Our Experts - Vitalxchange

2Hope

Expertise Area(s):

Special Needs Advocacy

Hope is the belief that things will be better in the future….we live as eternal optimists, knowing that our path and future is in God’s hands and that He loves us and has a plan and purpose for each and everyone of us…the belief that our lives are about more than just ourselves and that we are here to make the world a better place by sharing our gifts of kindness, love and respect for all we come into contact with. The knowledge that we are to be a light in this earth bringing peace, joy and grace to those we meet, love and serve.

2 Hope has been inspired by my three children who have taught me that all people of all abilities belong and have something very special to share. We believe that when we integrate we all win and when we segregate we all lose. 2 Hope is a movement of full integration for all people, of all abilities….

A Father's Perspective

Expertise Area(s):

Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Special Education, Special Needs Advocacy, Speech-Language Pathology, VitalGuide

The journey through autism presents many challenges and Fathers play a critical role in their child’s development each step of the way. Focused on being a good father and husband while maintaining a positive, healthy and safe family environment can be very challenging during this journey.

This support group is here for the Dads out there facing these challenges and bring them together to help one another. Whether you are struggling with first time diagnosis, a child going through puberty, sports or just want to talk to fellow Dads who can relate to everyday issues this site is for you.

This site is also here for all parents who want to discuss anything autism, or even just want to get a Fathers point of view.

A Mother's Love

Expertise Area(s):

Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Special Education, Special Needs Advocacy, Speech-Language Pathology, VitalGuide

I am a wife and mother of twins. I am also a Social Worker for the past 22 years. Our son was diagnosed with PDD at 20 months and then with Autism shortly after. Those early years were especially challenging as we tried to understand and then learn as much as we could to help our son who was struggling.

We have attempted to push forward the best we knew how and to keep our minds open to new opportunities for our son. We have also worked to keep our family strong and to focus on what is most important- some days we do better than others.

My goal is to be transparent with our challenges but also with our victories. I have found value in the community of Vitalxchange and truly wish we had something like this when our son was first diagnosed. I am pleased to contribute and help others, and to continue on our own path of helping our son, as each day presents new opportunities. He is now a teenager, and this too has presented some additional hurdles, but we will never give up.

I hope you will find comfort in knowing someone else understands, and most likely shares your concerns, feelings, and experiences. All children are unique, but we parents have many similar thoughts and worries, as well as hopes and dreams for our children.

Augment Therapy

Expertise Area(s):

Physical Therapy

Designed by a pediatric physical therapist, Augment Therapy lets you focus on therapy, while kids remain engaged in a fun, entertaining environment. Step count, repetitions, and other metrics are collected behind the scenes, with no wearable sensors required!

Whether you’re looking to do live therapy sessions in-clinic or via tele-health, or hoping to better monitor home exercise programs, Augment Therapy is here to help!

Autism 'Tude

Expertise Area(s):

Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, VitalGuide

I am the mom to an amazing 14-year-old boy who has autism, apraxia, sensory processing disorder, and a seizure disorder. Over the years, I have tried my share of both traditional and non-traditional interventions for my son, and I want to share what I have learned from those experiences to help other parents.

There are no “one-size-fits-all” answers for our kids, and I believe strongly that parents should be presented with options and be empowered to choose the treatments that resonate for their children. We know our kids better than anyone and should be the leaders of our kids’ teams, surrounding ourselves with people who believe in our kids as much as we do and who look at things from a holistic perspective. I would like to help parents be the leaders of their team and not have to feel at the mercy of others who don’t know their child the way a parent does.

Through the most challenging times of my son’s journey, I have studied how to manage my own attitude so that I can be the most effective advocate and parent for him. I want to pass along some of those attitudes and skills to again help empower parents.

Autism Society of Florida

Expertise Area(s):

Special Needs Advocacy

The Autism Society of Florida is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) comprised entirely of volunteers, mostly parents of people with autism and adults with autism. We are an affiliate of the Autism Society of America. For 28 years, we have been working to ensure full participation and self-determination in every aspect of life for people across the autism spectrum. We work every day to empower lives by opening avenues of self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of others in a way that values equity, respect, dignity, and diversity in all communities.

Our Mission
The mission of the Autism Society of Florida (ASF) is to assure full participation and self-determination in every aspect of life for everyone. We will realize this vision by opening avenues of self-advocacy and advocating on behalf of others in a way that values equity, respect, dignity, and diversity in all communities.

Our Philosophy
The Autism Society of Florida is committed to honesty, fairness, and respect for others. In that philosophy, we make specific promises through our passion and dedication to our most important audience.

Meet Our Experts

2Hope

A Father's Perspective

A Mother's Love

Augment Therapy

Autism 'Tude

Autism Society of Florida

learn more

Partners

Connect