If you live in Orlando or elsewhere in Orange County and your child is autistic, hurricane planning includes one local question: should you register with the county's special needs program, and what would it actually do for your family? This guide explains Orange County's People with Special Needs (PSN) Program, using the county's own pages and forms as of October 2026, and shows how it fits with Florida's statewide rules. Programs change, so confirm details with the county before a storm.
What is Orange County's PSN Program?
Orange County says its Persons with Special Needs program "is designed to ensure people with special medical needs have a safe place to seek shelter during a natural disaster or unplanned event." During a disaster or weather-related evacuation, it provides a shelter environment for people "who have medical conditions that require assistance by their caregiver or home health aide." The county's PSN program is run through its Emergency Medical Services, Office of the Medical Director.
In a May 2026 county news release, Orange County's PSN Program Manager described the registry as identifying residents "who may require additional assistance during an emergency because they rely on medical equipment powered by electricity, require caregiver support or need transportation assistance." He also called PSN shelters "a last resort when staying with family, friends or in a hotel is not possible," and said "eligible residents may include individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory or medical conditions."
This is the local version of a statewide requirement. Under section 252.355, Florida Statutes, every county emergency management agency works with the state to keep a registry of people who would need help during evacuations and sheltering "because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment, or sensory disabilities."
Does an autistic child qualify?
Possibly, but the county decides. Here is what the official materials show:
- Autism is on the form. The county's online PSN registration form includes "Autism" in its list of medical conditions, along with "Behavioral Health Issues," "Aphasia (non-communicative)" and "Assistance with Activities of Daily Living." It also asks whether a 24-hour caregiver is required and whether the caregiver will travel along.
- The focus is medical and caregiver need. The county's FAQ (revised December 2018) describes the program as serving people with "a health/medical condition that requires medical assistance by their caregiver/home health in a shelter environment" and medically fragile people who need transportation to evacuate.
- The county reviews each registration. According to that FAQ, the county reviews the form, enters eligible people into the registry and sends a letter about eligibility within 30 days. People who are not eligible "can still seek refuge at American Red Cross Shelters."
Statewide, the Florida Department of Health describes special needs shelters as serving people who rely on life-sustaining equipment, need caregiver help with daily activities such as dressing or meals, have chronic conditions needing frequent medication or monitoring, need mobility accommodations, or lack other safe options. An autistic child who also has medical needs, or who needs constant caregiver support, is more likely to fit than one who does not. The honest answer is: register, describe your child's needs accurately, and see what the county decides.
How do I register in Orange County?
The county lists these ways to register:
- Fill out the online registration form at ocfl.net/psn. The online form is for new registrations only.
- Call Orange County 311, or 407-836-3111. A specialist can register you by phone or send you a form. A paper form is available in English and Spanish.
- Ask your child's home health agency, hospice agency, medical equipment supplier or senior social service agency to register you, if you use one.
To update an existing registration, the county says to call 311 at 407-836-3111. The form tells registrants they must update the registration every year to stay active, and the FAQ says registrations not updated annually are placed in inactive status.
What the form asks
Have this ready before you start: your child's date of birth, height and weight, primary language (the form includes "Non-Verbal" as an option), home address and residence type, emergency contacts, caregiver details, doctor and pharmacy, any home health or equipment providers, transportation needs, mobility, electrical equipment and oxygen use, medical conditions, and any service animal or pet. The form also includes three acknowledgments: you will be contacted to verify your information; the information is released only to emergency response agencies and "emergency responders may enter my home and provide for my needs in an emergency situation"; and any costs of transport or admission to a hospital while in a shelter are your responsibility.
What happens during a storm if we are registered?
Based on the county's FAQ (revised December 2018), so confirm current practice with 311:
- Notification. Registered people get automated phone messages about sheltering and transportation.
- Transportation is not automatic. "You will not automatically be picked up," the FAQ says. You call 311 to arrange transport, and the county suggests asking family or friends first if possible.
- Shelter sites are not publicized. County officials decide which special needs shelters open, and you call 311 when you need one.
- Registration is not an obligation. Registering does not require you to go to a shelter unless there is a mandatory evacuation and you have nowhere else to go. The county shares your information with local fire departments, and those agencies may check on you after the storm.
- Not registered? You can still call 311 when shelters open; you will be triaged by phone.
What is a PSN shelter like for an autistic child?
The FAQ describes special needs shelters as usually located in large gymnasiums that can house several hundred people, with cots, medical supplies and oxygen, and medical and administrative staff. Family members living in the same home may stay, but cots are issued only to special needs clients, so bring bedding for others. A standard diet is provided, and anyone with special dietary needs must bring their own food.
The county is clear that caregivers keep caregiving: "If you have a caregiver, they are expected to continue providing the same level of care they provide to you in a shelter as they do at home." For an autistic child, that means you are still the person who manages meltdowns, wandering, toileting and sleep, in a large, bright, noisy room.
Pets are a local difference worth knowing. Orange County's PSN page says "service animals and ordinary domestic household pets are welcome at Special Needs Shelters," with no reptiles. The Florida Department of Health says pets are not typically allowed in special needs shelters statewide and that rules vary. Florida law guarantees service animals in special needs shelters (s. 252.355). Confirm the current pet rules with 311 before you rely on them.
What should we bring?
The county's PSN page lists caregivers, identification and medical information cards, medications (including non-prescription), medical equipment and supplies, a blanket and pillow, a change of clothing and hygiene items, special dietary foods and snacks, a phone charger, and something to occupy time. The FAQ asks for a 2-week supply of daily prescriptions. For an autistic child, add:
- noise-canceling headphones and a charged tablet with downloaded shows;
- a pop-up tent or sheet to create a private corner, which Ready.gov suggests for people with developmental disabilities;
- a printed visual schedule and a one-page "about my child" sheet for staff;
- preferred foods your child will reliably eat;
- ID for your child with your phone number, since a new place raises the risk of wandering.
Our sensory hurricane go-kit has a full list.
What else should Orange County autism families plan?
- A first-choice destination. Because the county itself calls PSN shelters a last resort, line up family, friends or a hotel outside the risk area. Our guide to evacuating with an autistic child compares options.
- Local resources. Our Orange County autism resources guide lists UCF CARD, Early Steps, school and APD offices.
- The statewide steps. Our guide on special needs shelter registration in Florida explains how the state registry works in every county.
Does Hope Center serve Orange County?
Hope Center does not have an office in Orange County. We serve families in the Orlando area in homes, schools, daycares and the community, as staffing allows. Our centers are in West Palm Beach, Temple Terrace, Port Charlotte, Jacksonville and Sebring. Call 561-337-8865 to ask whether we can staff your area, or contact us for a free consultation and a free insurance benefits check. If hurricane season worries you, tell us at intake so preparation can be part of your child's goals.