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Florida Autism Center serves Apopka families

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By Lauren Mackey / TAV Staff Writer

The Florida Autism Center has a unique goal: For their students to leave their programs.

Founded in 2005, the Florida Autism Center serves families with children younger than 6-years-old to 13-years-old who have autism, down’s syndrome or may benefit from ABA therapy.

According to Jenn Elston, Marketing Director at the Florida Autism Center, ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, therapy is, “a hard science dedicated to making significant social change,” she said, “The field has a strong history of being the only scientifically validated treatment for autism and related disabilities.”

The center provides early intervention, one-on-one ABA therapy, private school and summer therapy at 11 locations throughout Florida. Their Apopka location on Hunt Club Boulevard opened in January, although they plan to have their grand opening once they have about 15 families at the location.

“ABA therapy is a relatively new practice, so we’re really proud that we’re able to actually go out in the community and serve the Apopka community itself,” said Elston.

Elston explained that they have a strong belief in their center-based ABA therapy because it prepares kids for mainstream kindergarten by mimicking a school environment. She added that being in the Apopka community allows therapists at the center to go into the community with a child who may have an issue going to the dentist or the grocery store, and find the cause of the issue, then imitate that environment in-center to find a solution.

“The whole community has just been so welcoming. We’ve had multiple businesses reach out and ask us if they can host their brochures for us, all of that, so it’s been wonderful to be a part of your guys’ community,” said Elston.

The organization is rapidly expanding, with eight new locations coming soon.

To learn more about the Florida Autism Center, their services and funding, visit their website or call 866-610-0580.

Lauren Mackey

 

Lauren Mackey is a staff writer for The Apopka Voice and a high school senior from Apopka. She plans to pursue a degree in Culture and Media this fall to work toward a career in journalism with a focus on social change.

Autism, Florida Autism Center

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