ORLANDO, Fla. — Nemours Children’s Health has received a $1 million gift from the Harvey & Carol Massey Foundation to expand autism programs at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida.
The donation was announced during a celebration at the hospital attended by health care leaders, clinicians, advocates, and community members.
According to Nemours Children’s Health, the funding will strengthen its Applied Behavior Analysis program and expand services for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The investment will focus on four key areas: the Supportive Employment Program, Nemours Swims, caregiver training and education, and expanded autism-related behavioral health services.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Harvey & Carol Massey Foundation for their unwavering support of our autism program over the past decade,” said Martha McGill, Central Florida Region President of Nemours Children’s Health. “This generous donation will profoundly impact the children and families we serve by providing essential resources and programs that promote growth, development, and inclusion.”
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida is Central Florida’s only licensed specialty children’s hospital dedicated exclusively to pediatric care. Hospital leaders say the gift will help increase access to evidence-based interventions while ensuring more children receive specialized support tailored to their needs.
The Harvey & Carol Massey Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Nemours Children’s Health, contributing millions of dollars over more than a decade to programs serving children with autism. Foundation representatives said the latest gift reflects their continued commitment to improving outcomes for children and families throughout the region.
“At the Harvey & Carol Massey Foundation, we believe deeply in standing alongside families and supporting children in reaching their fullest potential,” said Andrea Massey-Farrell, president and CEO of the foundation. “Nemours Children’s is doing meaningful, life-changing work, and we are proud to help ensure more families feel supported and hopeful for what is ahead.”
Beyond expanding clinical services, the investment highlights a growing focus on long-term quality-of-life outcomes for people living with autism. Programs such as supportive employment and caregiver education are designed to help families navigate challenges beyond the clinical setting while promoting greater independence and inclusion.
Nemours Children’s Health is one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems, operating children’s hospitals and more than 70 primary and specialty care practices across multiple states. The organization provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs through the legacy of philanthropist Alfred I. duPont.
