Jacksonville continues to expand its network of inclusive services, making everyday life—like haircuts, dental visits, and medical appointments—more comfortable for families of children with autism, self-regulation struggles, and sensory differences. Here’s a guide to the best local offerings.
Autism-Friendly Haircuts & Grooming
- Kidz Cuts Children & Family Salon (St. Johns area): Known among parents as a patient and understanding salon, where stylists have personal experience with special needs families reddit.com.
- Pigtails & Crewcuts (Beach Blvd): Franchise-trained stylists experienced in working with sensory-sensitive children, using calm environments, distraction techniques, and flexibility yelp.com+3book.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com+3pigtailsandcrewcuts.com+3.
- Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids (Oakleaf Station): Children-first salon featuring TVs, fantasy chairs, and staff trained for kids with special needs firstcoastnews.com+4haircutsarefun.com+4haircutsarefun.com+4.
Special-Needs & Inclusive Dental Care
- Fishman Pediatric Dentistry specializes in gentle, individualized care for children with autism, Down syndrome, and sensory challenges facebook.com+2fishmanpediatrics.com+2rivercitypediatricdentistry.com+2.
- Cochran, Soares & Associates Pediatric Dentistry offers compassionate, high-quality treatment and scheduling that supports sensory and behavioral needs firstcoastnews.com+14cochranandsoares.com+14drelainemartinez.com+14.
- River City Pediatric Dentistry provides a “dental home” for children with special needs, with extra time, communication, and sensory awareness .
- Dr. Elaine Martinez-Koziol, DDS has offices in Jacksonville and Orange Park focused on special needs dentistry and family-centered care drelainemartinez.com+1264kids.com+1.
Disability-Aware Medical & Therapy Services
- Bahri Dental Group maintains Level AA accessibility on their website—signaling a commitment to disability access and welcoming medical services bahridental.com.
- Pediatricians and specialists across Jacksonville are increasingly trained in trauma-informed and autism-aware care, with additional assessments and support for sensory needs—check with your provider directly.
- Autism- and Sensory-Friendly Pediatricians in Jacksonville
- Finding a pediatrician who understands and accommodates sensory and developmental needs can make a world of difference for families.
- Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center (Jacksonville Beach): Offers pediatricians alongside speech, OT, physical therapy, and developmental specialists in a sensory-aware clinical setting jkpeds.com+7beaminghealth.com+7beaminghealth.com+7wolfsonchildrens.com+1fun4firstcoastkids.com+1.
- Angel Kids Pediatrics (multiple Jacksonville locations): Specializes in developmental disorders, autism, ADHD, and behavioral challenges, with experienced providers offering compassionate, family-centered care fun4firstcoastkids.com+2myangelkids.com+2myangelkids.com+2.
- PM Pediatric Care (Mandarin/Jacksonville): Known for addressing anxiety, sensory differences, PTSD, and offering behavioral support—families note caring, thorough patient experiences myangelkids.com+4pmpediatriccare.com+4pedsargyle.com+4.
Recommended Pediatricians for Inclusive Care
These providers are known for their experience working with children who have developmental or behavioral diagnoses and sensory sensitivities:
- Dr. Ashraf Affan – Angel Kids Pediatrics
Founder of Jacksonville’s largest pediatric practice specializing in children with developmental needs. Offices offer mental health integration, extended appointments, and staff trained in trauma-informed and sensory-sensitive care. Multiple locations, including Northside, Arlington, and Orange Park.
Website: angelkidspediatrics.com - Coastal Pediatric Therapy Center (Jacksonville Beach)
Combines developmental pediatricians with speech, OT, and behavioral therapists—all under one roof. This integrative approach is ideal for back-to-school readiness, including physicals and therapy screenings.
Website: coastalpediatrictherapy.com - Dr. Jeanette Hough – Carithers Pediatric Group
Widely praised for calm, responsive care and a strong understanding of ADHD, anxiety, and developmental differences. Flexible scheduling and clear, parent-inclusive communication.
Website: carithersgroup.com
Tips for Physicals and Immunizations for Children with Special Needs
- Request early morning or late afternoon appointments to avoid long waits and crowded waiting rooms.
- Ask for a sensory-friendly room (dim lighting, less visual clutter, less noise).
- Bring supports: weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, comfort item, visuals, or AAC device.
- Use a social story to preview what will happen: “First the doctor looks at your ears, then your heart, then we get a sticker.”
- Ask if immunizations can be given in a private room or at the beginning of the visit to minimize anticipatory anxiety.
- Offer choices when possible: “Which arm for the shot?” or “Do you want to sit on my lap or the table?”
- Schedule a separate visit for shots, if needed, to avoid overwhelming your child during the physical.
Quick Reminders for Families
- Most schools require a Florida Certification of Immunization (Form DH 680) and a School Entry Health Exam (Form DH 3040) before the first day.
- Children entering kindergarten and 7th grade often need additional immunizations.
- Don’t wait—many inclusive providers book up quickly in July and early August.
Recommendation: How Families Can Maximize Sensory-Friendly Services
- Communicate upfront: Inform staff about your child’s sensory triggers and calming tools.
- Ask about quiet hours or early/late appointments with reduced stimuli.
- Bring familiar comforts: headphones, fidgets, weighted blanket, or comfort items.
- Preview visits: Virtual tours or visual schedules can ease anxiety.
- Provide feedback: Praising strategies that worked helps these providers continue inclusive practice.
