Last updated: 2026-10-04
Special Needs Resources in Miami
Programs, services, and activities for special needs families in Miami-Dade and South Florida
Clinically reviewed by Meaghan Timko, MS, BCBA, LBA BACB certification #1-05-2608
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Key Organizations in Miami
These organizations serve special needs families across Miami-Dade County:
Friendship Circle Miami
Recreation & SocialIts 20,000 sq ft Friendship Campus runs inclusive programs for neurodiverse individuals, among them Sunday Circle, Karate Circle, the Friendship Circle Band, and summer camps.
WOW Center Miami
Adult Day TrainingIt's served more than 200 adults with developmental disabilities since 1972, offering art, music therapy, culinary programs, supported employment, and Special Olympics.
Hope for Miami (Kidz2Success)
Teen TransitionThese Children's Trust-funded afterschool and summer programs focus on academic support, life skills, job training, and independent living skills.
UM-NSU CARD
Free Support ServicesA free, state-funded autism support center for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties. It provides parent training, social skills groups, school consultations, behavior support, and community referrals.
Shake-A-Leg Miami
Adaptive RecreationA well-known adaptive water sports center offering sailing, kayaking, and marine science camps for individuals of all abilities.
Zoo Miami
Sensory-Friendly RecreationA Certified Autism Center that runs Sensory Friendly Saturdays: smaller crowds, noise-canceling headphones on loan, and staff trained to support sensory needs.
Miami Children's Museum
Sensory-Friendly RecreationHas a Snoezelen Room for sensory therapy on-site and hosts regular sensory-friendly events for kids with autism and sensory processing differences.
The Children's Trust
Funder & Resource HubMiami-Dade's primary funder for children's services, backing special needs programs countywide and running the All Children Together (ACT) inclusion initiative.
The Arc of South Florida
Community & Adult ServicesOffers community living support, employment training, day programs, and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Easter Seals South Florida
Therapy & EducationRuns early intervention, therapy services (PT, OT, speech), autism programs, and adult day programs across Miami-Dade.
United Community Options
Residential & Day ServicesProvides residential group homes, supported living, adult day training, and supported employment for adults with developmental disabilities.
Parent to Parent of Miami
Family SupportConnects families through peer support, advocacy training, and community resources, led by parents who have been through it themselves.
Programs by Age Group
Miami has programs for each age group, from early childhood through adulthood.
Early Childhood (0-5)
- Florida Early Steps (free birth-3)
- Easter Seals Early Intervention
- Children's Trust funded pre-K programs
- Early ABA therapy providers
School-Age (6-12)
- South Florida Autism Charter School
- Friendship Circle Sunday programs
- Zoo Miami sensory events
- Special Olympics youth programs
Teens (13-18)
- Hope for Miami Kidz2Success
- Friendship Circle teen programs
- Transition planning services
- Pre-vocational training
Adults (18+)
- WOW Center adult day training
- The Arc supported employment
- United Community Options living
- Friendship Circle adult programs
Funding & Financial Resources
Miami families pay for services through these sources:
FES-UA Scholarship
Annual Florida education savings account award for eligible students with disabilities. At matrix levels 251–253, Dade County amounts are $10,909 for ages 3–4 or grades K–3, $10,304 for grades 4–8, and $10,106 for grades 9–12. Higher levels: $22,361 at level 254 and $35,884 at level 255. Check the current county and grade row in the official award chart.
The Children's Trust
Backs special needs afterschool programs, summer camps, and inclusion services across Miami-Dade County.
Florida Medicaid
Eligible children under 21 have EPSDT coverage for medically necessary care. Check each therapy's coverage policy, participating providers, and authorization requirements with the child's plan.
APD iBudget Waiver
A Medicaid waiver covering home and community services such as personal care, respite, and supported employment. Expect a waitlist.
Private Insurance
Florida law requires autism coverage, including ABA therapy, though the details vary by plan, so check yours directly.
2026–27 Dade County amounts are from the official FES-UA award chart; confirm the current award for your student before budgeting.
Combine Funding Sources
Many Miami families combine funding sources, for example insurance for ABA therapy, FES-UA for private school tuition, and free CARD services for parent training and support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this guide
How many special needs programs are available in Miami?
Miami-Dade County has dozens of programs and services for special needs, spanning schools, therapy centers, recreational programs, and adult services. Thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities are served here, through a mix of public, private, Medicaid, and county-funded options. Eligibility and openings vary, so check directly with each provider.
What autism services and resources are available in Miami?
Families in Miami-Dade often turn to UM-NSU CARD for autism information and training, South Florida Autism Charter School and other schools, private programs that accept FES-UA where eligible, ABA clinics (worth checking against your insurance network), and community programs like Shake-A-Leg adaptive water sports and Zoo Miami's sensory-friendly events. Since coverage and waitlists vary, confirm the details directly with each organization.
Can I use the FES-UA scholarship in Miami?
Yes. For 2026–27, the Dade County award chart lists annual amounts at matrix levels 251–253 of $10,909 for ages 3–4 or grades K–3, $10,304 for grades 4–8, and $10,106 for grades 9–12; level 254 is $22,361 and level 255 is $35,884. The amount depends on the student's age or grade and matrix level. Confirm the current figure and whether a school or provider participates before budgeting.
What free resources are available for special needs families in Miami?
Free resources in Miami include UM-NSU CARD for autism support and training, programs funded through The Children's Trust, Zoo Miami's sensory-friendly events, Parent to Parent peer support, Miami-Dade County ESE services, and Florida Early Steps for children 0-3.
Are there adult programs for people with disabilities in Miami?
Yes. Adult providers include WOW Center for day training and employment, The Arc of South Florida for supported living and jobs, United Community Options for residential programs, and Friendship Circle for social programs geared toward adults.
What sensory-friendly activities are available in Miami?
Sensory-friendly options include Zoo Miami's Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the Snoezelen Room at Miami Children's Museum, Shake-A-Leg adaptive water sports, and regular sensory-friendly movie screenings at local theaters. A number of these venues carry Certified Autism Center designations.
How do I find ABA therapy in Miami?
Start with your insurance company to find in-network ABA providers. From there, you can reach out to UM-NSU CARD for referrals, search the BACB certificant registry, or check with South Florida autism schools that offer ABA therapy on-site. For Medicaid, ask the child's plan about medically necessary care, participating ABA providers, and required authorization.
How do I choose an autism school in Miami?
Look at fit with your child's IEP or evaluation, teaching approach, on-site therapies, class size, whether they accept FES-UA if you plan to use it, and logistics like location and hours. South Florida Autism Charter School (a public charter) is a well-known option, alongside many private programs. Our Miami schools page has listings, and it's worth contacting schools directly to arrange tours and check availability.
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