Special Needs Resources in Miami
Complete guide to programs, services, and activities for families in South Florida
Related resources
Guides, data, and tools to use next
Move from this guide to a checklist, data report, or state resource that supports the next decision.
Key Organizations in Miami
Here are the major organizations serving 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've navigated this themselves.
Programs by Age Group
Miami runs specialized programs for every stage of life, 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
Special needs services aren't cheap. Here's how Miami families typically cover the cost:
FES-UA Scholarship
Florida's education savings account program for students with disabilities. It can go toward private school tuition, ABA therapy, speech therapy, and curriculum materials.
The Children's Trust
Backs special needs afterschool programs, summer camps, and inclusion services across Miami-Dade County.
Florida Medicaid
Covers ABA therapy, speech, OT, and PT for children under 21 through EPSDT, with no annual caps.
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.
Combine Funding Sources
Many Miami families end up combining funding sources. A common approach: insurance for ABA therapy, FES-UA for private school tuition, and free CARD services for parent training and support.
Read our complete FES-UA guideAsk ChatGPT about your child's situation
We'll write the question for you, filled in with this guide's key facts. Copy it, paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, and get advice tailored to your family.
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 it's worth checking 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. The FES-UA scholarship works at approved private schools and service providers throughout Miami-Dade County. The base amount averages around $10,000 a year, though students with higher needs may qualify for $22,000 to $34,000 annually. Most special needs schools in Miami accept it.
What free resources are available for special needs families in Miami?
Miami has several free resources worth knowing about: 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, Miami has a solid range of adult programming. Key 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?
Miami has plenty of sensory-friendly options: 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. Florida Medicaid also covers ABA with no annual caps for children.
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.
Ready to Find the Right Program in Miami?
Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll match you with schools and programs that fit.
Free. No obligation.