September 19, 2025

Jacksonville School Expands Programs for Autism Support

News Summary

The Jacksonville School for Autism has secured $300,000 in state funding to enhance programs that support students with autism. With a focus on job readiness and life skills, this funding aims to empower students like Ben, ensuring they are prepared for independent lives and meaningful employment. The initiative, supported by Senator Clay Yarborough, reflects the growing need for resources for families affected by autism, as statistics show a rise in diagnoses across the country.

Jacksonville

The Jacksonville School for Autism has received $300,000 in state funding aimed at expanding programs that assist students with autism in becoming independent and gainfully employed. Florida Senator Clay Yarborough presented the funding, emphasizing the importance of supporting such initiatives for families and children in the community.

The allocation of funds will facilitate growth in the school’s programs, particularly focusing on job readiness and life skills development for students. One of the notable beneficiaries of this funding is Ben, a senior student on the autism spectrum, whose mother highlighted the difference this support could make in his life. This funding will help ensure that Ben has the opportunity to lead a purposeful life and contribute meaningfully to his family, thus enhancing his future life prospects.

Ben is currently enrolled in the school’s STEP program, which stands for Supportive Transition & Employment Program. This program is specifically designed to prepare students for the workforce by equipping them with essential skills like time management, stamina, problem-solving, and the ability to accept feedback—skills crucial for personal and professional success.

Senator Yarborough noted that advocating for this funding was a straightforward decision due to the proven efficacy of the programs at the Jacksonville School for Autism in supporting families and empowering students. The profound impact of such programs is becoming increasingly necessary, particularly in light of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism by the age of eight. This statistic underscores the growing need for support systems and resources for families with children on the autism spectrum.

Rachel Tison, a mother of three, shared her perspective that programs such as STEP are vital, given the high prevalence of autism. She expressed hope that this funding could provide Ben, among other students, with the chance to thrive and prepare for his future. With the support of the Jacksonville School for Autism, students have a foundation upon which they can build their futures and gain confidence for their next life stages.

The Jacksonville School for Autism has been dedicated to serving families for over 20 years, having been founded by Michelle Dunham after her own son’s diagnosis with autism. Dunham emphasized that the recent funding is critical in supporting students and further developing specialized programs that cater to the unique needs of children with autism.

Currently, students like Ben are passionately involved in completing tasks and participating in community work, reflecting their commitment to success. Parents recognize that the significance of this funding goes beyond financial metrics; it signifies hope for a brighter future for their children and prepares them for meaningful contributions to society. With such initiatives in place, families can be more confident about the paths available to their children as they transition into adulthood.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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