The FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

The FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is dedicated to providing individuals with Autism or related disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them with free consultation, resources, and educational support to build knowledge, infrastructure, sustainability, and capacity within the community.
 
Seatbelt with a gray cover labeled “Autism” and a red autism awareness puzzle piece, shown beside the Leon County Sheriff badge with the phrase “Embrace Differences.”

Thanks to our partnership with Leon County Sheriff’s Office, we have seat belt covers for individuals with autism. Requests from Leon county residents with autism will be given priority.

FSU CARD – Safety Kits*

We have a limited number of Safety Kits to give to our registered clients who have a tendency to wander away or have limited safety awareness. Each kit includes:

  • 2 door alarms
  • 2 cabinet safety locks
  • 2 seat belt covers
  • 2 “Water Watcher” lanyards (1 English, 1 Spanish)
  • 1 FSU CARD magnet

If you are not already signed up as an FSU CARD client, we encourage you to complete the FSU CARD application online at: https://fsucard.com/services/becoming-a-client/ Please email autism@med.fsu.edu or call 850-644-4367 if you have any questions. 

*We have limited quantities of Safety Kits, so we will distribute items until we run out.

Tavi Sensory Elephants for Professionals

Thanks to a generous donation from the David & Faten Black Foundation Inc., FSU CARD received 90 Tavi Sensory Elephants to distribute to providers in our area. Tavi was created by Hukama who describes Tavi as “a cute, cuddly, and super soft 4-pound stuffed elephant who has a special ear pocket just for listening to you. If there is anything on your mind, worries, anxiety, you name it, just jot it down and tuck it into the ear pocket and Tavi will hold onto it for you, it’s no problem! Tavi has big ears and is a good listener. Plus, with a warming weighted belly, stiff hook and loop closure, textured ear flaps and tassel tail that you can fidget with to help you relax; you can tackle that anxiety together. Let Tavi carry the weight of your worries and be your calm. Tavi has many sensory features and, once the weight packet is removed, can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and hung up to dry.”

The Tavi Sensory Elephants are available to school guidance counselors, educators, and licensed providers who support individuals on the autism spectrum free of charge through the FSU CARD Tavi Sensory Elephant Program. Providers must fill out the application, and if approved, will receive one Tavi Sensory Elephant after completing a short orientation training, subject to availability. All applicants will receive a confirmation email once their application is received by our office.

Autism-Friendly Business

The Autism-Friendly Business Initiative aims to increase the number of places individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families feel welcome in our community and encourage conversation with local businesses about hiring individuals with ASD. Community partners interested in becoming an Autism-Friendly Business can fill out our Autism-Friendly Business Application

Get Your Florida Autism License Plate

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