CARD (Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities)
What it is. University-based centers offering free consultation, training, support groups, and help preparing for IEP meetings for people with autism and related conditions, at any age. Florida's CARD centers do not diagnose or provide therapy (no ABA, OT, or PT) — they help you plan and connect you to services.
Who it's for. Anyone with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (including older labels such as Asperger's or PDD-NOS), or deaf-blindness / sensory impairment with another disability, in the center's service area. Free; no insurance is billed. Documentation of the diagnosis is required, with one exception: UCF CARD lets children under 8 who are waiting for an autism evaluation register for up to 6 months (UF CARD also accepts students under 9 in a school "developmentally delayed" program being evaluated for ASD). If you're unsure, call.
First step. Register with the center for your county:
| County | Center | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Orange, Volusia | UCF CARD, Orlando (consults by phone/Zoom; in-person visits by approval) | 407-823-6011 · online form (opens in a new tab) · toll-free 1-800-9-AUTISM |
| Alachua | UF CARD, Gainesville (4101 NW 89th Blvd.; Mon 1–5, Tue–Fri 9–5) | 352-265-2230 · pre-register online (opens in a new tab) |
| Duval | UF Health Jacksonville CARD (6271 St. Augustine Rd., Suite 1; Mon–Fri 8–5) | 904-633-0760 · pre-register online (opens in a new tab) |
What to have. Documentation of the diagnosis from a physician or licensed psychologist (UCF CARD waives this for under-8s awaiting evaluation).
Cost. Free.
Official source. Find your CARD (opens in a new tab) · UCF CARD (opens in a new tab) · UF CARD (opens in a new tab) · UF Health Jacksonville CARD (opens in a new tab)
Not yet confirmed: typical time from registration to first consultation.