Resources

UM Center For Autism And Related Disabilities

CARD stands for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities. Our center, based at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, 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 (ASD), dual sensory impairment, sensory impairments with other disabling conditions, and related disabilities. In addition to ASD, CARD also serves a variety of related disabilities including deaf-blindness, sensory impairments with other disabling conditions, developmental delays in children under 5 who also present with autistic-like behaviors, and genetic disorders that may co-exist with autism symptoms (e.g., Fragile X Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Angelman Syndrome, among others). Over the years, CARD’s constituency has grown from 88 families in 1993 to over 9,000 families today in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

ELS For Autism

The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els to focus on the issue of autism.  The Els son Ben is profoundly impacted by the disorder which affects 1 in 68 children in the U.S. For the last four years the world class pro golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project – The Els Center of Excellence.  The first of its kind Center will focus on a digital e- learning platform that gives children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research. The 26 acre facility will also have an on-site education for 300 students ages 3-21, medical and professional services, research, transition to adulthood, adult living and on-site job training. The Foundation has launched a capital campaign to raise $30 million to finance the facility; the Els’ have committed $6 million of their own money.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and look forward to continued successes in the years ahead.

Lebanese Autism Society

The Lebanese Autism Society –LAS is a non-governmental organization (registered by official decree No.19/AD dated March 10, 1999). The LAS was founded by parents of and professionals working with Autism. To this date, more than 500 members joined the Association. LAS is a founding member and the coordinator of the Arab Network for Autism (ANA). LAS is also a member of different national and international organizations such as AutismEurope, World Autism Organization, United Nation Global Compact.

Dan Marino Foundation

The Dan Marino Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) 3 organization was established by Dan and Claire Marino, motivated by their experiences in raising their son, Michael, who is diagnosed with autism.  For over 24 years, the Foundation has been a leader in innovation and change, “empowering individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.”  The Foundation has raised more than $53 million to create unique and impactful initiatives in the community. Among these first-of-their-kind initiatives are the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Outpatient Center, the Marino Autism Research Institute, Marino Adapted Aquatics, Summer STEPS Employment Programs, Virtual Interactive Training Agent Program (VITA-DMF), and now Marino Campus.

Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)

The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) provides diagnostic, instructional, and technology support services to district exceptional education programs and families of students with disabilities. Service centers include 19 centers that directly serve school districts in the areas of Child Find, Parent Services, Human Resource Development (HRD), and Technology. In addition, the FDLRS Network also includes 6 Multi-disciplinary Centers who focus on in-depth evaluations and several statewide projects offering specialized services.