A Mother's Search for Answers 👀

Taylor's son, Jacob, was diagnosed with autism at age three. She quickly realized that her son needed more support than she could provide on her own. She spent countless nights researching, trying to figure out what services he was eligible for. Like many parents, she asked: “How do I know if my child qualifies for help?”

The good news? APD has clear eligibility guidelines, and understanding them is the key to accessing life-changing services.

Who Can Receive APD Services? 🤔

APD serves individuals in Florida with specific developmental disabilities. To qualify, a person must have a diagnosed developmental disability that occurred before age 18 and significantly affects daily functioning. The following conditions qualify:

• Intellectual disability (IQ of 70 or below)

• Autism

• Cerebral palsy

• Spina bifida

• Prader-Willi syndrome

• Phelan-McDermid syndrome

• Down syndrome

• High-risk children (ages 3-5) with developmental delays that may lead to a qualifying condition

It’s important to note that mental health disorders and learning disabilities alone do not qualify—the condition must meet APD’s specific criteria.

How to Determine Eligibility ? 🧐

Eligibility is based on an assessment process, which includes:

1. Application Submission – Families must complete an application and provide medical documentation.

2. Review Process – APD evaluates whether the individual’s condition meets the eligibility criteria.

3. Service Needs Assessment – If eligible, APD works with families to determine the best services and supports.

Understanding these criteria can save families time and frustration. If you think your loved one qualifies, the next step is applying for services.