Your Navigators In Your Quest for Answers.
Through education and advocacy, we work to improve the lives of those impacted by autism through generating awareness in the community, offering educational programs to families and individuals with autism, and facilitating connections through professional and personal networking opportunities and support groups. Whatever the need, we’re here to help.

*Disclaimer: Autism Pensacola provides information on disability-related services in our two-county area as we are aware of them. Information on this web site should not be viewed as an endorsement, nor is it comprehensive.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of development disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavior challenges. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability, affecting more children than juvenile diabetes, pediatric AIDS, and childhood cancer combined.
Facts about autism:
- It is estimated that 500,000 children with autism will turn 18 in the next five years.
- Just over one percent of children in the United States ages 3-17 have a form of autism.
- The latest analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 54 children has ASD.
- Autism is more than four times common in boys than in girls.
- 1.5 million Americans live with autism.
- Autism accounts for nearly $60 billion in annual [healthcare] costs.
- Sixty percent of costs are on adult services.
- Cost of autism over a lifespan is $2.4 million per person.
- Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
- The expenditure in the school system for a child with autism is estimated to be 3 times that of a typical regular education student.
- Only 56% of children with autism finish high school.
- Only 21% of adults with disabilities participate in the labor force.
People with autism:
- A third of people with autism are nonverbal and may not respond to verbal cues.
- May appear anxious, nervous, upset for no apparent reason, or dart away unexpectedly.
- May engage in repetitive behaviors and self-stimulating behaviors.
- May not be able to speak or may speak with difficulty.
- May not understand right from wrong or the consequences of their actions.
Interacting with someone with autism:
- Use simple, concrete language.
- Speak slowly and allow time for response.
- Repeat simple questions and give lots of praise.
- Do not attempt physical contact.
- Remember that each individual is unique and will be different.
Signs of concern for further evaluation:
- A baby that does not babble, coo, gesture, point, wave, or grasp by 12 months.
- Does not say a single word by 16 months.
- Unable to say two-word phrases without help by 24 months.
- Has any loss of language or social skills at any age.
Adult Services
- Arc Gateway
- Arc of the Emerald Coast
- Capstone
- Empowerment Parent Resource Center
- PURE Friendship Ministries
- Pyramid
- Social Security Administration
- Vision of Hope
- Vocational Rehab
- Argos for Autism at UWF
- Best Value Schools: Colleges for Students With Autism
- Turning 18
The Arts
- Pensacola Museum of Art – Creative Camp for Autism
- Melody Makers 850 – preschool and special needs piano lessons
- Madewell Arts Studio, LLC – art therapy and lessons
- Gulf Breeze School of Music – music therapy
Articles & Presentations
- Autism Spectrum Quarterly
- Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism
- Understanding the IEP Process Part 1
- Understanding the IEP Process Part 2
- Effective Advocacy Part 1
- Effective Advocacy Part 2
Attorneys
Diagnosis
- Adult and Child Mental Health Care, LLC – Karen Adams
- Anchor Group – Dr. Kevin Groom, PhD (psychiatrists on staff)
- Aptitude Habilitation Services (AHS), Inc.
- Behavior Changes, LLC
- BTEC Behavior Therapy
- Children’s Medical Services
- Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System
- Florida State University Multidisciplinary Center
- Gargus, Regina Dr. – Sacred Heart Developmental Pediatrician
- Hagerott, Karen Dr. – Neuropsychologist
- Hufstedler, Rachelle Dr.
- Ira Wenze, Occupational Therapist
- Kizilbash, Ali Dr. – Neuropsychologist
- Mahaffey, Theresa Dr. – Pediatrician
- Masino Mental Health Services, Inc.
- Nemours Children’s Specialty Care
- Psychological Associates (Pensacola)
- Sacred Heart Autism Center
- Scottish Rite Clinic for Language Disorders
- Sharpe, Deron Dr.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham – Civitan-Sparks Clinic (ASD Clinic)
- University of South Alabama Physicians Group
Early Intervention
- Early Learning Coalition – Escambia County
- Early Learning Coalition – Santa Rosa
- Autism Navigator – Family Resources
- Early Steps
Education
- School Choice: Charter Schools and Vouchers
- Capstone Academy
- Escambia County School District
- Florida Dept. of Education Special Education Office
- Florida Department of Education
- Florida Diagnostic Learning & Resources System
- Florida High School-High Tech
- Florida Inclusion Network
- Santa Rosa County School District
- WrightsLaw (Parent Education Advocacy Resources)
- McKay Scholarship
- myIEPadvocate
Private Schools
General Autism Information
- Autism Speaks Resource Guide
- Erica Wysoczynski, USA Benefits Group Independent Agent
- A Diary of A Mom
- Age of Autism
- Oops… Wrong Planet Syndrome
- Oasis (Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support)
- Organization for Autism Research
Government Involvement and Statewide Resources
- Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Social Security Disability Benefits Resources: Florida
- Center for Autism Related Disabilities (CARD)
- Disability Rights Florida
- Family Network on Disabilities of Florida
- Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
- Florida Center for Inclusive Communities
- Florida Legislature
- The Family Cafe
- Project Empower of Northwest Florida
Local/Regional/State Organizations
- Empowerment Parent Resource Center (EPRC)
- Autism Society of America Emerald Coast
- Autism Society of Florida
- Autism Society of Alabama
Medical
Military
National Organizations
- AASPIRE
- ADAPT
- APSE
- American Association of People with Disabilities
- Autism National Committee
- Autism Network International
- Autism Women’s Network
- Autism Society
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
- HSC Foundation
- National Council on Independent Living
- National Autism Association
- Self Advocates Become Empowered
- TASH
Recreation
- ATA Martial Arts
- Martial Arts America
- Miracle League
- Seastars
- Special Olympics Northwest Florida
- The Leaning Post Ranch
- National Inclusion Project
Respite
- Encircle Life Ministries – Weekly respite for adults with disabilities
- PURE Friendship Ministries – Request a spot by posting on https://www.facebook.com/purefriendshipministriesrespite/ ; call 850-375-4790 or email purefriendshipministries@gmail.com
- Access Ministry Respite Care program @ Living Truth Church – Phone (850) 994-7698; Email: sec@livingtruthchurch.com.
Safety
- Autism Risk Management
- Fire and Rescue Autism Training
- Safe and Sound Project
- Take Me Home – Pensacola Police Department
- Be REDy Booklets – Safety resources through National Autism Association
- Disability & Bullying Prevention – Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Hair Salons
- Benjamin & Larry’s Salon
- Cuts By Us (Pace)
- Eileen On Style
- Royal Cuts for Cuties
- Sassy Sisters Salon and Boutique
Therapy Centers
- Adult and Child Mental Health Care
- Aptitude Habilitation Services, Inc.
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board
- Behavior Changes, LLC.
- Behavior Matters ABA
- Beyond Expectations
- BTEC Behavioral Therapy, Inc.
- INVO Healthcare
- Pediatric Therapy Center of NWFL
- Pivotal Behavior Solutions
- Positive Behavior Support Corporation
- Proud Moments ABA
- Sandcastle Centers
- Sacred Heart Autism Center
- Speech Therapy Live
- Virtus Health
We want to build quality communities in the Pensacola Bay Area for individuals and families affected by autism. We invite you to join us in building a community of people and connections. Make time to spend time with others who understand what you are going through by attending one of these Chat Groups. You’ll make friends and find answers from those who share the challenges and joys of living with autism.
- Connecting the Pieces Caregiver Support Chat: Meets every other Thursday. Check out our upcoming events calendar for dates, locations, and meeting times. https://autismpensacola.org/news-events/
- Grandparents of Autism Pensacola (GAP): Meets at the Autism Pensacola office (10001 N. Davis Highway, Building 1, Pensacola, FL 32514) on the third Friday of each month at 10 am.