20th Anniversary Ante Up For Autism Derby Edition

May 3, 2025 Derby Bash | May 5, 2025 Golf

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Flounder Pounder

Ante Up for Autism

Autism in Action Clay Shoot

Autism Ambassadors

“Kinsey’s language is blossoming. She went from saying maybe 10 words less than a year ago to now hundreds and 3-word sentences. Prior to starting JSA, she would grab our hands and lead us to what she wanted and now she is able to use words to express what she wants. She can brush her teeth and hair independently.  Kinsey loves going to school and is super happy when she is with her teachers, therapist, and friends. Our family cannot thank JSA enough for all that they have done for my child. Words cannot express our gratitude for how they have changed our daughter’s life for the better!”

Anthony and Katie Nelson

“Both of our children attend JSA and have made enormous strides since they’ve started. Our son, Cameron, started at the young age of 3, and now thrives in his Pre-K classroom. His language has grown from just a few words to attempting sentences, singing songs, and requesting his needs. He’s learned to socialize with his peers and loves going to school everyday. Our daughter, Camila, is a newer addition and has learned to acclimate to new environments and people, and has taken steps in her speech to express her needs. They have an amazing and caring team and we couldn’t be more thankful to JSA.”

Timothy and Denise Evans

This is what parents are saying about their experience with Jacksonville School for Autism. If you’re ready to change your family’s life for the better, we invite you to take a look at JSA and learn what makes us so successful.

Our Mission at JSA

Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA) is dedicated to helping individuals with autism and their families by tapping into all available resources to provide “outside of the desk” thinking. With a focus on whole child development and individualized programs that encourage both family and community involvement, JSA is able to nurture each student to reach his/her full potential. Not just a place for learning, JSA creates an environment where relationships grow and lives are changed.

Educational Programs

We follow an Integrative Model, using parent-teacher partnerships to enhance the educational experience of our students. Our unique model was developed through the shared experiences of parents and autism professionals. With a variety of classrooms to meet the needs of individual students, JSA offers varied programs that allow for the development of students and ensures a comfortable transition from new to advanced learners.

JSA Clinical Group

JSA Clinical Group provides behavior therapy to young children and adolescents with a variety of developmental and pervasive delays (with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders), referrals for psychiatric diagnoses, coexisting disorders (i.e. Axis I and II diagnoses), and related behavioral health struggles. We specialize in autism assessment and intervention with an approach that emphasizes the Verbal Behavior Model (Sundberg & Partington, 1998) based on principles consistent with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Early Childhood Development

This program provides a small group learning environment for three and four-year-old children, led by an Early Education Specialist with expertise in early childhood development. Goals of this program include teaching and generalizing early language skills and facilitating early social awareness and reciprocity. We also integrate play skills with small group instruction. This is a half-day curriculum, though you have the option to complement the program by adding on a half day of one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.

Primary & Secondary

These are half-day classroom programs that focus on specific academic skill deficits, behavioral issues, communication and social skills. The goal of these classrooms is to provide small group learning opportunities and develop a sense of community within the classroom. The children in these programs still need an intensive amount of 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services and the half-day program gives them the opportunity to experience both settings.

Social Academic Classrooms

This full-day classroom model is for children who are able to demonstrate academic skills close to grade level but are in need of different approach to instruction than that which would be provided in a typical setting. The goal of this classroom is to increase social thought and perspective, problem solving, cognitive flexibility and executive functioning skills by providing explicit social skills training throughout the school day. These classrooms are staffed with a certified teacher, a paraprofessional, and a Behavioral Therapist for support.

Vocational

This program is designed to provide our students with the necessary skills to be successful and productive members in both their home and community. The focus of this class is to learn functional routines of daily living, such a dressing, home skills, meal prep, multi-step task completion as well as functional communication and academics related to real life scenarios.

Enrichment Programs

The JSA STEP program (Supportive Transition & Employment Program) is an individualized learning plan that is customized to job training opportunities and life skills needed to prepare young adults for independent/supportive living and employment.

Educate.

“Outside of the desk” thinking

Engage.

Parent-teacher partnerships

Inspire.

Preparing students for adult life

JSA News & Events

20th Anniversary Events are HERE!

GIDDY UP FOR JSA’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY ANTE UP FOR AUTISM GALA & GOLF CLASSIC DERBY EDITION🏆 🎉 Ladies and Gentlemen...

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Art Across the Spectrum: Showcasing Talent at Jacksonville Airport!

  UF Health Jacksonville Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics, in collaboration with the Center for Autism an...

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JSA Summer Program is Here!

Our summer program is in full swing, and we're having an absolute blast! Here's a glimpse of the exciting activities ...

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JSA Summer Music Therapy

We are thrilled to highlight our incredible Summer Music Therapy Program, led by the talented Karen Howell from Sound...

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Thank You Aquaponics Volunteers!

It is with an overflowing heart, full of excitement and gratitude that we take time to honor and recognize the handfu...

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15th Annual Flounder Pounder is Here!

The 15th Annual Jacksonville Flounder Pounder has officially launched and we couldn't be more excited!! We are thril...

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