BABCOCK RANCH, Fla. (June 18, 2025) — Family Initiative will begin offering free monthly autism screenings in Babcock Ranch on Saturday, June 21, providing early developmental assessments for children up to age 4.
In partnership with the Babcock Ranch community, Family Initiative will host the screenings from 9 a.m. to noon at Explorers Park, 16800 Babcock Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. The screenings are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
“Bringing Family Initiative to Babcock Ranch to offer free autism screenings each month is an important step toward making sure every child in our community has access to early support and resources,” said Ally Bessette, communications director of the Babcock Ranch Residential Association. “Early identification can make a profound difference in a child’s development, and having this service available right here at home reflects our commitment to supporting all families and building a truly inclusive community.”
Family Initiative, a nonprofit serving children and families impacted by autism across Southwest Florida, identified a growing need for early intervention services in the Babcock Ranch area. This expansion aims to close service gaps and bring support directly to families in the rapidly growing community.
“Early screening and intervention aren’t just support — they’re a lifeline for families potentially navigating an autism diagnosis,” said David Brown, president of Family Initiative. “Expanding these screenings across our region empowers families to take action to ensure their child has the opportunity to reach their God-given potential and provides parents with the tools, hope and guidance they urgently need.”
The screenings do not provide a diagnosis but can help identify areas where further evaluation may be beneficial. Staff will be available to discuss results and offer guidance on next steps for families.
For more information about Family Initiative and its programs, call 239-910-0712 or visit www.fi-florida.org.
