Looking for the Best Schools for High Functioning Autism?
Have Any Questions About HFA? Then Contact Us Now!
Or Call Us At 727-258-7659
LiFT Academy is one of the leading schools for high functioning autism in Florida. The school was founded on January 9, 2013, in Tampa, Florida, to provide personalized education and support for students with unique learning needs.
At LiFT Academy, students receive individualized education plans catering to their specific needs. The school’s curriculum is designed to meet each student’s academic, social, emotional, and vocational needs. With a team of experienced and trained educators and therapists, the school provides its students with a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
The school’s focus is not only on academics but also on preparing students for life beyond the classroom. The school provides vocational and life skills training, job shadowing and internship opportunities, and other career guidance and support forms. Additionally, the school provides opportunities for students to participate in community service and leadership activities.
LiFT Academy’s commitment to personalized education and individualized support has earned it a reputation as one of the best schools for high functioning autism in Tampa. The school’s focus on meeting the unique needs of each student and providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment has made it a top choice for parents looking for specialized education for their children with neurodiverse conditions.

LiFT, one of the best schools for high functioning autism offers the following to children with HFA:
- smaller class sizes
- Budgeting flexibility for HFA support
- Bullying (unfortunate or not): relief
- Specialized instruction and co-curricular therapy, including occupational therapy
- Student-directed programs that support the child’s unique learning styles
Here Are A Few Indicators Of High Functioning Autism (HFA)
- Difficulty with social interaction: Individuals with HFA may struggle to make and maintain friendships, interpret social cues, and understand others’ perspectives.
- Repetitive behaviors or routines: Individuals with HFA may engage in repetitive behaviors or strongly prefer routines and sameness.
- Sensory processing differences: Individuals with HFA may have hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as sounds, textures, or smells.
- Good verbal skills: Individuals with HFA may have above-average intelligence and good oral skills but may need help with nonverbal communication or figurative language.
- Special interests: Individuals with HFA may have intense, highly focused interests in specific topics or activities.
- Difficulty with transitions: Individuals with HFA may struggle with shifts or changes in routines and may require extra support to manage these changes.
It is important to note that these indicators can vary significantly among individuals with HFA, and a professional evaluation by a qualified clinician is necessary for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, individuals with HFA may have many strengths and talents. They may benefit from support and accommodations tailored to their needs.

How Is HFA Treated?
Treatment for High Functioning Autism (HFA) typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy, medication (if needed), and accommodations to support individuals in managing their symptoms and improving their overall functioning.
Behavioral therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help individuals with HFA develop social skills, communication skills, and coping strategies for managing anxiety, sensory issues, and other challenges associated with autism.
Medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms, such as anxiety or ADHD, that often co-occur with HFA. However, medication is typically not the first line of treatment for autism.
Accommodations and support services can also be helpful for individuals with HFA, such as assistive technology, sensory-friendly environments, and educational accommodations. These can help individuals with HFA succeed in school, employment, and daily life.
In addition to formal treatment, individuals with HFA need a supportive and understanding community, including family, friends, and professionals knowledgeable about autism and its unique challenges. Individuals with HFA can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling and productive lives by working together to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Can Individuals With HFA Lead Successful Lives?
Individuals with High Functioning Autism (HFA) can lead successful and fulfilling lives with appropriate support and accommodations. While individuals with HFA may face unique challenges, they also have many strengths and talents that can be nurtured and developed.
Many individuals with HFA have above-average intelligence, strong attention to detail, and a deep interest in particular topics or activities. With appropriate support and accommodations, these strengths can be harnessed to help individuals with HFA succeed in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
How Can I Support Someone With HFA?
- Educate yourself on HFA: Learn about the condition, its symptoms, and its challenges to understand better and support your loved one.
- Encourage their strengths: People with HFA often have unique skills and abilities, so encourage and support their interests and hobbies.
- Be patient and understanding: HFA can cause difficulty with communication and social interactions, so be patient and understanding when communicating with them.
- Create routines and structure: Establishing routines and structures can help individuals with HFA feel more comfortable and secure.
- Advocate for their needs: Support them in advocating for their needs, whether at school or in the workplace.
- Provide emotional support: Offer emotional support and reassurance, as individuals with HFA may experience anxiety and stress.
- Seek professional help: Encourage them to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling.
Have Any Questions? Then Contact Us Now!
Or Call Us At 727-258-7659
Ready To Enroll Or Have Questions? Contact LiFT Academy Today
LiFT was founded on January 9, 2013. Its mission is to empower and inspire people with neurodiversity so that they can learn, thrive and achieve. We aim to create a level playing field for people with neurodiversity and learning differences. Our learners receive exceptional academics, career training and life skills. We also provide opportunities to build meaningful relationships and strengthen social skills. We are passionate about ensuring that every student learns to appreciate and celebrate their differences. It is equally important that each student respects the differences in others.
As one of the best schools for high functioning autism, LiFT values teamwork, collaboration and dedication to improving the lives of others. We are motivated by the desire to serve students, families and community. We aim to be thought-leaders in the field of neurodiversity and exceptional education. We are looking for individuals who share our values and mission, and believe in community and the power to improve the world. Contact us now to get started in enrollment for your child.
We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our friendly customer service team is available to assist you with anything you need. You can contact us via email, phone, and we’ll do our best to respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. We value your feedback and strive to provide the best possible customer experience, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if there’s anything we can do to assist you.
Contact Us Now If You Have Any Questions or If You Are Ready to Enroll!
Or Call Us At 727-258-7659
our students are using scholarships?
is Possible for the Neurodiverse.

Every 7 minutes a child is bullied. Bullying is a terrible, frightening experience that can also cause lasting harm, long after the behavior has stopped. Approximately 1 in 5 children are bullied in hallways, classrooms and during school related activities each year. More troubling – students living with neurodiveristy are 63 percent more likely to be recipients of bullying behavior than neurotypical peers.
LiFT emphasizes a preventative approach to bullying and implements a comprehensive Anti-Bullying Policy. Promoting an atmosphere of respect and consideration for each other, LiFT creates a haven that nourishes learning, inclusivity and friendships.
LiFT BY THE NUMBERS
increased enrollment
since our opening in 2013
of LiFT Students
are on a scholarship
of LiFT Academy Students
earn a Florida high school diploma
of LiFT U Students
have gained higher education through an internship
of LiFT A & U students
receive the individual accommodations they need to reach their fullest potential