County resource guide

Polk County, Florida

Local providers, school contacts, and support services for autism families in Polk County. Florida statewide resources also apply.

Local providers

5 listed

Diagnostic clinics

Formal autism evaluations by developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or neuropsychologists.

Lakeland

Lakeland Regional Health — Watson Clinic Developmental Pediatrics

Developmental pediatric evaluations at Watson Clinic, the largest multi-specialty group practice in Polk County. Autism assessments and behavioral health coordination for Lakeland and Winter Haven families.

Ages 0–18(863) 680-7200

ABA therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis therapy — typically requires insurance authorization.

Lakeland

Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center — Lakeland

Center-based ABA, speech, and occupational therapy at the Lakeland location. Hopebridge's integrated model means families access multiple therapies under one roof with coordinated care planning.

Ages 2–12

Accepts Florida Medicaid and commercial insurance.

Parent & family support

Parent groups, sibling programs, and family peer support.

Lakeland

Autism Society of Florida — Polk County Chapter

Local parent support network serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, and surrounding Polk County communities. Monthly meetings, family resource events, and connections to local services.

Ages All ages

Advocacy & legal

Legal advocates, special education advocates, and disability rights organizations.

Lakeland · multi-county

CARD at USF — Polk County Services

The USF CARD center provides free consultation, school advocacy, and resource navigation for Polk County families as part of its Central Florida service region. No cost, no income limit.

Ages All agesAccepting new patients(813) 974-2532

FREE. State-funded. Call and request a Polk County consultant.

Lakeland

Family Network on Disabilities — Central Florida

Free special education advocacy for Polk County families through Florida's federally funded PTI center. Parent advocates help navigate IEP meetings, special education rights, and disability benefits.

Ages All agesAccepting new patients(863) 687-7801

FREE. Federally funded PTI.

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See all Florida resources

Waivers, PTI centers, and state programs apply to all families in Florida.

Florida state guide →