Each kid is special. Each family, unique. Each staff member is committed. Each supporter, kind. In the community, we each have an important part to play.SO THAT EVERY CHILD AND EVERY FAMILY
HAVE THE CHANCE TO THRIVE
SOCIAL SKILLS PROGRAMS
Kids with ASD are just like anyone else. They want to have friends and be accepted for who they are. Family Initiative group programs teach life and social skills while having fun.
CLINICAL SERVICES
Family time can be the best time of your day. Our experienced clinicians craft an individualized plan for your family, using best practice therapies and tools to help your child and family bond and grow.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Find insights that parents, caregivers, and community members can use to better understand ASD, build trust with children who have experienced trauma, and gain parenting tips to strengthen families.
PRIVATE SCHOOL – Thrive Academy
Family Initiative is focused on children with ASD, their future, their talents, their hopes and dreams. Fi’s Thrive Academy will empower ASD youth and young adults while providing an opportunity for students through an individualized approach to learning. Academics will focus on English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science that will follow standards-based instruction.
”“I felt alone and fell into a little depression. When I found Family Initiative, they really helped me with all aspects of my life. I feel like they’ve helped me as well as my child.”
AnonymousParent
There are few things as rewarding
as being a parent.
There are also few things as demanding. And being the parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comes bearing even more challenges – unique challenges that require the full application of one’s time, abilities, attention, and resources. And navigating the systems of support for families – especially in Florida – can be complicated, adding to a parent’s frustration.
Parents and caregivers want to know:
- Which daycare center is best for my child?
- What school has programs for autism?
- Are they any good?
- Will they accept my child?
- Will she fit in?
- Will we see results – will my child grow?
- Will they love him?
Is there somewhere we can go for help and guidance?
Yes!
Family Initiative is that place
one that will help both your child and your family.
In the Beginning
Driven by compassion and innovation, David Brown, MSW, and Anjali Van Drie, MA, LCSW, BCBA wanted to build an organization that would challenge traditional thinking and provide more effective support and hope to Florida families seeking help.
Hope, love, change, improvement, transparency, acceptance, progress, and understanding – these words helped define their belief system. And a desire to make a difference helped bring David and Anjali’s creation – Family Initiative – to life.
Their vision is to bring something different to our region — a cutting-edge approach to supporting both children and young adults on the spectrum by offering a family-centered approach that meets the needs of everyone in the household.
Our Promise to Families
At Family Initiative, we promise to empower ASD youth and families and those in the child welfare system – By equipping them with foundational skills needed to build friendships, families, citizenship, and a sense of belonging – Through evidenced-based therapies, innovative programs, practical training, and compassionate support – So that every child and every family have the chance to thrive.
– David and Anjali, Family Initiative
