Autism support begins with understanding, but it cannot stop there. Individuals and families also need access to resources, technology, information, and community support that help make school, work, daily life, and long-term planning easier to navigate.
Since 1992, the Dan Marino Foundation has worked to support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities by helping expand access to resources, digital tools, education, and opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life.
A Mission Built on Support, Access, and Opportunity
The Dan Marino Foundation was created by Dan and Claire Marino after their son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism. What began as a family’s commitment to helping others has grown into a long-standing mission to empower individuals with autism and support the families and communities around them.
That mission continues through technology-driven resources, strategic support, community awareness, and tools that help neurodiverse individuals build skills, explore opportunities, and participate with greater confidence.
Why Autism Awareness Still Matters
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects how people communicate, learn, process sensory information, build relationships, and move through daily life. Every autistic person is different, which means support should never be based on assumptions or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Current CDC data estimates that about 1 in 31 children aged 8 has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. That number reflects a growing need for clear information, accessible resources, and communities that are better prepared to understand and support neurodiverse individuals.
Awareness helps people recognize autism. Acceptance helps people respect different ways of learning, communicating, working, and participating. Support helps turn that understanding into practical action.
Technology That Supports Real-Life Skills
Technology can help make learning, planning, and independence easier to access. For many neurodiverse individuals, digital tools can create a safe and structured way to practice skills before using them in real-life situations.
The Dan Marino Foundation continues to support digital resources that help with areas such as:
- Career exploration
- Interview preparation
- Life skills
- Communication
- Daily routines
- Shopping and money skills
- Independent living
- Self-advocacy
- Job readiness
These tools can help individuals build confidence at their own pace while giving families, educators, and support teams practical resources they can use in everyday life.
Digital Resources That Help Build Confidence
The Foundation’s digital tools are designed to support real-world skill development in ways that feel accessible and practical.
EduEx
EduEx supports life skill development through interactive activities, lessons, games, and assessments. It helps users practice skills related to communication, job readiness, financial literacy, and everyday decision-making.
Market Mania
Market Mania helps users practice grocery shopping skills through a gamified experience. It supports budgeting, spending awareness, item selection, and decision-making in a safe learning environment.
Daily Buddy
Daily Buddy supports routines, reminders, communication, relaxation, and daily task management. It can help users move through everyday responsibilities with greater structure and independence.
Florida Ready
Florida Ready is an AI-powered career readiness platform that helps users explore careers, prepare for interviews, learn about Florida programs and training pathways, and build employability skills.
Community Awareness and Inclusion
Autism support is not limited to families or service providers. Schools, employers, healthcare professionals, local organizations, and community members all play a role in creating environments where neurodiverse individuals can participate with dignity.
Inclusive communities are built through clear communication, respectful language, sensory awareness, flexible expectations, and better access to information.
When communities understand autism better, they are better prepared to reduce barriers and create spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and welcomed.
Supporting Families and Future Opportunities
Families often carry many questions after an autism diagnosis or during major transitions.
What resources are available?
How can we support independence?
What tools can help with school, work, or daily life?
How do we prepare for adulthood, employment, or community participation?
The Dan Marino Foundation helps support access to information and tools that make those next steps feel clearer. By investing in resources, technology, and awareness, the Foundation continues to help individuals and families move forward with greater confidence.
A Legacy of Empowerment
For over 30 years, the Dan Marino Foundation has remained committed to empowering individuals with autism and supporting the families who care for them.
That work continues through digital resources, community education, technology-driven solutions, and support for initiatives that help create greater access, inclusion, and opportunity.
By supporting the Dan Marino Foundation, donors help strengthen resources that make a meaningful difference in the lives of neurodiverse individuals, families, and communities.
Mission
Empowering Individuals with Autism.