Service area
ABA Therapy in Merritt Island, FL
MCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Merritt Island, Brevard County.
ABA therapy in Merritt Island
Merritt Island, a unique community of over 34,500 residents in Brevard County, offers a distinct living experience as a large, unincorporated peninsula. Defined by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River, and globally recognized as home to the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island presents a special environment for families seeking support for developmental needs.
Multicultural Development Services Center (MCDS) understands the lifestyle of families in this part of Florida's 'Space Coast.' Because Merritt Island is not a traditional city, but a collection of residential and commercial areas, access to centralized clinical services can be a challenge. Our focus on in-home and community-based ABA therapy is designed to meet families where they are, whether in the primarily residential southern part of the island or near the central shopping district once known as Merritt City.
Our approach to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy emphasizes flexibility and real-world application. For a child in Merritt Island, therapy sessions can be integrated into daily life. A trip to a local park could become a session for developing social skills, or therapy at home can focus on communication and daily living routines within a familiar, comfortable setting. The island's natural treasures, like the expansive Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, provide a backdrop for natural environment teaching that can make learning engaging and relevant. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) work with families to create individualized plans that fit their specific circumstances and goals.
Under the leadership of Damaris Baez, Executive Director, and Hiram Aguilera, BCBA, MCDS is committed to providing accessible support. We offer telehealth services as a convenient option for busy families, ensuring consistent care without the need for travel. By bringing evidence-based ABA therapy directly into the homes, schools, and community spaces of Merritt Island, we aim to be a reliable partner for families navigating the journey of autism.
About Merritt Island
- Population
- 34518 (2020)
- Areas & neighborhoods
- Merritt City
- Local landmarks
- John F. Kennedy Space Center · Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge · Indian River · Elliott Plantation · Atlantic Ocean
Services available in Merritt Island
Depending on assessment and authorization, MCDS may deliver the following services to Merritt Island families:
- ABA Therapy — Individualized applied behavior analysis therapy for children, informed by more than two decades of behavioral-services experience in South Florida.
- In-Home ABA Therapy — ABA therapy delivered where children learn best — inside their home and daily routines.
- School-Based ABA Support — Collaborative behavioral support that partners with schools and educational teams when clinically appropriate.
- Community-Based ABA Therapy — ABA therapy in real community settings so children can practice skills where they use them.
- Early Intervention — Individualized early intervention for young children showing signs of developmental or behavioral needs.
- Parent and Caregiver Training — Structured coaching that equips caregivers to support their child throughout everyday routines.
Insurance for Merritt Island families
MCDS works with eligible plans from Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, and TRICARE, plus qualifying Florida Medicaid fee-for-service coverage. Verify your specific plan on the benefits verification page.
Questions from Merritt Island families
Get in touch
To find out whether MCDS currently has provider availability in Merritt Island, call 954-302-8758 or request a call.
This page describes MCDS's stated service area for Merritt Island. It does not represent a physical clinic location. Availability of a specific clinician, schedule, service, or service setting may vary based on location, staffing, clinical needs, insurance authorization, and current capacity.
Other cities MCDS serves in Brevard County
- ABA Therapy in MelbourneMCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Melbourne, Brevard County.
- ABA Therapy in Palm BayMCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Palm Bay, Brevard County.
- ABA Therapy in TitusvilleMCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Titusville, Brevard County.
- ABA Therapy in CocoaMCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Cocoa, Brevard County.
- ABA Therapy in RockledgeMCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Rockledge, Brevard County.
- ABA Therapy in Cocoa BeachMCDS provides culturally responsive, BCBA-supervised ABA therapy for children and families in Cocoa Beach, Brevard County.