Autism Speaks Central Florida provides helping hand for families struggling during pandemic

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — During the pandemic, requests for relief and assistance have poured in for area nonprofits. Nearly six months since Central Florida first felt the impact of COVID-19, the requests are not letting up.

Channel 9 reporter Angela Jacobs took a look at how 9 Family Connection partner Autism Speaks Central Florida is helping families with autism meet an unprecedented set of challenges.

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“As soon as they get in touch with Autism Speaks, it’s a relief,” parent Sara Ortwein said. “It really does give you that sense of like, you can breathe.”

She said she’s grateful for the nonprofit’s expanding resources that so many parents with autistic children or adults on the spectrum need.

On the list: expanded telehealth services, educational support, and hundreds of grants for everything from groceries to therapy.

Swamped with calls, Director of Services and Support Arianna Esposito said Autism Speaks Central Florida is constantly re-tooling efforts to better assist its community.

Video: Local agency helps parents of special needs kids with virtual learning Video: Local agency helps parents of special needs kids with virtual learning (WFTV)

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