting age appropriate social skills.
Diosese of St. Augustine Camps
Catholic Ministry camps for Special Needs
St Augustine - St Johns Ct
904-230-7447
Children with developmental physical and multiple challenges
Dream Oaks Camp
7359 Merchant Ct
Sarasota FL 34240 (mail)
16009 Upper Manatee River Rd, Manatee FL 34202
941-746-5659
Children with physical, developmental, serious illness
Flora, Fauna, and
Fitness Camp
904-724-8323
During this two-week camp (Mon-Thurs) the campers will enjoy the beautiful property and farm and enjoy physical activities and arts and crafts.
Camp I am Special
235 Marywood Drive
St. Johns, FL 32259
(904) 230-7447
http://campiamspecial.com/
Hope Haven
4600 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 346-5100
info@hope-haven.org
Autism Society
of Florida
www.autismfl.com/
Jacksonville School for Autism
9000 Cypress Green Dr
Jacksonville, Fl 32256
904-732-4343
904-732-4344
Email: info@jsakids.org
Nemours BrightStart!
10140 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 697-3118 or (877) 878-3118
NemoursBrightStart@nemours.org
JERICHO SCHOOL
Summer camp for people with Autism. 1351 SPINKLE DRIVE , JACKSONVILLE, FL. 32211
JERICHOSCHOOL@YAHOO.COM
Jacksonville School for Children with Autism
4000 Spring Park Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32007
904-732-4343
Activities designed by an occupational therapist. Limited enrollment
UF EArly Steps
call (904) 360-7022, ext. 261, to schedule a screening 910 N. Jefferson in Jacksonville.
Northeastern Early Steps is a Children’s Medical Services program provided by the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville. The Northeastern Early Steps Program offers developmentally supportive early intervention services for infants and toddlers aged birth to 36 months who have developmental delay or may be at risk for developmental delay. Northeastern Early Steps serves families living in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, and Bradford Counties.
Early intervention through Northeastern Early Steps
Services at no cost to families/ Service delivery in the environments where children typically live, learn, and play A family-centered approach
https://earlysteps.pediatrics.med.ufl.edu/
Great Strides
Rehabilitation
12276 San Jose Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32203
904-886-3228
Keystone Summer
Program
904-619-6071
Keystone Summer camp offers lots of fun and educational activities for children with special needs, ages 5-22 years old. The staff develops learning goals and personalized treatment goals for each child.
Keystone knows that children with special needs – behavior issues and learning challenges – especially benefit from access in the summer to regular therapy
by trained behavioral pediatric providers. Early intervention and regularly focus on behavior and learning offer each child the best chance of success.
Keystone Summer Program provides instruction in a low children-to-therapist ratio, with behavior therapists trained in the methodologies and best practices of applied behavior analysis.
MOSH Summer
Adventure Camp
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-396-6674
The Arc Jacksonville
Life Experience –
Adults 18-26, Two 4 week sessions
www.arcjacksonville.org/programs/summer-life-experience/
Riding the Wave of Autism
904-716-4198
This camp will give children with Autism and other disabilities to enjoy surfing and other water activities.
FUN
OPPORTUNITIES
Special Olympics Florida
Duval County
PO Box 49008
Jacksonville Beach, Fl 32240
904-307-422
https://specialolympicsflorida.org/duval/
Jacksonville Miracle League
Every Child Deserves A Chance To Play Baseball
Brantly Park
8435 118th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32244
http://jacksonvillemiracleleague.org/
Surfers for Autism
www.surfersforautism.org/
Best Buddies
Jacksonville
Fun Activities and Support 4130 Salisbury Rd Suite 2200, Jacksonville, FL 32216
www.bestbuddies.org/florida/
Blogs We Love
SJM Autism BlogSJM Autism Blog Our own blog about local families and the challenges they face and/or local businesses with services geared toward children on the spectrum.
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The MightyThe Mighty is an awesome blog that I follow on facebook. The blog is geared toward all disabilities but it has a special section on Autism. Their motto is ....We publish real stories by real people facing real challenges. The stories are always inspiring uplifting and real.
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Autism DaddyAutism Daddy is my personal favorite autism blog . He has anonymous posts from 2011 to the present and facebook page as well. He tells it like it is without sentimentality. When you are feeling like no one understands - Autism Daddy is your guy.
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