Across the Suncoast, more families are searching for intellectual and developmental diagnoses, including autism, support, education and therapy resources, earlier than ever before. That demand keeps rising, and so does the pressure on families navigating it without knowing where to turn. Easterseals Southwest Florida is where that changes. 

The organization has served the region for 80 years and is now preparing for its most significant expansion yet with the Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence opening in January 2027.

From Summer SunSHINE programming and free autism screenings to Lily Preschool enrollment and expanded diagnostic services, Easterseals Southwest Florida is bringing more of what families need closer to home.

When Summer Interrupts Progress

For children and adults with disabilities, summer can quietly disrupt the routines, therapies and structures that took months to build. Research shows some students lose more than 40% of school-year gains during summer break without continued services. For adults, gaps in care can also mean setbacks in independence and daily living skills.

That's why Easterseals Southwest Florida offers Summer SunSHINE programming throughout the season. Therapists, educators and caregivers work with children and adults in structured, sensory-friendly and enriching settings to keep consistency and momentum going when school is out and schedules shift.

Disabilities don't pause for summer. Neither does Easterseals Southwest Florida. Children work on communication, social interaction, and routine. Adults maintain independence, skill retention, and connection to the caregivers and peers they rely on. For families supporting both, that consistency is everything.

The First Question Most Parents Can’t Answer Alone
For many parents, the early signs are easy to second-guess. The hardest part is often not knowing whether those are a part of typical development or something that warrants a closer look.

Easterseals Southwest Florida offers free autism screenings for children up to age 18. Early identification can open the door to developmental support that makes a real difference over time. After each screening, families connect with case managers who help them understand what comes next. Last year, Easterseals provided case management services to 1,920 households across the Suncoast. 

For some families, the next step starts inside a classroom.

A New Center. More Access. Coming Soon.

In January 2027, Easterseals Southwest Florida will open the Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence, the most significant expansion the organization has undertaken in its 80-year history.

The new center is part of a larger campus redevelopment designed to increase access to autism services, therapies, diagnostic evaluations and educational programming. 

The timing matters. 

Today, 1 in 36 children is diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, while 1 in 6 children has a developmental disability. For Suncoast families who have spent years on waitlists or driving hours for the care they need, January 2027 can't come soon enough.

A Place to Learn, Grow, and Belong

In preparation of the Malcolm Family Autism Center of Excellence opening, enrollment has begun for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. 

At Lily Preschool, children of all abilities learn alongside one another. Students work on communication, social interaction, and early developmental skills through structured play and individualized support. And they do so at their own pace, in a setting built around their needs. The difference is noticeable. In 2025, 95% of Lily Preschool parents and caregivers reported their child was happy, relaxed, and engaged. 

Spots will fill quickly, so families are encouraged to call today.

The Work Behind the Numbers

Last year, Easterseals Southwest Florida provided more than 35,000 therapy hours, served 2,637 clients and delivered more than 80,000 hours of adult services. Behind those numbers, somewhere, is a parent finally hearing "You're not alone in this."

After 80 years of serving Southwest Florida, Easterseals remains focused on helping people of all abilities build confidence, independence and connection. None of this happens alone. Families, therapists, educators, volunteers and local supporters all play a role.

To learn more, support the Summer SunSHINE campaign or make a donation, visit Easterseals Southwest Florida.