At UCF (University of Central Florida) they have a Center for Autism and Related Diseases (CARD). If you call them and put your child in their database and attend an orientation, they have wonderful services to offer. Not sure how old the child may be, but they have potty training classes, behavioral classes, feeding classes, IEP & IDEA classes, they have classes for parents of childern with autism and classes for adults with autism; the classes are held throughout central florida.They will come to your house and work with you and any other family member on techniques for the child and will also go to the childs school and work with any teachers, staff or classmates that are in contact with the child. They do offer the services for free.

Here’s an example of what some of they classes they offer and consist of:

Cracking the Code class:

Interactive workshop for parents and professionals who would like to gain basic knowledge of communication development in children with autism spectrum disorders, early intervention strategies to enhance communication, use of visual supports and play. Video clips and demonstrations of strategies will be provided.

Battle at Mashed Potato Hill-Dealing with Feeding Issues class:

Although feeding difficulties often develop from and involve physical or biological variables, this training will look at the environmental variables that can lead to problematic eating and the behavioral interventions that can be used to treat them.

Potty Primer Class:

Participants will receive an overview of toilet training for young children with autism spectrum disorder. Prerequisites will be covered along with readiness signs, data collection and research proven techniques. ***Child must be ambulatory***

Behavior Basics I class:

This presentation will cover the art of increasing behaviors you want to increase, such as following directions, self-help and independence skills, using principles of ABA. The concepts of shaping, differential reinforcement, stimulus control and reinforcer assessment will be covered.

Behavior Basics II class:

This presentation will cover what to do when you have a problem behavior and how to look at problem behaviors from a functional, behavioral perspective using principles of ABA. The concepts of functional assessment and strategies for reducing and replacing behavior will be discussed.

Mission Possible: Homework Success class:

This session will provide parents with organizational tools and

strategies to increase homework success.

The Wake Up Call class:

Perhaps you have noticed the clock is ticking down until your child will exit the school system. What lies ahead? Have you accessed the services you need to insure a smooth transition to adulthood? Are you unknowingly doing something to hamper your child’s independence and self-sufficiency? This session will explore these issues.

Sex in the City class:

This training will provide information regarding research-based, “best practices” in the area of sexuality education for people with autism spectrum disorders. Specific strategies and educational information will be provided in the following areas: Puberty, appropriate boundaries, personal hygiene and masturbation. CAUTION: Language, pictures and videotape presented will be graphic in nature and may be offensive to some individuals.

Remember that’s only some of the classes they offer.

You may also want to check with the Greater Orlando Autism Society..can be a great place for resources and support.

My son is covered through Healthease from the state health insurance program for kids..If you need a list of providers, please send me an email..it covers Brevard, Orange, Osceola, & Seminole Counties. I’d be more than happy to give addresses and phone #’s.

Good Luck =)