Orlando is the hub for Central Florida's autism services, so many of the regional offices that serve Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties are inside the city. This guide lists them, explains how Orange County Public Schools handles evaluations, and covers inclusive parks, theme-park planning and Orange County's program for residents with special needs during disasters. For the county view, see our Orange County autism resources guide. Details are from each agency's own page as of October 2026; confirm before you go.
What does UCF CARD offer Orlando families?
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of Central Florida serves Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties. UCF CARD says there is no charge for its services.
- To register: call 407-823-6011. UCF CARD sends a welcome packet with a link to a virtual orientation; after you finish it and return your documents, staff schedule an initial consultation by phone or HIPAA-protected Zoom.
- Office: 407-823-6001. Email: ucfcard@ucf.edu.
CARD helps with a new diagnosis, school strategies, training and finding resources. It is not an ABA provider. See which CARD serves my county.
Who do I call if my Orlando toddler or preschooler might be autistic?
- Under 3: Central Florida Early Steps, hosted by Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital's Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families, serves children up to age 3 with developmental delays or special needs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. It is at 601 W. Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32805; referral and information line (321) 842-3294. See our Early Steps guide.
- Ages 3 to 5: FDLRS Action, 3130 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32804, phone 407-317-3660, is the FDLRS associate center for Orange, Lake, Seminole and Osceola counties and handles Child Find screening. OCPS also has a Preschool Evaluations and Supports page that offers screenings and evaluations for preschool children with suspected developmental delays.
- Diagnosis: ask your pediatrician for a referral. See how to get an autism diagnosis in Florida.
How does Orange County Public Schools handle evaluations?
Orange County Public Schools' main office is at 445 W. Amelia St., Orlando, FL 32801, phone 407-317-3200. OCPS's Referrals and Evaluations FAQ makes several points parents often ask about:
- The district needs your consent before an initial evaluation, and you consent to the evaluation as a whole, not parts of it.
- If you request an evaluation while the school is running general-education (MTSS) interventions, the district must get consent and complete the evaluation within the 60-day timeline; the interventions can continue alongside.
- If the district refuses your request, it must give you written notice explaining why and what it relied on.
Florida's rule sets 60 calendar days from consent to finish the evaluation, not counting certain school breaks. If your child's private BCBA or RBT needs to work with them at school, Florida law (s. 1003.572) allows it when the teacher and principal agree to the time and place. See private ABA in public school.
Where is the APD office in Orlando?
APD's Central Region office for Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties is at 400 West Robinson Street, Suite S430, Orlando, FL 32801, phone (407) 245-0440. APD serves Floridians whose developmental disability, including autism, began before age 18. Waiver funding often involves a long wait, so many families apply early. See how to apply for APD services.
How do I register for Orange County's special needs program before a storm?
Orange County's Persons with Special Needs (PSN) program provides a shelter environment during disasters or weather-related evacuations for people with medical conditions that require help from a caregiver or home health aide. You can register:
- online at ocfl.net/psn;
- by calling Orange County's 311 line or 407-836-3111;
- through your home health, hospice, medical equipment or senior services agency.
Registration information is confidential by law. County officials decide which special needs shelter sites open for each event. Caregivers can come, and the county says service animals and ordinary household pets are welcome at special needs shelters (no reptiles). Eligibility is based on medical needs, so ask whether your child qualifies when you call. See our Orange County special needs shelter guide.
Are there inclusive parks in Orlando?
Orange County Parks and Recreation lists an inclusive playground at Downey Park, 10107 Flowers Ave., Orlando, FL 32825 (park phone 407-254-9180), along with a splash playground. In February 2026 the county also held the grand opening of Phase 1A of Horizon West Regional Park in west Orange County, which includes an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. A park visit can be a good setting to practice turn-taking and leaving on a signal.
How can we plan theme-park days?
Walt Disney World publishes a page of services for guests who are neurodivergent, with tips such as reviewing maps and a timeline with your child, packing a sensory toy and practicing waiting at home. It lists sensory details for attractions and companion restrooms, some with manual-flush toilets. Disney also describes queue options including Rider Switch, Attraction Queue Re-Entry and Disability Access Service; check Disney's current rules and registration steps before your trip. If your child is in ABA, your BCBA can help you practice the hardest parts, such as lines and transitions.
How does ABA work in Orlando without a local Hope Center office?
Hope Center for Behavior Change serves Orlando in homes, schools, daycares and the community. We do not have an office or center in Orlando, and staffing depends on your area and schedule, so call to check. Sessions happen where your child already spends the day:
| Setting | Often a good fit when |
|---|---|
| Home | Goals are about routines, sleep, meals or sibling play |
| School | Classroom behavior is the main concern and the school agrees |
| Daycare | A young child spends most of the day there |
| Community | You want help with outings, stores or appointments |
We have no waitlist; services usually begin 3 to 5 business days after insurance approves the plan. BCBAs write each plan, RBTs deliver sessions, our clinical director reviews every plan, and parents get weekly training. We work with Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue), Aetna, Cigna (Evernorth), UMR, Personify Health and TRICARE East, and offer self-pay with a sliding scale; costs depend on your plan. Our team speaks English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Bengali and Russian.
See where we provide ABA and in-home ABA, then request a free consultation and benefits check or call 561-337-8865.