Many resources to begin your journey.
At North Florida Therapy Services, we believe every child deserves access to quality care. That’s why we proudly support families through Florida KidCare, the state’s health insurance program for children.
🩺 Programs Offered:
Getting started is simple—just click the pink “Apply Now” button, and Florida KidCare takes care of the rest. It’s that easy!
https://www.floridakidcare.org/
Florida offers statewide information and support for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age three who have diagnosed or suspected developmental delays or disabilities. These resources are also available to providers, community partners, and other interested individuals who want to ensure children receive the help they need as early as possible.
Through these programs, families can access:
Early intervention is key to helping children reach their fullest potential. By providing timely information and connecting families to the right services, Florida ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Children’s Medical Services - index (cms-kids.com)
At North Florida Therapy Services, we understand that the first three years of a child’s life are critical for growth and development. That’s why we partner with Children’s Home Society (CHS) to offer Early Steps in the Big Bend region.
We help families with children ages 0–3 who have a developmental delay or disability:
Early Steps provides individualized services designed to meet each child’s unique needs, while supporting parents and caregivers every step of the way.
📍 Serving families across the Big Bend region, including:
Bay • Calhoun • Gulf • Holmes • Jackson • Washington •
Franklin • Taylor • Madison • Gadsden • Jefferson • Leon • Liberty • Wakulla
Would you like me to also create a homepage-friendly tagline (like “Early Support, Lifelong Success”) so this section feels more engaging when visitors first land on your site?
Early Steps | Children’s Home Society of Florida (chsfl.org)
The Down Syndrome Association of Tallahassee (DSAT) is dedicated to providing education, support, and resources to individuals with Down syndrome, their families, professionals, and the broader community. Our mission is to build public awareness and foster acceptance of the abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.
Founded in 2004 by Tallahassee parents, DSAT began as a grassroots effort to support families raising children with Down syndrome. Today, we continue to grow and serve as a trusted source of information, advocacy, and encouragement.
📍 Our reach includes:
Through workshops, family events, community partnerships, and statewide awareness initiatives, DSAT empowers families and promotes inclusion, ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated for their strengths and supported in achieving their fullest potential.
Home - DSAT (dsatallahassee.com)
The Hang Tough Foundation is here to walk alongside families during their journey with childhood illness and special needs. We provide resources, encouragement, and a supportive community that understands the challenges—and celebrates the victories—of raising a child with unique needs.
💡 Our Vision: To build a refuge and outlet for families, offering strength, hope, and connection while supporting the entire family unit.
We proudly serve families with children ages 0–21 who are living with chronic, life-altering illnesses or special needs in:
Through programs, events, and ongoing support, the Hang Tough Foundation helps families feel empowered, connected, and never alone on their journey.
The FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is committed to empowering individuals with Autism and related disabilities, as well as their families and the professionals who support them.
CARD provides free consultation, resources, and educational support designed to:
Through collaboration and outreach, CARD fosters awareness, acceptance, and opportunities for individuals to thrive in every aspect of life.
Connecting with others who understand the journey of raising or supporting a child with Autism can make all the difference.
Below are local support groups available to families, caregivers, and professionals across North Florida:
Tallahassee & Wakulla County
Wakulla County Support Group
📍 Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00 PM (no meeting in December) at Wakulla Public Library
👥 Open to family members and educators
📧 Contact: Connie Worrill – connie.worrill@wcsb.us | ☎ (850) 926-2912
Autism Spectrum Support & Education Tallahassee (ASSET)
🌐 Private Facebook group open to all members whose lives are touched by Autism
🎯 Purpose: Share research, promote education, and provide community support
📧 Contact: Claudia Cotton Randolph – claudiarandolph55@gmail.com | ☎ (850) 363-6119
📧 Contact: Jennifer Morgan-Byrd – jennimorganbyrd@yahoo.com | ☎ (850) 320-5865
Tallahassee Autism Support Group
📍 Meets 1–2 times a month
🎯 Focus: Collaboration among parents of children with Autism (all ages), covering therapy resources, diagnosis,
biomedical treatment, school placement, and community activities
🎉 Activities: Parents’ night out dinners, playgroups, and more (posted in the ASSET Facebook group)
💡 Guidance: Claire D’Haeseleer provides support for parents of younger children (ages 2–5), including diagnosis,
insurance navigation, pediatrician and specialty doctor recommendations, and behavioral coverage guidance
📧 Contact: Claire D’Haeseleer – Clairegrace03@gmail.com | ☎ (941) 306-9419 or (850) 276-0336
Madison County
Marianna & Jackson County
Florida is committed to supporting children with unique abilities and their families. Below are trusted statewide programs and resources designed to provide guidance, education, and support from pregnancy through early childhood:
🌟 Bright Expectations
👶 Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive
🖐 Easter Seals – Make the First Five Count
📞 The Family Health Line
🤝 Family Network on Disabilities of Florida
🌱 Healthy Start
🌟 The Family Café
🤝 The Arc of Florida
🏫 Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
🏛 Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
🎓 Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities
💰 ABLE United
📚 Florida Department of Education – School Choice
🎓 Step Up For Students
Contact us today or to schedule an evaluation or tour,
please call 850-627-0476.