Finding reliable after-school care can be difficult for any family—but for parents of children with autism or other developmental disabilities, finding a program with the right training, resources, and support can feel nearly impossible.
In this episode of The Children’s Services Council of Broward podcast, Joy Barrows shares her family’s journey to find meaningful support for her son, Julian, who has autism and experienced behavioral challenges and speech delays.
After being turned away from programs ill-equipped to meet Julian’s needs, Joy faced an impossible choice between caring for her children and maintaining her employment. Her family eventually connected with Arc Broward, a Children’s Services Council-funded provider. With patient, specialized support and positive reinforcement, Julian began making progress in communication, behavior, participation, and social interaction.
The program also helped Joy learn strategies to use at home, connect with people who understood her experiences, and return to work. Her story demonstrates how specialized services can support the entire family—helping children develop while giving parents the stability and opportunity to build a more secure future.
In this episode, we discuss:
The challenges families face when searching for specialized after-school care
Why trained providers are important for children with autism and developmental disabilities
How individualized support can help children build communication and social skills
The importance of patience and consistency during a child’s transition
How parent education and family support strengthen outcomes
Why public funding helps create more inclusive communities
How specialized care can help parents remain employed and financially stable
Families in Broward County looking for support can:
Call 211 Broward and ask for the Special Needs Hotline
Visit cscbroward.org for family resource guides and program information
Ask school counselors, teachers, and administrators about local referrals
Contact providers directly about eligibility, availability, waiting lists, and staff training
Connect with other parents and local support groups
Learn more about how Children’s Services Council funding supports children, families, and specialized providers throughout Broward County.
#AutismSupport #SpecialNeeds #BrowardCounty #ChildrensServicesCouncil #AutismAwareness #FamilySupport #SpecializedCare #AfterSchoolPrograms #inclusivecommunities