Fun Programs, Lifelong Skills

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 that he can be himself truly."

Free Screenings

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 in our to identify and intervene early to help link you with any supports you may need. These screenings are designed for children 1-3 years old and do not provide a diagnosis.

Registration: Call 239-910-0712 or email info@fi-florida.org

Location

Autism Support Center 734 SW 4th St
Cape Coral, FL 33991

Day

Third Saturday of every month

Time

Appointments typically scheduled between 9-12pm

Cost

Free

Ages

1-3 years old

"We feel totally safe with them. When you drop off your kid, you have a clear head."

Baby & Me

Do you want to help prepare your child for daycare or preschool? Are you looking for an opportunity for your child to learn to play with others while you learn the best way to support your child’s growth? Join us twice a month for our Baby and Me class! We have a blast exploring, creating, singing, and dancing-all things that help your young one learn language, social skills, and develop their sensory systems!

No pre-registration required

Location

Autism Support Center 734 SW 4th St
Cape Coral, FL 33991

Day

Second and Fourth Saturday of the month

Time

10-11am

Cost

$10.00

Ages

18 months - 3 years old

"The Autism Play Group is something he can enjoy without feeling like he is working. Since he started that, his socialization in school and other groups has perked up quite a bit."

ASD Social Skills Playgroup

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!

Location

Christ Community Church 4050 Colonial Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 3396

Day

Saturdays

Time

1:00-4:00pm

Cost

$20 per week

Ages

4 and up

Registration

No pre-registration required
By developing this innovative program, we address the single largest hurdle ASD children face, and that’s integration into a larger world and an opportunity for independence.

Our Social Skills Playgroup provides a unique, safe, and supportive environment for children to connect with their peers to develop socialization skills, friendships, and a social network through structured activities.

"They work with us to help transform lives and build community through the arts. This program is a great way to show... a difference in the lives of autistic children."

FI Creates

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

Location

Autism Support Center 734 SW 4th St, Cape Coral, FL 33991 and at Christ Community Church 4050 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966

Day

Tuesdays

Time

4:30-6:00pm

Cost

$40 per cycle

Ages

5-15 years old

"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!"

Teen Hangout Group

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!

Location

Autism Support Center 734 SW 4th St
Cape Coral, FL 33991

Day

6 week cycle on Wednesdays

Time

4:30-6:30pm

Cost

$120 per cycle

Ages

14-19 years old

Upcoming Dates

"I think one of the most exciting things about Family Initiative is that the we are seeing kids and families impacted immediately from their very first time in the program.”

Young Adult Group

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!

Location

Autism Support Center 734 SW 4th St
Cape Coral, FL 33991

Day

6 week cycle on Thursdays

Time

4:30-6:30pm

Cost

$120 per cycle

Ages

20-30 years old

Registration

No pre-registration required

"Family Initiative never judges. They’ve never judged any of our stories or any of our kids. In the school setting and with doctors, we often felt judged."

Sibling Group

The neurotypical siblings of the children, teens, and young adults we know are amazing people! Our Sibling Group was created to offer a space just for them-a place to come together with other siblings who walk a similar journey. This group offers a little fun and a little conversation-whatever they feel like they need each week-most times a little of both! This group is open to anyone who has a sibling with an Autism diagnosis and is drop in each week.

Location

Autism Support Center 734 SW 4th St
Cape Coral, FL 33991

Day

Every Monday

Time

4:30-6:00pm

Cost

$10 per session

Ages

6 and up

Registration

No pre-registration required