Dr. Michael Alessandri’s 30 Years of Heart at the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities

For three decades, Dr. Michael Alessandri has been a guiding light for thousands of families in South Florida and the Keys. As Executive Director of the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD), he has helped create a community where individuals with autism and their families are both truly understood and supported. His leadership, rooted in compassion and connection, has made CARD one of the most trusted resources for families navigating the autism journey.

Dr. Alessandri’s career in the autism space began more than 40 years ago, long before autism awareness was widespread. Since 1981, he has dedicated himself to helping individuals with autism reach their fullest potential. At the University of Miami, where he has served since 1996, he is not only a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology, but also a champion of community outreach, ensuring families feel seen, heard, and supported at every stage of life.

Under his guidance, CARD now serves over 19,000 families across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties, offering no-cost, evidence-based services across the lifespan, from early childhood through adulthood. CARD meets families throughout their journey: at home, in schools, in workplaces, and throughout the community. Through initiatives like the Autism Friendly Initiative and partnerships supporting meaningful employment for adults, CARD continues to expand its reach and impact under Dr. Alessandri’s steadfast leadership.

At Miami Kids Magazine, we are proud to support CARD as part of our commitment to families with special needs. Together, we work to elevate awareness, share resources, and highlight the beauty and strength within the special needs community. Our collaboration reflects a shared belief that every child deserves a loving, accepting, and empowered environment and every family deserves support along the way.

As Dr. Alessandri marks his 30th anniversary this year with CARD, we honor not just his professional achievements, but the genuine care that he brings to every interaction. Families describe him as warm, attentive, and deeply invested in their well-being. His accolades speak to his accomplishments, but it is his unwavering commitment to families that defines his legacy.

As part of his deep commitment to strengthening autism services, education, and community support, he has made a planned gift to the University of Miami to benefit CARD, designating a percentage of his retirement assets to advance its mission in perpetuity. He has also established a planned gift to his undergraduate alma mater, the University of Rochester. Additionally, Dr. Alessandri and his family created the Alessandri Grados Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation, supporting initiatives that reflect their values and long-standing commitment to service and community engagement.

We celebrate Dr. Alessandri’s extraordinary impact and look forward to continuing this important work together across South Florida.