Local Resources in South Florida for Autistic & Neurodivergent Adults and Kids

From Miami to Palm Beach, South Florida has a deep bench of autism and neurodivergent services — diagnostic clinics tied to major universities, advocacy nonprofits, and increasingly sensory-aware museums, parks, and venues.

Below is a curated starting list. Programs and contact info change; call or check websites to confirm before you visit or apply.

Diagnostic Clinics & Major Centers

• UM-NSU CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern) — no-cost diagnostic support, consultation, and training for families across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.
• FAU CARD at Florida Atlantic University — serving Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.
• Mailman Segal Center for Human Development at Nova Southeastern (Davie) — diagnostic, behavioral, and family-support programs.
• The Dan Marino Foundation (Weston / Fort Lauderdale) — outpatient clinics, vocational programs, and Marino Campus for postsecondary education.

Schools & Therapeutic Programs

• The Renaissance Learning Center (Palm Beach) — charter school for kids on the spectrum.
• The Victory Center (Palm Beach Gardens) — small-group academic and therapy programs for kids with autism.
• Els for Autism Foundation (Jupiter) — lifespan campus with school, therapy, recreation, and adult services.
• The Learning Academy at the Center (Boca Raton) — therapeutic education program.
• Ocean Tide Therapy — neuroaffirmative virtual OT for families and adults across Florida.

Sensory-Friendly Outings

• Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Miami) — sensory-friendly mornings and downloadable social stories.
• Miami Children's Museum — Sensory Sunday programs.
• Zoo Miami — Sensory-Inclusive certification with sensory bags and quiet zones.
• Palm Beach Zoo and Flamingo Gardens — quiet morning hours and outdoor space that's easier to regulate in than indoor venues.
• Adrienne Arsht Center and Kravis Center — periodic sensory-friendly performances.

Adult & Vocational Supports

• Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) — Medicaid waiver and adult disability services (note: long waitlists).
• Best Buddies Florida (statewide HQ in Miami) — peer-friendship and employment programs.
• Special Olympics Florida — sports leagues by county.
• The Arc chapters of Broward and Palm Beach counties — residential, employment, and family supports.
• Marino Campus — postsecondary vocational training for autistic adults.

Family & Community Networks

• Autism Society of Florida — statewide chapter with local meetups.
• Parent to Parent of Miami — peer support and resource navigation for families of kids with disabilities.
• Family Network on Disabilities — federally funded Parent Training and Information Center serving the state.
• Walt Disney World, while not local, runs the Disability Access Service (DAS) program — useful info for South Florida families planning trips to Orlando.

South Florida is geographically spread out, so it pays to look at what's close to home first — the right resource five miles away usually beats a 'better' one an hour up I-95. If you'd like help mapping options to your goals, we can build a plan together in a free 30-minute consultation.