TMCS Community Care Awarded Florida Department of Health Cinotti Grant to Expand Free Autism Screenings in South Miami-Dade
(TMCSCC) has been awarded the Dr. and Mrs. Alfonse and Kathleen Cinotti Health Care Screening and Services Grant by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to expand free Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screenings and outreach across South Miami-Dade County.
The Cinotti Grant Program (RFA 25-001) supports nonprofit organizations that provide no-cost health screenings and related services. TMCS Community Care’s initiative, Autism Screening and Support for South Dade Families, will deliver evidence-based autism screenings in community and school settings, at health fairs, and through mobile screening teams reaching families who face barriers to care.
“Early detection opens doors for children and families,” said Jeffrey T. King, RN, MBA, MSN, Chief Executive Officer of TMCS Community Care. “This grant allows us to meet families where they are – at schools, churches, home and community events – so that every child, regardless of income or insurance, has access to early identification and support.”
Key Services
Free ASD screenings for children (18 months–5 years) using validated tools such as M-
CHAT-R/F, STAT, and SCQ, and for adolescents/adults using RAADS-R and Autism
Spectrum Quotient (AQ).
Referral coordination to diagnostic, therapeutic, and developmental services through
TMCSCC’s bi-directional network.
Family education and navigation to help caregivers understand results and access
community resources.
Community outreach via mobile events and partnerships with schools, early-learning
centers, and faith-based organizations.
Promotion of the Florida DOH Health Care Screening Portal
(https://healthcarescreenings.floridahealth.gov) so families and providers can locate
screening opportunities statewide.
Free ASD screenings for children (18 months–5 years) using validated tools such as M-
CHAT-R/F, STAT, and SCQ, and for adolescents/adults using RAADS-R and Autism
Spectrum Quotient (AQ).
Referral coordination to diagnostic, therapeutic, and developmental services through
TMCSCC’s bi-directional network.
Family education and navigation to help caregivers understand results and access
community resources.
Community outreach via mobile events and partnerships with schools, early-learning
centers, and faith-based organizations.
Promotion of the Florida DOH Health Care Screening Portal
(https://healthcarescreenings.floridahealth.gov) so families and providers can locate
screening opportunities statewide.
During the nine-month grant period (Oct. 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), TMCS Community Care
expects to screen at least 600 children and families, increase autism-screening awareness, and
strengthen linkages among pediatric, behavioral-health, and educational partners.
expects to screen at least 600 children and families, increase autism-screening awareness, and
strengthen linkages among pediatric, behavioral-health, and educational partners.
“This investment from the Florida Department of Health reinforces that every child deserves a
fair start,” King added. “We’re honored to lead this effort alongside our community partners.”
fair start,” King added. “We’re honored to lead this effort alongside our community partners.”
