WELCOME TO THE MIAMI KIDS MAGAZINE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE GUIDE!
Supporting children with special needs is a deeply vital mission for families in our community. Explore top resources, adaptive programs, and dedicated local services designed to foster advancement, inclusion, and care across South Florida.
Our guide helps parents navigate essential support systems, discover specialized opportunities, and empower every kid to thrive.
This guide is proudly presented by the Rotary Club of Miami!
Rotary Club of Miami
We are known for our enthusiasm, infectious spirit, camaraderie, and commitment to serve others! A special part of our mission is to help children and individuals with special needs as we work to further advancement for all within our beautiful city. We work together on a number of different projects each year to benefit our youth and our community, touching thousands of people.
Contact: 305-858-8000 | admin@miamirotary.org
Location: 1001 MacArthur Cswy, Miami, FL 33132
Special Education
Gordon School
The Tikvah Center at the Gordon School is designed for children K - 5th grade who are diagnosed with Autism. This program focuses on academic development within an inclusive framework. The Tikvah Center's curriculum is meticulously crafted to cater to the unique needs of each student, fostering growth not only academically but also in social-emotional domains.
Contact: 305-854-3282 | admissions@gordonschoolmiami.org
Location: 2625 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Miami Learning Experience School
Miami Learning Experience (MLE) exists for a very important purpose: to improve the lives of students with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and other exceptionalities. MLE offers programs for grades K-12. After graduation, students can remain at MLE through our adult program, which has no age limit.
Contact: 305-275-5900 | info@mleschool.org
Location: 5651 SW 82nd Avenue Rd, Miami, FL 33143
Hope for Miami’s
Kidz2Success program provides inclusive, specialized afterschool and summer camp services for children and youth with disabilities across Miami-Dade County. We empower students of all abilities through adaptive academic support, social-emotional wellness, life skills, job training/coaching, and peer mentorship, all designed to foster independence and growth.
Contact: 786-388-3000 ext. 317 | 786-530-5889 | kamicha@hopeformiami.org
Location: 5911 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144
Miami-Dade County Head Start
Give your child a head start in learning and life! Miami-Dade County Head Start offers free, high-quality early education for eligible children from birth to age five in over 90 centers countywide. Enjoy full-day programs, nutritious meals, and specialized support for children with special needs.
Contact: 786-469-4622 | headstartinfo@miamidade.gov
Location: 111 NW 1st St, Miami, FL 33128
http://www.miamidade.gov/headstart
South Florida Autism Charter School
South Florida Autism Charter School provides education and therapeutic services to individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) residing in Miami-Dade/Broward Counties, targeting students with communication deficits and/or behavioral challenges, and who may require training in self-help skills. The methodologies of B.F. Skinner’s Theory of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) are applied in conjunction with State Standards for students on a modified curriculum in order to provide the most effective individualized educational programs possible.
Contact: 305-823-2700 | 786-573-7020
Locations: Hialeah | South Dade | Country Club
Crystal Academy
Crystal Academy is a premier therapy center and school for children with autism and other developmental delays. Founded by parents in 2009 and managed by professionals, it offers customized school curricula and comprehensive services including ABA, speech/language, occupational therapy, music, and fitness clubs. Individualized plans foster growth in language, math, science, art, music, theater, and community instruction. Free informal placement evaluations are available, and FES-Unique Abilities as well as most insurance plans are accepted.
Contact: 305-567-5881 | info@cagables.com
Location: 107 Antilla Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Carpe Diem Academy
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our K–12 school and therapy center offer personalized education and comprehensive support in a nurturing environment. With dedicated professionals focused on each child’s unique strengths and needs, we help students build confidence, independence, and the skills to succeed in school and life.
Contact: 305-971-1230 | info@cdaintensivelearning.com
Location: 11025 SW 84th St, Cottage 8, Miami, FL 33173
Broward County Public Schools
Miami Dade Public Schools
Uplift Literacy
Support Organizations
Easter Seals
Easter Seals South Florida has been serving families for 79 years. Our mission is to provide exceptional services, education, and outreach so that children with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. We want every child in our Head Start, early education, and special education programs to reach their full potential.
Contact: 305-325-0470 | EastersealsSouthFlorida@sfl.easterseals.com
Location: 1475 NW 14th Ave, Miami, FL 33125
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent of Miami’s nonprofit parent center, is dedicated to empowering families of children with disabilities. Their signature event, Journey of Dreams, will be held Saturday, November 7th, and will celebrate the amazing work of community leaders while also raising critical funds to expand programs.
Contact: 305-271-9797
Location: 255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131
https://ptopmiami.org/events/annual-benefit-journey-of-dreams/
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) works in partnership with organizations to provide services and support for customers with developmental disabilities. A person must live in Florida and have a developmental disability that occurred before the age of 18 to be eligible.
APD serves people with: Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome,Intellectual disabilities, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Severe forms of autism, Spina bifida
Contact: 850-488-4257 | APD.Info@apdcares.org
Location: 4030 Esplanade Way, Suite 380, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0950
American Heart Association
Our Future is About Improving Yours
For over 100 years, the American Heart Association, along with our volunteers, supporters and collaborating organizations, has worked to build longer, healthier lives.
The American Heart Association is committed to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere, creating a vision for brighter tomorrows free from heart disease and stroke.
Contact: 800-242-8721
Location: 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231
Early Steps
Early Steps provides early intervention services to children ages 0-3 born with a disability or developmental delay. These include Family Support/Training, Health/Nutritional/Vision/Translator Services, Occupational/Physical/Speech/Vision Therapy, Service Coordination, and Third Party Referrals. Evaluation is free, and services are covered by insurance or Part C funds. Once your child is deemed eligible you will receive the Individualized Family Support Plan with authorized services/guidance on what to do next.
Contact: 800-218-0001 | Floridaearlysteps@flhealth.gov
Location: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A06, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1707
Cortney Vega Sports Athletic Foundation
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited, chronic blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans.
Sickle Cell Disease exists in many nationalities, including African Americans, and people with ancestors from South America, Saudi, Arabia, India, Turkey, Greece, Italy, the Caribbean, and Central America. In 1983, the federal government designated September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Cortney Vega Sports Athletic Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of this life-long illness.
Contact 786-292-0908 | cortneyvegafoundation@gmail.com
Location: Homestead, FL
Best Buddies
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society. Interested in being involved in South Florida?
Contact: 305-374-2233
Location: 100 SE 2nd St, Suite 2200, Miami, FL 33131
Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) is one of seven state-funded, university-based outreach and support centers in Florida dedicated to optimizing the potential of people with autism spectrum disorders, dual sensory impairment, sensory impairments with other disabling conditions, and related disabilities. CARD currently serves over 17,000 families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties.
Contact: 305-284-6563 | card@miami.edu
Location: 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Flipse Bldg, 2nd Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Agency for Health Care Administration
Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization
Cerebral Palsy Guide
Children’s Medical Services
Children’s Services Council
Disability Rights Florida
www.disabilityrightsflorida.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Advocacy Network on Disabilities
The Children’s Trust
Therapy Centers
Nicklaus Children's Hospital
Nicklaus Children's Hospital offers three hospital locations, as well as an array of pediatric primary care, specialty consultations, rehabilitation services, diagnostics, and walk-in urgent care services at locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties to meet the needs of children close to home. With more than 40 pediatric specialties dedicated to children with acute and complex care needs, Nicklaus Children's provides coordinated, comprehensive care through a multidisciplinary team of pediatric experts committed to delivering exceptional outcomes and an outstanding experience for every child and family.
Contact: 305-666-6511
Address: 3100 SW 62nd Ave, Miami, FL 33155
Super Kids Development Center
Provides family-centered ABA therapy for children with autism and related developmental needs. Since 2017, our multilingual, multicultural team has supported children and families through personalized care, parent training, School Readiness Program, communication development, and everyday life skills, helping each child grow at home and beyond.
Contact: 305-952-3161 | hello@superkidsaba.com
Location: 17121 NE 6th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33162
A1A Behavior Health
A1A’s core team has well over 50 years combined and dedicated proven experience in helping enhance the lives of our patients, families, and all that we service. We have utilized this experience to develop a positive patient care approach in order to achieve the goal of total and complete health. All treatment plans are customized for each individual patient and are based on detailed clinical assessment data, and successful processes. As a patient of A1A, you are part of our family and we remain committed to doing all in our power to achieve our mission of enhancing the quality of life of all patients, families, and all that we serve.
Contact: 305-224-1929 | team@A1Ahealth.com
Location: 8323 NW 12th St, Suite 216, Doral, FL 33126
Child Development Center
Baptist Health South Miami Hospital’s Child Development Center provides evaluations and therapy services to help children achieve their full capabilities in areas of development. The Center evaluates each infant and child to determine individualized treatment plans. Available evaluations and therapies include occupational and physical therapy, speech/language therapy, and oral-motor/feeding therapy.
Contact: 786-662-5080
Location: 7401 SW 62nd Ave, Miami, FL 33143
Live Well Therapy Group
Provides compassionate mental health care across Florida, including individual, couples, child & adolescent, and family therapy. We also offer psychiatry, medication management, and psychological testing. Services are available in-person or online. We accept insurance and tailor care to support emotional growth, healing, and stronger relationships.
Contact: 786-332-4478 | info@livewelltherapygroup.com
Locations: South Miami | Kendall | Broward
Elevate Therapy Group
Offers compassionate ABA therapy to children and families across Florida. Services include home-, school-, and community-based care, plus parent training. Programs promote emotional growth, social skills, and independence. We accept most insurance plans, and step up scholarships. Your child’s development is our mission.
Contact: 786-550-7142 | info@elevatetherapygrp.com
Location: 8500 SW 92nd St, Suite 206, Miami, FL 33156
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Gigi’s Playhouse Miami
Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida
Family Support
The Miami-Dade Disability & Autism Newsletter
Written by Victor Antunez, a Miami autism dad. 3 editions a week cover inclusive family-friendly events, disability news, and resources for families raising children with autism and disabilities across Miami-Dade County. Free to subscribe, and written by a parent who lives it.
Contact: victorantunez@gmail.com
Location: Serving Miami-Dade County
Health Channel – All Health, All the Time
Health Channel, created by South Florida PBS, provides trusted health and wellness information to help families make informed decisions about their health. Through television, digital content, and expert-led resources, families can access practical information on medical conditions, prevention, healthy living, and overall well-being.
Recreational and Inclusive Activities
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to become designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). It is our goal to provide every family with an enjoyable and memorable visit to Discovery Cove, and we are proud to offer specialized services to guests with autism and other special needs.
Contact: 407-513-4600
Location: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
Kaseya Center
Kaseya Center offers sensory-friendly services through KultureCity, including free sensory bags, noise-canceling headphones, and a calming sensory room. Accessible seating, parking, and restrooms are available, along with assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters. Gate 3 serves as the main ADA entrance for drop-offs and access.
Contact: 786-777-1000
Location: 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Best Day Foundation
Parkland Buddy Sports
Broward County Public Parks
Miami-Dade Public Parks
Special Olympics
www.specialolympicsflorida.org
Mission Fishin
Autism
Autism Speaks
Autism Society of America
UM-NSU CARD
Diagnostic Centers
Beehave - Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
Getting a developmental or behavioral diagnosis often means months of waiting, rushed appointments, and unclear next steps. Beehave is a developmental-behavioral pediatrics practice offering thorough evaluations and direct communication with families, serving South Florida, with the goal of turning parental concern into a clear diagnosis and care plan.
Contact: 754-200-1756 | info@behavioralpediatrician.com
Location: 6810 Lyons Technology Cir, Suite 190, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Outpatient Center
The Dan Marino Outpatient Center provides specialized pediatric care for children with developmental and rehabilitation needs, including evaluations, diagnostics, and physical, occupational, speech-language, feeding and swallowing therapies.
Contact: 954-385-6200
Location: 2900 S Commerce Pkwy, Weston, FL 33331
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System
Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center
Health Insurance
Las Madrinas de los Seguros
We are an Insurance Agency licensed in over 40 states, available every single day 365 days from 7 am to Midnight.
Our area of expertise goes from individual health plans such as Obamacare, Medicare, Life Insurance with Living Benefits, Group Employee Benefits, Indemnities, International & Travel Policies to Property and Casualty.
Contact: 877-623-7462 | Lasmadrinasdelosseguros@gmail.com
Location: 7795 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144
Ambetter Health
Ambetter Health provides affordable, quality health insurance plans designed to support your unique needs. With a focus on preventive care, wellness programs, and essential benefits, Ambetter helps members stay healthy while managing costs. Offering a wide network of providers and personalized support, it’s health coverage you can count on.
Contact: 877-687-1169
Location: PO Box 459089, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33345-9089
Vision, speech, and hearing
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida's largest and oldest nonprofit serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired. Through education, training, research, and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of 90,000 blind and visually impaired people annually, from babies to seniors and their families. Our programs’ impact is statewide, national, and international.
Contact: 305-856-2288 | info@miamilighthouse.org
Location: 601 SW 8th Ave, Miami, FL 33130
NSU Audiology Clinic
www.nova.edu/healthcare/hearingbalance
Stuttering Foundation of America
UM Audiology/Speech/Language Services
Center for Hearing & Communication
Florida Division of Blind Services
Resources on amblyopia from the Florida Society of Ophthalmology:
https://www.mdeye.org/amblyopia
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
Performing Arts
Broward Center For the Performing Arts
The Broward Center offers "inclusive access" primarily through Sensory-Inclusive Performances, which feature adjusted sound, lighting, and special effects for audiences with sensory sensitivities, and through a range of Accessibility Services that include sign language interpretation, audio description, open captioning, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a sensory quiet room. They also have physical accessibility features like ADA-approved signage, handrails, automatic door openers, and accessible parking and restrooms.
Contact: 954-462-0222
Location: 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Dentistry
American Pediatric Dental Group
At our practice, children with special needs find understanding, patience, and care. We offer desensitization visits, private rooms, and sedation when needed, ensuring stress-free treatment. From autism to physical disabilities, every child deserves quality oral health. We accept all insurancesbecause comfort and access should never be barriers.
Contact: 786-661-1418
Locations: Coral Springs | Doral | Kendall | Lake Worth | Pembroke Pines | Plantation
Hair Salon Services
Supercuts
At Supercuts we take pride in our ability to accommodate all of our customers’ needs. We have many years of experience working with children with disabilities both at our salons and at Nicklaus Children’sHospital. Our skilled stylists go above and beyond to make the experience comfortable, fun, and enjoyable.
Contact: 305-444-4343
Bereavement Support
Early Intervention
Child Find http:
Kapila Family Foundation Starting Right Program at NSU’s Mailman Segal Center
msc.nova.edu/autism-institute/starting-right.html
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Fetal Care Center
www.nicklauschildrens.org/fetalcare
Sprout Behavioral Services
www.sproutbehavioralservices.com
Sunrise Group
Eating Disorders
Mental Health
Center for Individual & Family Counseling
Healing Arts Institute of South Florida
Henderson Behavioral Health
Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NSU Pediatric Mental Health Care Services
nsuhealth.nova.edu/services/mental-health/pediatric-mental-health.html
SEDNET (Severe Emotional Disorders)
Respite Care
ARCH National Respite Network
Deliver the Dream
The Kidz Korner
Transitioning to Adulthood
Access Plus at NSU’s Mailman Segal Center
Center for Independent Living
Joshua’s Path
Turning 18
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