Special Needs
A First-of-Its-Kind Collier County School Designed to Help Students with Autism
Autism Collier Charter School opens August 2025 with a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, after-school care, clubs, and programs designed for children with autism. Tuition free and life-changing for families in Collier County. Read more
10 Facts About Peanut Allergies You Need to Know on National Peanut Day
According to recent estimates, nearly 1.6 million children and teens in the U.S. have a peanut allergy. Approximately 20 percent will outgrow a peanut allergy over time, but most will have a persistent one throughout their lives. Read more
Andrea Stetson
A Local Teen’s Dedication to Children With Special Needs Through Her Love of Horses
Lucie Norman loves horses and loves children with special needs. She combines her passions with her volunteer work at a local riding center. Read more
Megan Hoffman
Local Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp Inspires Kids With Diabetes
A local mom started a hockey camp for her son who has Type 1 diabetes. IShe wanted to show her son and others with diabetes all the wonderful things they could do. Read more
Naples Mom's Advocacy for Expanded Disability Services Results in the Passing of SB 1758
New grassroots movement gives hope to families of children with developmental delays across Florida. Read more
Understanding ADHD: What Parents Need to Know
Understanding ADHD: Learn about Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dr. Tamm explains the diagnosis and treatment options and what are the risks for not treating ADHD. Read more
Your ASD Child Deserves a Safe Home to Grow In
Youngsters with autism spectrum disorders, or ASDs, possess a number of characteristics that make them more susceptible to danger. Read more
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Planning for the Future When Your Child Has Special Needs
Norell Albanis, an Estate Planning Attorney, helps you plan for the future while keeping your child with special needs in mind. Read more
Collier County Deputies Receive Special Training for Encounters with People with Autism
Have you ever wondered how your child with autism might fare during a conversation with a deputy, firefighter, or medic if you weren’t there to facilitate? Read more
Taking Flight With Sensory Issues
Anna Snyder helps parents learn tools to navigate air travel with children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory disorders through personal stories and expert advice. Read more
Brothers Inspire Greatness While Helping Others with Special Needs
Inspired by his brother, John J. Ciocca created the app youBelong for individuals with special needs and their families. Read more
KidzAct to Offer Sensory Friendly Theater Classes and Performances
The Naples Players believes that every member of our community deserves access to high-quality arts education and performance. KidzAct's new programs are just the beginning of their initiative to serve an even wider base of the community. Read more
Family Law Issues for Children With Special Needs in Divorce
All married couples face the possibility of divorce and the presence of a child with special needs will add an element to any divorce case that must be addressed. Read more
Where to Start: Resources & Support for Parents of Kids with Special Needs
It is difficult to know where to start when you find out your child has special needs. The tasks seem overwhelming, and there is so much emotion involved. Learn how to get started finding the support that you need in Naples and Collier County. Read more
Cruising with Autism on the Seas: Making Vacations Happen for Families with Special Needs
The organization Autism on the Seas helps make travel and vacations possible for families with special needs. Read more
Health Matters for Special Needs
Searching for Autism
A simple checklist filled out by parents launches the search. Many suspect their child has autism but have nothing to go on. So they come from across the state to take part in Golisano Children's Hospital's free autism screenings. Read more