Winter Haven is a smaller Polk County city, but it has something many larger cities do not: a public library with a sensory garden and a sensory room built with autistic children and adults in mind. Most other autism services for Winter Haven come from countywide offices in Bartow and Lakeland. This guide covers the library spaces, who to call for screening and school, family outings, hurricane planning and how ABA works here. For the county view, see our Polk County autism resources guide. Details are from each agency's own page as of October 2026; confirm before you go.
What are the sensory spaces at the Winter Haven Public Library?
The City of Winter Haven describes two spaces at the Winter Haven Public Library, 325 Ave. A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881:
- The Friends of the Library Sensory Garden, created for children and adults with autism, sensory impairments, Alzheimer's and dementia. It includes a programming space where visitors can handle natural materials, focus on sensory experiences, work on balance and coordination, and do calming activities. Sensory bags with activities are provided for each booking.
- The Sensory Room, a space for children on the spectrum to choose their own sensory experiences. The room can be set up as a calm, quiet space for a child who is overloaded, or as a colorful, active play area for a child who needs more input.
How to book the garden: reserve at whpl.libcal.com/reserve/Garden or call the library at 863-291-5880. Bookings can be made up to a month ahead, are limited to 4 reservations per month, and need an email address and library card number. The city says walk-in bookings may be available and that some days are open for drop-in use; check the library's event calendar.
A short, planned visit to a space like this can help a child practice a new place in a low-pressure way. Showing your child photos of the library first, or using a simple first-then plan, can make the first visit easier.
Who screens young children in Winter Haven?
- Under 3: USF's Bay Area Early Steps program covers Polk County. Call (813) 974-0602 or (866) 549-1710. USF's page also lists a Lakeland location at 200 N. Kentucky Avenue, Suite 206. USF says there is no income requirement and most services happen at home at no cost. See our Early Steps guide.
- Ages 3 to 5: Polk County Public Schools says to call Child Find at 863-535-6486 if your child does not have an IEP and you suspect a disability. That number belongs to FDLRS Sunrise, 1860 Ken Riley Way, Bartow, FL 33830, the FDLRS center for Polk. Eligible children ages 3 to 5, including those eligible under autism spectrum disorder, can receive ESE Pre-K services in school settings at selected locations after evaluation and parent consent.
- Moving in with an IEP: if your preschooler has an IEP but is not enrolled in a Polk school, bring a copy of the IEP to your zoned elementary school, per Polk's ESE Pre-K page.
How do school evaluations work for older Winter Haven students?
Winter Haven students attend Polk County Public Schools (switchboard 863-534-0500). For a child already enrolled, send the school a written request for an initial ESE evaluation and keep a copy. Florida's rule gives the district 30 days to ask for consent or refuse in writing, and 60 calendar days after consent to complete the evaluation, not counting certain school breaks.
If your child has a private BCBA or RBT, Florida law (s. 1003.572) lets them observe and work with your child at a public school when the teacher and principal agree on the time and place. See private ABA in public school.
Which CARD and APD offices serve Winter Haven?
CARD-USF serves Polk County as part of its 14-county region and says its services are delivered at no cost. Call 813-974-2532 to register. CARD offers consultation and training, not ABA therapy. See which CARD serves my county.
APD serves Polk County from its Central Region office at 200 North Kentucky Avenue, Suite 422, Lakeland, FL 33801, phone (407) 245-0440. See how to apply for APD services.
Can we enjoy LEGOLAND and other Winter Haven outings?
LEGOLAND Florida is in Winter Haven, and many local families buy passes. Theme parks can be loud and crowded, so families often plan short visits, quiet breaks, and ask the park ahead of time about any accessibility services it offers. Our LEGOLAND Florida autism guide covers planning. If your child is in ABA, your BCBA can help you practice waiting, transitions and leaving on a signal before the trip.
What about hurricane season in Polk County?
Polk County Emergency Management's special needs shelters are for residents whose medical condition requires electrical equipment, oxygen or dialysis, or who have physical, cognitive or medical conditions that may need help from medical professionals. Its eligibility list is mostly medical. An autistic child without medical needs may be sent to a general shelter. To ask whether your child qualifies, register through the Florida Special Needs Registry or call the Polk County Emergency Operations Center at (863) 298-7000, and do it before storm season. See how to register for a special needs shelter.
How does ABA work in Winter Haven with Hope Center?
Hope Center for Behavior Change serves Winter Haven in homes, schools, daycares and the community. We do not have an office in Winter Haven or anywhere in Polk County. Our nearest centers are in Sebring (228 N Ridgewood Rd, Suite 102) and Temple Terrace (9385 N 56th St, Suite 211), both open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but most Winter Haven families choose home or school sessions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there a waitlist? | No. Services usually begin 3 to 5 business days after insurance approves the plan. |
| Which insurance? | Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue), Aetna, Cigna (Evernorth), UMR, Personify Health and TRICARE East; self-pay with a sliding scale. Costs depend on your plan. |
| Who works with my child? | A BCBA writes the plan and supervises weekly; an RBT delivers sessions; our clinical director reviews every plan. |
| Will I be involved? | Yes. Parents get weekly training, and staff can join IEP meetings where allowed. |
| Languages? | English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Bengali and Russian. |
See where we provide ABA, then request a free consultation and benefits check or call 561-337-8865.