Helpful Resources
Advocacy Resources, Community Support, and Free Autism Evaluations
Legislative Advocacy
2026 Priority Bills We Support
The Adult and Pediatric Institute is committed to advocating for policies that protect, empower, and improve outcomes for children, individuals, and families navigating mental health, behavioral health, and educational systems.
Through legislative advocacy, we support evidence-based reforms that promote timely access to services, transparency, accountability, and family involvement across healthcare and education.
By collaborating with policymakers, educators, providers, and community partners, we work to help shape legislation that prioritizes dignity, equity, and meaningful support for those we serve.
👉 Download our 2026 Legislative Guide Below
Florida Elks for Autism
Free Autism Evaluations for Florida Residents
The Adult and Pediatric Institute is proud to partner with Florida Elks for Autism to provide free ADOS-2 comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations (CDE) for eligible children throughout the state of Florida.
The ADOS-2 is the gold-standard assessment used to evaluate autism spectrum disorder. Through this program, qualified families can access a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation at no cost—helping remove financial barriers and long wait times that often delay answers and care.
Early diagnosis opens the door to critical supports, including therapy, educational services, and individualized treatment planning. Our experienced clinical team provides testing in a supportive, child-centered environment and offers guidance on next steps following evaluation.
👉 Check eligibility and fill out the contact us form to request an appointment below
Autism Society of Florida
Free Resources for Individuals with Autism
The Autism Society of Florida is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy, education, and community support.
The organization provides trusted resources, family education, and connections to local supports, while working at the state level to promote policies that enhance access to services, inclusion, and long-term quality of life for individuals across the autism spectrum.
At the Adult and Pediatric Institute, we value partnerships with organizations like the Autism Society of Florida that empower families with information, support, and a strong community voice.
IEP and 504 Resource Document
Outlines The IEP and 504 Process
Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re advocating for your child’s unique needs.
Our IEP & 504 Resource Guide was created to help parents and caregivers better understand the educational supports available to their child, including the differences between an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan, how eligibility is determined, and how to effectively collaborate with schools to ensure appropriate accommodations and services are in place.
This resource is designed to empower families by providing:
- Clear explanations of IEPs and 504 Plans
- Guidance on evaluations, eligibility, and school meetings
- Tips for advocating for your child’s educational and emotional needs
- Common accommodations and supports for learning, attention, behavior, and mental health challenges
Whether you are just beginning the process or seeking to strengthen an existing plan, this guide is meant to serve as a trusted starting point—and a reminder that you are not alone.
👉 Download the IEP & 504 Resource Guide below
Step Up For Students- FES-UA Approved Provider
Diagnostics, ABA, and Psychiatry Funding
Children with unique abilities may have different needs when it comes to their education. And we believe they deserve an opportunity to thrive and learn in an environment that will best support their success.
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) enables families to personalize the education of their students by directing funds to where they’re needed most.
The funds can be used for a combination of programs and approved expenses including therapists, specialists, curriculum, private school, a college savings account and more.”
Children’s Services Council of Martin County
Free Autism Evaluations for Martin County Children
The CSCMC and the Adult and Pediatric Institute have joined together to offer free Comprehensive Autism Evaluations (CDE) to the under-served children in Martin County. Call us today to see if your child qualifies!
The Children’s Services Council of Martin County is an independent special district of local government.
The Council provides a dedicated funding source for children’s programs proven to positively impact the quality of life for all residents of Martin County.
Visit The Council page to learn more about the Children’s Services Council of Martin County and the programs available for families in our area.
iBudget Florida
Home and Community-Based (HCBS) Waiver
The Florida iBudget Waiver is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities so they can live safely and successfully in their communities.
The program provides eligible individuals with a personalized budget that can be used to access approved services such as behavioral therapies, personal supports, respite care, and other essential services based on individual needs. Funding is determined through a standardized assessment process and is managed within an annual budget allocation.
The iBudget Waiver serves individuals with qualifying developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, and prioritizes services that promote independence, skill development, and quality of life—while supporting families and caregivers.
Enrollment is managed through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), and availability is subject to eligibility requirements and waitlist status.
What a week! 🤍
Our team is committed to bringing hope and healing through advocacy across our state.
From direct services to community partnerships and advocacy, we want to make Florida stronger for ALL its residents.
Thank you to our representatives and thank you to all who join our mission.
#AutismRights #AutismAdvocacy #autismparenting ... See MoreSee Less
We have arrived! We're proud to be in Tallahassee to support Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities and the bills that strive to help this valuable population!
If you are here, please stop us in the hallway to say hi because we want to meet you and hear your story!
#OurVoicesMatter #asdmom #ddday #neurodiversityaffirming #APIAdvocacy
Nikki Clark Mariel Paralitici Melissa Drummond Cook ... See MoreSee Less
ADHD in women is often misunderstood.
It can look like feeling disorganized, zoning out in conversations, struggling to wait, or putting off tasks that feel overwhelming. And for many women, it also looks like carrying those challenges quietly while managing work, family, and relationships.
But ADHD is not just about challenges.
It also comes with incredible strengths like creativity, emotional intelligence, passion, and the ability to deeply focus on what truly matters.
Both things can be true at the same time.
Understanding ADHD means seeing the whole person, not just the struggles. And with the right support, women can learn how to work with their brains instead of constantly fighting them.
If any of this feels familiar for you or someone you love, support is available.
📞 Call today 844 550 7337
#adhdinwomen
#WomenAndMentalHealth
#NeurodiversityAffirming
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Our CEO, @nclark1222 has something amazing to tell you about!
We have always been about bringing Hope and Healing to every age in stage through integrated mental and behavioral health.
These groups are a great way to get your family the needed support without waiting list or insurance pre-authorization.
@briannacashman.bcba has amazing things planned and if you’re feeling at the end of the rope with some of the behaviors in your household, this is a great place to start!
Participants are placed in age-appropriate groups and supported in building social skills, emotional awareness, confidence, and peer connections. These ABA groups are led by a BCBA and eligible for superbills to your insurance.
We can also bill Step-Up FES-UA scholarships directly for this service, making it even more accessible for your family.
Sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 17 through April 2, with a short break the week of February 24.
To enroll, please call 772-273-5995 or email bcashman@pedsinstitute.com. ... See MoreSee Less
Between work stress, parenting, relationships, and everything happening in the world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or emotionally off balance.
That does not mean anything is wrong with you. It means you are human.
This Emotional Regulation Roadmap is a gentle reminder that big feelings can be paused, understood, and worked through. With simple steps like noticing emotions, breathing, grounding, and reframing thoughts, it is possible to come back to yourself and find calm again.
Support is not about shutting emotions down. It is about learning how to move through them with care and confidence.
If you or your child need extra support, we are here.
📞 Call today 844 550 7337
#mentalhealthmatters
#emotionalregulation
#ParentingSupport
#WorkLifeBalance
#stressmanagement
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ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone.
There are three types of ADHD, and understanding the differences can be the first step toward better support—for kids, teens, and adults.
Whether symptoms show up as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of all three, the right care can make daily life feel more manageable.
📞 Need ADHD support? Call today: 844-550-7337
Compassionate care starts with understanding.
#ADHDAwareness
#ADHDSupport
#NeurodiversityAffirming
#MentalHealthMatters
#ChildAndAdolescentMentalHealth
#PediatricCare
#BehavioralHealth
#FamilyCenteredCare
#ExecutiveFunction
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We know that the insurance credentialing process is long and therapy wait times feel like forever.
Our team has always championed timely access to medically necessary care, but healthcare insurers often make that difficult. This is why we are excited to announce the start of our Hope & Healing Social Connection Groups for children and teens ages 3–17.
Participants are placed in age-appropriate groups and supported in building social skills, emotional awareness, confidence, and peer connections. These ABA groups are led by a BCBA and eligible for superbills to your insurance.
We can also bill Step-Up FES-UA scholarships directly for this service, making it even more accessible for your family.
Sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 17 through April 2, with a short break the week of February 24.
For full details, check out the image below.
To enroll, please call 772-273-5995 or email bcashman@pedsinstitute.com. ... See MoreSee Less
Call Now
Supporting teens with autism means more than understanding symptoms — it means offering real, compassionate care for the emotional and social challenges they face.
Many teens experience anxiety, depression, or difficulties connecting with peers, but there is hope.
Through thoughtful mental and behavioral care, we help young adults feel calm, confident, and supported. 💙
📞 Call today: (844) 550-7337
#ParentSupport
#supportingteens
#TeenMentalHealth
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Advocating for the care our communities deserve.
Our team was honored to join fellow leaders at the 2026 Legislative Conference in Tallahassee—coming together to amplify the voices of families across the Treasure Coast.
When healthcare providers, advocates, and communities unite, real change becomes possible. 💙
#AdvocacyInAction #HealthcareAdvocacy #CommunityImpact #PatientCenteredCare #FamilyFocusedCare #HealthcareLeadership #LegislativeAdvocacy #voicesforfamilies ... See MoreSee Less