Cape Coral autism nonprofit leader named to Florida ABA Task Force

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed David Brown, co-founder and president of Family Initiative, to Florida's newly formed Applied Behavior Analysis Task Force on Wednesday.

• SEE ALSO: Cape Coral non-profit provides virtual help for children with special needs

The task force was created under the 2026 legislative session's implementing bill to evaluate how Florida Medicaid delivers ABA services to children with autism and to recommend a path that keeps that care high-quality, family-centered and financially sustainable.

Family Initiative is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 in Cape Coral that supports families affected by autism through clinical services, community-based programs and Thrive Academy, a private K–graduation school for students with autism.

• Click here to read about Family Initiative working with Lee County to understand hurricane readiness

Brown is one of three members appointed directly by the governor and the only task force member whose organization is dedicated specifically to autism services.

Brown co-founded Family Initiative in 2015 to make sure families affected by autism never hear "no" when they come looking for help.

Family Initiative said the appointment reflects the organization's growing role in shaping autism policy at the state level, following Brown's earlier participation in an AHCA video series on ABA ethical standards.

Click here to learn more about Family Initiative.