Resources for Kids with Special Needs in Southwest Florida (Lee & Collier Counties)

Finding the right special needs resources in Southwest Florida can make all the difference for families navigating disability support. Whether you’re seeking autism therapy, adaptive sports, or family support services in Lee or Collier County, this comprehensive guide highlights trusted organizations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and beyond.

Advocacy & Family Support Services

Lee County

• Family Initiative – Offers clinical and support programs for autism and neurodivergent families. Located in Cape Coral.
  fi-florida.org
• Ascend Transition Services – Provides post-secondary transition support for young adults with disabilities.
  6213 Presidential Ct, Fort Myers, FL
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities – State agency connecting people with developmental disabilities to essential resources.
  Fort Myers office: 2295 Victoria Ave
• Family Care Council, Area 8 – Advocacy and support for individuals on the Medicaid Waiver.
  The Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St, Fort Myers
• Federation for Children with Special Needs – Advocacy, training, and resource connections for families.
• United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades – Connects families with services across housing, employment, and health.
  7273 Concourse Dr, Fort Myers

Collier County

• Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County – Helps families understand services and supports after abuse or trauma.
  1036 Sixth Avenue North, Naples | caccollier.org
• FND Family Network of Disabilities – Florida’s key nonprofit resource helping families of children with disabilities.
  fndusa.org
• Legal Aid of Collier County – Offers legal services to children with disabilities and their families.
  4436 Tamiami Trail East, Naples

Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy

Lee County

• FOCUS Therapy – Multidisciplinary clinic offering speech, OT, and PT.
  4997 Royal Gulf Circle, Fort Myers
• SWFL Speech Therapy – Speech and language services for kids.
  Various Fort Myers locations
• Stepping Stones Kids Therapy – Pediatric therapy center offering sensory and behavioral interventions.
  3900 Colonial Blvd #1, Fort Myers
• Florida Autism Center – ABA therapy and support programs.
  Locations in Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres
• Cape Speech Therapy – Private speech-language therapy practice.
  2804 Del Prado Blvd, Cape Coral

Special Needs Schools & Education Services

Lee County

• De LaSalle Academy – Independent school for students with learning differences.
  6401 Techster Blvd, Fort Myers
• My Autism Connection – Supports teens and young adults with autism.
  7181 College Pkwy, Fort Myers
• Children’s Home Society – Provides education, care coordination, and early learning programs.
  4162 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers
• Lee County Special Needs Programs – Offers support and inclusive recreation opportunities.
  Karl Drews Special Needs Center

Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs

Lee County

• Special Equestrians – Therapeutic horseback riding and programs for children and adults.
  Located in Fort Myers
• Beesley’s Paw Prints – Offers pet therapy visits to schools and community events.
  SWFL-based

Collier County

• Naples Therapeutic Riding Center – Equine-based programs supporting physical and emotional growth.
  naplestherapeuticridingcenter.org
• Topaz Assistance Dogs – Cape Coral-based nonprofit training support dogs for children and adults with disabilities.
• PAWS Assistance Dogs – Golden PAWS provides skilled assistance dogs to children and veterans.
  3645 Gateway Ln, Naples

Adaptive Sports & Inclusive Fitness Programs

Lee County

• Special Olympics Florida – Area 7 – Year-round athletic training and competitions.
  Bonita Springs
• TOPSoccer – Cape Coral soccer program for children and adults with special needs.
• Pickleball for All – Inclusive pickleball instruction and games.
  Multiple locations
• We Rock the Spectrum – Inclusive sensory gym for kids of all abilities.
  Fort Myers
• GiGi’s Playhouse – Free fitness and enrichment programs for individuals with Down syndrome.
  Fort Myers

Accessible Parks & Outdoor Spaces

Explore some of Southwest Florida’s adaptive parks and outdoor spaces offering inclusive play, beach access, and trails. A full guide to accessible parks is coming soon!

• Lakes Park – Splash pad, EZ Rider Tour Service, adaptive swings, and restrooms.
  Fort Myers
• Lovers Key State Park – Accessible tram, beach wheelchairs, and boardwalk.
  Fort Myers Beach
• Jim Jeffers Park – Cape Coral park with a mega accessible playground.
  Cape Coral

Additional Community Resources

Lee County

• Goodwill Resource Centers – Offers employment support, training, and community access services.
  Multiple locations in Lee County
• Sunrise Community – Residential and day support services for adults with disabilities.
  Cape Coral
• LARC – Offers job training, housing assistance, and advocacy.
  Fort Myers
• Community Resource Network of Florida – Behavioral and residential support services.
  Fort Myers

Collier County

• Lighthouse of Collier – Free services for visually impaired children and adults.
  2685 Horseshoe Drive South, Naples
• Freedom Waters Foundation – Therapeutic boat outings for individuals with disabilities and veterans.
  Naples
• Young Life Capernaum – Christian social support group for teens and young adults with disabilities.
  Naples
• Shelters for Special Needs – Coordinated through the Collier Emergency Management Office.
  floridadisaster.org/disability

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If you’re looking for resources for kids with special needs in Southwest Florida, you’re in the right place. This guide includes trusted services, nonprofit programs, and support options for families in Lee County and Collier County. From autism support and inclusive camps to ESE services and therapy centers, we’ve curated a list of local programs helping children thrive.

Lee County

Lee County is home to a wide range of special needs resources for children and families, including public school support services, therapy programs, and nonprofit organizations. Whether you’re seeking autism programs, inclusive recreation, or free developmental support, you’ll find helpful options below.

Lee County Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services
Supports students with disabilities through public schools. Offers IEP support, related services, and specialized instruction.
Website: leeschools.net
Phone: (239) 337-8104

Family Initiative
Cape Coral-based nonprofit offering ABA therapy, social skills groups, parent workshops, and autism support programs.
Website: www.fi-florida.org
Phone: (239) 910-0712

Trailways Camp
Barrier-free camp on Pine Island offering inclusive overnight camp experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Website: www.trailwayscamps.org
Phone: (239) 437-0357

 

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Collier County

Collier County offers excellent special needs programs for children with developmental, physical, and cognitive disabilities. From nonprofit foundations to school-based services, families in Naples, Marco Island, and surrounding areas can access a strong support network right here in Southwest Florida.

Collier County Public Schools Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Supports students with disabilities through specialized instruction and services across the public school system.
Website: collierschools.com
Phone: (239) 377-0001

STARability Foundation
Naples-based nonprofit supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social, vocational, and recreational programming.
Website: starability.org
Phone: (239) 594-9007

Able Academy
Nonprofit school providing ABA-based educational services to children with autism and developmental delays.
Website: ableacademy.org
Phone: (239) 352-7600