CARD’S 2025

CARD Support Services  

CARD offers a wide range of supportive services to the autism community. These include supporting clients and family members who receive a diagnosis of autism or a related disability, providing those clients and families with appropriate referrals, coordinating care and assisting families in making decisions about educational choices and treatment options, providing guidance to families in navigating service agencies, and offering an array of support groups including specialized groups such as  the Just for Moms and Just for Dads groups, which provide a space for parents of children with autism to connect, share experiences, and find mutual support. We also offer groups for teens and adults through the CARD Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Transition & Adult Programs, designed to help individuals navigate the challenges of adolescence and adulthood with autism.

Beyond these groups, CARD is committed to fostering a sense of community and belonging among families and individuals affected by autism. CARD regularly hosts community events, workshops, and training sessions that equip participants with tools and strategies to enhance their quality of life. Whether we are helping a parent understand their child’s unique needs, providing a teenager with the social skills necessary to thrive, or supporting an adult in their transition to greater independence, CARD is dedicated to empowering every individual we serve.

JobSEEKers 

CARD’s Job SEEKers program, part of the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Transition & Adult Program, is a 1-week employment readiness initiative tailored for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This program aims to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in competitive employment. During the week, participants take part in a range of activities, including job interview preparation, resume development, workplace communication strategies, and practical job training exercises. These activities are designed to enhance their employability and confidence in the job market. By the end of the program, participants are well-prepared to navigate employment opportunities and pursue meaningful careers. Through Job SEEKers, CARD is dedicated to empowering adults with ASD to reach their full potential in the workplace, making it a crucial component of our mission.

Surf Camp 

CARD's Surf Camp is a beloved week-long program offered through our Child & Family Services Division, providing children with autism the opportunity to enjoy fun-filled days at the beach. This beloved camp, now in its 16th year, is made possible through our incredible partnership with Miami Beach Parks and Recreation.

Surf Camp is not just about learning to ride the waves, it's about creating lasting memories, building friendships, and offering a safe space where our CARD children can thrive. CARD is proud to offer this amazing experience, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the lives of the families we serve. Surf Camp continues to be a highlight of our Child & Family Services Division,  showcasing the strength of community collaboration and the significant impact of inclusive recreational activities.​

Summer Camp 

CARD’s six-week summer program, in partnership with Intensive Behavioral Intervention Services (IBIS) and The Children's Trust, offers a dynamic and enriching summer experience for children with autism and related disabilities. This program is designed to provide full days of fun, filled with a wide range of activities tailored to meet the needs of our CARD children. Throughout the six weeks, our CARD explorers engage in various recreational, educational, and social activities that not only entertain but also promote skill development and social interaction. This collaborative effort between CARD, IBIS, and The Children's Trust highlights our commitment to creating inclusive environments where children can explore and grow. By offering a comprehensive summer program, we aim to support families by providing a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for their children.

CARD’s Autism Friendly Initiative aims to build a more inclusive community by partnering with local organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related disabilities, as well as their families, all at no cost. Being "Autism Friendly" means creating a compassionate, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment for people with ASD. Through the initiative, we offer practical training to staff on effective strategies to enhance autism-friendly experiences. Additionally, we advocate for creating internship and employment opportunities for individuals with ASD, promoting meaningful participation and inclusion. We are proud to have numerous Autism Friendly partners who share our mission of fostering an inclusive community in South Florida.

CARD proudly hosts annual Family Day Picnics across our region, a cherished tradition that brings together families from Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This event is designed to create a fun and inclusive environment where families can connect, share experiences, and enjoy a day filled with activities, food, and entertainment. It's a day of celebration, support, and community for everyone involved with CARD, fostering stronger bonds and creating lasting memories for the families we serve.

To continue supporting community events like our CARD picnic, we invite you to get involved. You can make a difference by creating your fundraising page, building or joining a team, or donating to CARD. Your contribution today can have a lasting impact.

Tropical Nights is your opportunity to support those affected by autism in South Florida. This fundraiser directly benefits the programs, services, and research initiatives of the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD), with 100% of the proceeds going towards supporting CARD’s efforts in the community.

This signature event celebrates the impactful work of CARD through a vibrant evening filled with fine food, drinks, music, and dancing, all while raising autism awareness. The night also serves as a tribute to the tireless efforts of our dedicated community partners.

Tropical Nights will kick off Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the beautiful InterContinental Miami Hotel. Over the years, CARD has played a crucial role in promoting awareness and acceptance in our community. At Tropical Nights, we come together to celebrate our community’s achievements and to raise the essential funds needed to continue offering our services at no cost to families.

For more information about Tropical Nights visit us at www.miami.edu/tropicalnights.

This year, we proudly honor Lileana de Moya, whose commitment to the community serves as an inspiration to us all. Lily has been the catalyst for countless wonderful programs, initiatives, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. Chief among her many remarkable achievements is the creation of The de Moya Foundation. We are so pleased to be celebrating Lily’s contributions to South Florida at Tropical Nights 2025!

Cristian and Gianni LaCapra are honored to chair this year’s Tropical Nights, the signature fundraising event for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). Their journey with CARD began in 2018 when their son, Nico, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, bringing them invaluable support from CARD's team.

Gianni, a Miami native and Director of Sales & Marketing at Decorative Sales Associates, is dedicated to community service, serving on the boards of Girls Inc. of Greater Miami and CARD, where she advocates for autism support. Cristian, a Senior Wealth Strategist at Northern Trust, contributes to various community organizations, including the United Way of Miami-Dade and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.

As co-chairs of Tropical Nights, Cristian and Gianni are committed to raising awareness and funds for CARD, driven by their gratitude and passion for creating supportive environments for families affected by autism.