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Autism Friendly Health Care Clinics Support South Florida Patients, Families

3 min read  |  March 05, 2026  | 
Disponible en Español |
Hand holding orange squeeze toy, highlighting UHealth Clinic at Walgreens autism-friendly clinic designation.

UHealth Clinic at Walgreens Earns Autism Friendly Designation

For many families, a routine medical appointment can bring added stress when a loved one has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, and changes in routine can make clinical settings feel overwhelming.

To help address these challenges, the University of Miami–Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) has named UHealth Clinic at Walgreens its newest Autism Friendly Partner, recognizing the convenient care clinic network’s commitment to creating more compassionate health care environments across South Florida.

What the Autism Friendly Designation Means

The Autism Friendly designation reflects intentional changes in how health care is delivered — from staff training to patient preparation tools — all designed to provide a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment for individuals with ASD and related disabilities. These changes help reduce anxiety and improve access for patients and their caregivers.

“Our team at CARD is extremely proud of this unique collaboration with the UHealth Clinic at Walgreens and their dedication to becoming ‘Autism Friendly’ and a CARD partner,” says Diane Adreon, Ed.D., Division Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Transition & Adult Programs. “Our CARD Autism Friendly initiative is aimed at creating places in our community for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their family members. Being able to access health care facilities that are sensitive to their needs can improve the health and wellbeing of individuals with special needs and their families.”

CARD’s Autism Friendly Initiative partners with community organizations to promote comfortable environments through training, resources, and education. The program serves individuals and families in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties.

How UHealth Clinics Create Supportive Environments

With 10 locations across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, UHealth Clinic at Walgreens earned the Autism Friendly designation by fostering a more thoughtful and considerate care environment for patients on the spectrum.

As part of the initiative:

  • Clinic staff received comprehensive training from CARD to better understand the unique needs of both pediatric and adult patients with ASD.
  • Providers are equipped with strategies to adapt communication and care approaches.
  • Clinics offer accessible tools and visit-preparation resources to help patients and families feel more comfortable, secure, and supported before and during appointments.

Cristina Rubio-Delgado, AVP of Connected Care at UHealth, emphasized the broader impact of the designation.

“We sought the Autism Friendly designation in order to cultivate a considerate care environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities and their family members,” Rubio-Delgado says. “When this community of patients and their families feel supported, we all win. Thanks to the team at CARD for their education and support as we strive for excellence throughout the UHealth Clinic at Walgreens. Our dedicated staff of nurse practitioners remain committed to patient-centered care that respects the needs of all individuals.”

Why Inclusive Health Care Matters

Individuals with autism may experience heightened anxiety in medical settings due to sensory sensitivities or communication differences. By proactively training staff and adjusting care practices, Autism Friendly clinics can:

  • Reduce stress during medical visits
  • Improve provider-patient communication
  • Encourage preventive and routine care
  • Strengthen trust between families and health care teams

The Autism Friendly designation signals a commitment to meeting patients where they are — ensuring that high-quality care is also accessible and respectful. For South Florida families, that means greater confidence when seeking care close to home.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at UHealth Clinic at Walgreens, please visit UHealth’s Autism Friendly Clinics.

Edited by Dana Kantrowitz.

Tags: Autism Friendly, Developmental disability medical support, Neurodiverse patient care, Patient-centered accessibility in healthcare, UHealth Clinic at Walgreens

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