JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville School for Autism is celebrating what parents call life-changing support after receiving $300,000 in state funding. The check, presented on Wednesday by Florida Senator Clay Yarborough, will help the school expand programs that prepare students with autism for independence and employment.

For Rachel Tison, a mother of three, the funding means an opportunity for her 18-year-old son Ben, who is on the autism spectrum.

“This funding is life-changing for our family,” Tison said. “Hopefully, one day he can live a life of purpose and provide a meaningful contribution to our family long term.”

Ben is part of the school’s STEP program, short for Supportive Transition & Employment Program. The initiative focuses on job readiness and life skills such as time management, stamina, problem-solving and learning how to take feedback.

“These are all skills that come naturally to a lot of us,” Tison explained. “But they don’t necessarily come naturally for kids with autism.”

Senator Yarborough said he advocated for this funding. 

“This one is a very easy sell because of what they’re doing and because clearly they’re meeting the needs that these families and these students have,” Yarborough said.

According to the CDC, one in 31 children in the U.S. is identified with autism by age 8. Tison says that makes programs like this more important than ever.

“You’re going to encounter people with autism every single day of your life,” she said.

The Jacksonville School for Autism has been serving families for 20 years. Founder Michelle Dunham started the school after her own son’s diagnosis.

“That funding is paramount so that we can continue to support students and build programs,” Dunham said. 

For Benjamin, the investment is already paying off.

“I always do my best to get the job done well,” he said. “I like working in the community.”

Parents said the new funding goes far beyond numbers on a check; it’s about preparing students for the future and giving families hope.