Connecting the Autism Community
in Northeast Florida
Welcome to our Autism Resource Hub for Northeast Florida
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects individuals uniquely, influencing how they perceive the world and interact with others. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive, compassionate, and accessible resource for those seeking information, support, and community related to autism.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, individual on the spectrum, or simply someone wanting to learn more, this site offers valuable insights and tools to understand and navigate the diverse experiences of autism. We hope to foster awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Join us in celebrating neurodiversity and supporting every individual's journey on the spectrum. Together, we can build a more understanding and inclusive world for all.
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The Autism Resource Guidefor northeast florida
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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 twenty-one 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 Autism Resources on Pinterest
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Resources
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 Moving with children with Disabilities ; Tips & Advice for Easing Transition 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 A Guide for Families of Children with Autism (not located in Florida but a helpful guide) Awetism Wonderland |
AUTISM RESOURCE LIST
Resources Available in our Community.
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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 [email protected] OR Jacksonville, Florida 13500 Sutton Park Dr. S Suite 702 Jacksonville, FL 32224 [904] 318-6109 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] Nemours BrightStart! 10140 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 697-3118 or (877) 878-3118 [email protected] JERICHO SCHOOL Summer camp for people with Autism. 1351 SPINKLE DRIVE , JACKSONVILLE, FL. 32211 [email protected] 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/ |
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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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AUTISM FACTS
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