At Family Initiative, we’ve developed successful programs for children to young adults and parents to the entire family, with special opportunities for children on the autism spectrum or those engaged in the child welfare system. Our mission is to support and help build stronger families. If you’re ready to create positive change, we’re here for you, and we’re ready.
"My child has friends who are similar to him at Family Initiative, so he can truly be himself."
In the first three years of life, babies are growing and changing so much from day to day! Developmental milestones set a course for this growth, and we understand when your child does not meeting this, it can cause stress and anxiety. If you have any concerns with your child’s development, we are here for you! Our free Autism Screenings are offered each month to identify and intervene early to help link you with any supports you may need. These screenings are designed for children up to 3 years old and do not provide a diagnosis.
Registration: Call 239-910-0712 or email info@fi-florida.org
Are you looking to help your child build early language, social skills, and sensory development while gaining practical tools to support their growth at home? Our Early Intervention programs offer clinician‑led, play‑based opportunities for young children to explore, learn, and connect with others in a nurturing environment.
These drop‑in sessions are open to the community, with no diagnosis required, and are offered for only $5 per session. Children engage in exploring, creating, singing, and movement, all activities that strengthen communication, social engagement, and regulation. Caregivers learn alongside their child, gaining confidence and strategies to support development during the most important early years.
No pre-registration required.
"The Autism Play Group is something he can enjoy without feeling like he is working. Since he started, his socialization in school and other groups has really grown."
Our hallmark program, our Saturday Playgroup, provides a unique, safe, fun, and supportive environment for children to connect with their peers to develop socialization skills, friendships, and a social network through fun activities. Our team of experienced Applied Behavior Analysis and Occupational Therapy clinicians offer a high level of skill and can support each child’s unique needs while promoting positive social interaction in a fun, supportive, and safe environment. If you are looking for a place for your child to have fun, be accepted, and “live out loud”, this is the place for you!
Art, Music, Yoga, Dance and More!
Join us in experiencing the arts while having fun! These classes offer a fun and supportive environment for our children and young adults blending experiential learning through arts and clinical wrap-around services. We provide our participants with a unique and engaging class every month to allow them to explore their creative side!
Registration: Call 239-910-0712 or email info@fi-florida.org
"I think one of the most exciting things about Family Initiative is that we are seeing children and families impacted immediately, from their very first time starting a program.”
Our Teen Group offers teenagers ages 14-19 years old a place where everyone can be themselves, where they can talk and hangout with peers without worrying about knowing the “right way” to engage. These six-week cycles are focused on developing those social skills through a combination of clinical engagement and super fun activities for teens! For our last session of every cycle we venture into the community for a fun outing. What are you waiting for?! Come hang out with us!
For our amazing young adults, we want to offer space for them to come together and share their experiences while having fun! Our Young Adult Group offers adults aged 20-30 years old a place where they can just be themselves. Our group will talk about life, work, relationships, and anything else important to our crew. We also include a community outing each month to put into practice all the things we talk about each cycle!
"I think it’s nice. I get to socialize with other kids.", "I like it! It’s fun. My favorite part is all of it!"
A structured, clinician‑led social‑skills program designed for autistic girls and young women ages 11–17. Girls Group creates a dedicated space where participants are seen, understood, and celebrated—building authentic friendships, strengthening self‑advocacy, and nurturing confidence within a community of true peers.
FI Champs is a movement‑based program designed to inspire a passion for sports, physical activity, and teamwork for youth ages 8–18. Participants build confidence, coordination, and social skills while engaging in fun, structured activities that promote healthy habits and positive peer interactions. Space is limited, and families who have not participated previously are encouraged to contact us before registering so we can provide helpful information for this cycle.
Family Initiative’s Video Game Club gives teens ages 13–18 a place to hang out, have a blast, and build valuable social skills in the process, including collaboration, effective teamwork, advocacy, and acceptance. Throughout each cycle, participants engage in the activities they love while building life‑long memories and strategies they can apply to friendships, communication, and real‑life social situations.
"We feel totally safe with them. When you drop off your child, you know they're in a safe place."
Family Initiative offers a variety of free, supportive, community‑centered opportunities designed to help caregivers find connection, encouragement, and balance. Parents may keep their children with them or have them join skilled clinicians for fun activities.
"Family Initiative never judges. They’ve never judged any of our stories or any of our kids."
© 2026 Family Initiative, Inc..
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Accessibility Statement | Career Opportunities
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
