New York City Special Needs Resource Guide - Part 2

By Directories Editor February 26, 2015

UPDATED OCTOBER 2014: Are you looking for the most comprehensive guide to special needs resources in the New York City area? Our NYC special needs guide guide has listings for therapists, special needs camps, medical experts, advocates, and special needs support groups in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, from Williamsburg to the Upper West Side.

OCCUPATIONAL/PHYSICAL THERAPY

ACHIEVE BEYOND
7000 Austin St., Suite 200, Forest Hills
866-696-0999
538 Broadhollow Road, Suite 202
Melville, NY 11747
Email [email protected]

Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services is able to provide ABA services to children, ages newborn-21 years, throughout New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Our dedicated team of BCBA supervisors and behavior therapists work one-on-one with families in home, school, and community settings. Parents can choose to pay privately or receive services via Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, GHI/HIP, Tricare, United Health, and many other insurance providers. For more information please call 631-385-7780 x626, or visit achievebeyondusa.com.

BRAINSTORM KID SOLUTIONS
83 Dikeman St., #1, Brooklyn
917-796-5595
Email [email protected]

Brainstorm Kid Solutions is a boutique, concierge pediatric occupational therapy practice offering families “The Empowered Family Solution™,” a unique approach to occupational therapy, where families learn how to help themselves. Rather than “OT” indefinitely, families accepted into our practice learn how to solve their particular problem during the specific program time frame. We work with children and families offering daily support and solutions. Handwriting, sensory, feeding, and eating services. Call 917-796-5595 or email [email protected] to discuss your acceptance into our practice.

CHALLENGE EARLY INTERVENTION CENTER
Executive office: 649 39th St., Brooklyn, NY 11232
Queens office: 72-38 Main St., Flushing, NY 11367
Staten Island office: 1911 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
718-851-3300

25 years of excellence! Multilingual developmental evaluations, early intervention, ABA, day care, and inclusion programs for children ages newborn to 3 in home, community, and our center. Contracted with NYC Early Intervention Program. Speech-language, occupational, and physical therapies; special instruction; ABA; assistive technology; service coordination; and more. Support groups, educational workshops, social work, and counseling services for families. No out-of-pocket cost to parents. Challenge provides an intensive, behaviorally based program for children on the autism spectrum.

SPECIAL PARENT - PARENT & FAMILY SUPPORT - PRINT GUIDE

A.P.E.X. PROAUPAIR
844-787-6566

ProAuPair’s Special-Needs Au Pair (SNAPSM) Program features candidates with a degree in fields such as occupational therapy, pediatric nursing, or special education from their home country. Our young special-needs professionals provide flexible live-in child care up to 45 hours a week in exchange for the opportunity to experience life in the U.S. and to gain work experience by caring for your children and observing your children’s therapies. It's a win-win for all parties. A.P.E.X. ProAuPair: Affordable – Flexible – Safe.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES BROOKLYN AND QUEENS
191 Joralemon St., Brooklyn
718-722-6001

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens has been providing quality social services to the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens through more than 160 programs and services for children, youth, adults, seniors, those with developmental disabilities, and those struggling with mental illness. As one of the largest faith-based developers of affordable housing in the country, Catholic Charities provides housing for low-income seniors, families, and the formerly homeless, with additional units of special needs housing throughout Brooklyn and Queens.

CHALLENGE EARLY INTERVENTION CENTER
Executive office: 649 39th St., Brooklyn, NY 11232
Queens office: 72-38 Main St., Flushing, NY 11367
Staten Island office: 1911 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, NY 10314
718-851-3300

25 years of excellence! Multilingual developmental evaluations, early intervention, ABA, day care, and inclusion programs for children ages newborn to 3 in home, community, and our center. Contracted with NYC Early Intervention Program. Speech-language, occupational, and physical therapies; special instruction; ABA; assistive technology; service coordination; and more. Support groups, educational workshops, social work, and counseling services for families. No out-of-pocket cost to parents. Challenge provides an intensive, behaviorally based program for children on the autism spectrum.

MANHATTAN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL
Hotel Penn, 401 Seventh Ave. (and 33rd Street), New York
212-273-6289

The free Family and Professional Resource Fair, sponsored by the Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council, will run from 9:30am-2pm on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, at the Hotel Penn, 401 Seventh Ave. at 33rd St. Caregivers and professionals obtain information from “100” provider booths and eight workshops. Parents eligible for free cash raffles and can receive free five-minute massages and a gift bag. Contact Jennifer Shaoul at 212-273-6289.

MELODY OF AUTISM
Westchester/NYC,
347-324-7077
Email [email protected]

Melody of Autism wants to help you thrive as you navigate your special parenting journey. We know you want a little extra time and energy to do a few things at home, go food shopping, enjoy a night on the town, or help with homework. We provide energetic, passionate, and skilled childcare providers who understand your child’s sensory, social, and communication needs; dynamic training experiences that empower everyone to embrace everyday learning opportunities; and consultations, coaching, and other holistic supports for your entire family.

THE SHERKOW CENTER
9 E. 93rd St., New York
212-722-0090

Mother and Baby Groups: Exploring the impact on mother-child relationship of a diagnosis of ASD or uneven development. Spark Group: A socialization group for children with developmental differences. Unique in that it incorporates typical peers as buddies to serve as mentors and friends. Education: Workshops for parents and professionals who teach and treat children with ASD; for pre- and post-doctoral students and specialists in play therapy with children. Beyond Diagnosis: Advises pediatricians, clinicians, and service providers about the importance of including psychodynamic therapy in treatment protocol.

PLAY THERAPY

THE SHERKOW CENTER
9 E. 93rd St., New York
212-722-0090

The Speech Garden takes a holistic approach towards education and treatment. Our certified and licensed speech language pathologists evaluate and treat children with articulation delays, expressive, receptive and social language difficulties, fluency disorders (for children who stutter) and feeding/swallowing difficulties. PROMPT therapy is available for children with apraxia of speech. We provide specialized intervention for children with autism, ADHD/ADD, learning disabilities, and auditory processing disorders. Occupational therapy is also available onsite. We accept private pay, early intervention, DOE RSAs, and preschool contracts.

RECREATION/SOCIALIZATION PROGRAMS

92ND STREET Y
1395 Lexington Ave., New York
212-415-5573
212-415-5626

92Y Camps for children with special needs ages 5-13 provide an exciting camp experience within a supportive environment. Campers are transported in comfortable, air-conditioned buses to our Rockland County campgrounds. They participate in activities such as swimming, sports, art, music, nature, and trips, which are designed to foster each child’s emotional, social, and physical growth. Our counselors and specialists have strong backgrounds in special education. We offer two options: a 4-to-1 camper-to-staff ratio and a one-on-one program for children with autism and PDD.

FRED ELLIS - MUSIC TEACHER AND MUSIC THERAPIST
Email [email protected]

Fred Ellis, an NYC elementary music teacher and music therapist, debuts his CD of original songs. His objectives are to not only teach musical skills and knowledge, but to help children develop their mental, physical, communication, and social skills. The CD can be used to reach these objectives. The songs are designed to encourage socialization, love, and respect for cultural diversity. Through music, we, as people, can form one big family. Available at fredellis.com, itunes.com, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com.

SOSMART KIDS, INC.
Located in: Vee Arnis Jitsu, 4202 Ave. U (across from Kings Plaza), Brooklyn
917-359-2279

Created by a mother of a child with special needs. SoSMArT Kids is a fitness program that uses fun exercises, martial arts and kickboxing, breathing, and calming techniques in a small, controlled, bright environment. Our classes have helped improve attention, focus, and social skills. Classes include children with sensory issues, ADHD, high functioning autism, “typical” functioning, or siblings who may need a smaller fitness class.

SPARKIDZ
805 Third Ave., 10th Floor, New York
800-661-3660
Email [email protected]

Sparkidz is an all day socialization and recreational program for children with special needs, ages 6 through 21 years. The program takes place at P.S.6, The Lillie Devereaux Blake School in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Sparkidz programming runs each Saturday from 10am-4pm. Activities include visual and culinary arts, karate, yoga, computer science, music, drama, sports, peer-appropriate conversation groups, and much more. Sparkidz staff includes teaching artists, certified educators and development professionals. Please email [email protected] for more information.

SUMMIT CAMP WEEKENDER PROGRAM
322 Route 46 W., #210, Parsippany
973-732-3230
Email [email protected]

Summit Weekender serves boys and girls ages 11-18 with ADHD, Asperger syndrome, NVLD, HFA, and/or mild social concerns. Participants find program success, social skills improvement, and fun in a directed and designed getaway weekend, Friday after dinner through Sunday after lunch. It provides a youth group like experience for what are often long and unorganized weekends. Kids find a comfort level among peers. The Weekender offer sensitive and professional supervision, and exciting and fun experiences.

THE GUTTENBERG CENTER FOR SPECIAL SERVICES
Taub Campus, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly
Shelley Levy, director, 201-408-1489
Shelley Levy, Director

Offers a full range of programs and camps for children, teens, and young adults with developmental and cognitive learning differences, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS, ADD, and ADHD. Classes feature special life skills and vocational training, social skills, computer classes, yoga, cooking, fitness, movement, music, art, community trips, academic enrichment, and more. Mainstreaming and inclusion opportunities provided where appropriate. JCC membership not required. Limited financial aid and scholarships are available upon request.

SCHOOLS

ADAPTIVE SOLUTIONS MULTI SERVICES (SLP, OT, PT, PSY) PLLC
992 Gates Ave., 3rd Floor, Brooklyn
718-483-9553

Adaptive Solutions Multi Services is a NYS approved non-public school that provides a 12-month special education preschool program for children ages 3-5 with cognitive and developmental delays. We believe that children with disabilities, when given an early start, have a superior likelihood of acquiring optimal growth and development. We offer occupational, physical, speech, and language therapy, and a school psychologist/counseling. NYS certified teachers, DOE RSA, Preschool Contracts. Located in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Serving NYC families.

ACADEMICS WEST: TUTORING, COACHING & COGNITIVE REMEDIATION
124 W. 79th St., Suite 1B, New York
212-580-0080
Email [email protected]; [email protected]

We teach, remediate, and coach students based on their learning styles. Using our metacognitive-driven techniques, specialists support students to help them learn and retain information more easily and effectively. Each student has a collaborative team, comprised of a learning specialist and an educational psychologist, that creates individualized learning strategies. Our method, Clinically Informed Tutoring™, helps students improve beyond what traditional methods can achieve. We tutor students from kindergarten through graduate school, in all content areas, and with standardized testing.

BRIENZA'S ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE
718-232-0114
8696 18th Ave., Brooklyn NY 11214
1902 Ave. T, Brooklyn NY 11229
259 Rose Ave., Staten Island NY 10306

Brienza’s Academic Advantage is an approved NYCDOE Special Education Teacher Support Services provider. Brienza provides SETSS to eligible nonpublic school students who have an Individualized Education Plan that entitles them to SETSS. Our program offers individualized instruction in an organized and nurturing environment. There is no cost to parents for participating in this program. Services are offered in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Registration is ongoing, so please contact us at 718-232-0114.

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER
35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing
718-358-7900

Huntington is your tutoring solution for students in grades K-12. At Huntington, our certified teachers will help your child achieve his or her academic goals. We offer tutoring in basic skills such as reading, vocabulary, phonics, spelling, math and study skills, as well as subject tutoring in high school math and science. We also work with students to prepare them for high-stakes tests including high school entrance exams, state tests, Advance Placement exams, and the SAT or ACT.

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER
808 Union St., Park Slope
718-230-4600

Huntington is your tutoring solution for students in grades K-12. At Huntington, our certified teachers will help your child achieve his or her academic goals. We offer tutoring in basic skills such as reading, vocabulary, phonics, spelling, math and study skills, as well as subject tutoring in high school math and science. We also work with students to prepare them for high-stakes tests including high school entrance exams, state tests, Advance Placement exams, and the SAT or ACT.

JCC THERAPEUTIC NURSERY SCHOOL (CHILDREN AGES 2-5)
Taub Campus, 411 E. Clinton Ave., NJ
Lois Mendelson, Ph.D., director, 201-408-1497
Lois Mendelson, PhD, Director
Email [email protected]

Communication-based parent and child program for intelligent preschool children ages 2-5 with language disorders, emotional disturbances (including selective mutism), learning disabilities, attention deficits, or autistic behaviors. This rigorous social skills program helps children develop play and socialization skills. Communicative language, self-help skills, emotional growth, socialization, and behavioral management also stressed. Licensed for the handicapped, receiving school for many school districts. Speech, language, and occupational therapy and parent counseling provided. Mommy and Me toddler socialization class for ages 2-3 available.

JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER
250 Turnpike St., Canton
877-31-CHILD (312-5443)

The Judge Rotenberg Center is a special needs school in Canton, MA, serving both emotionally disturbed students with conduct, behavior, emotional, or psychiatric problems, and developmentally delayed students with autism. Some of our key features include consistent behavioral treatment, no or minimal psychotropic medication, near-zero rejections or near-zero expulsions, powerful varied rewards, one computer per student, and digital video monitoring. For a more detailed list of JRC's key features, please visit judgerc.org.

THE GILLEN BREWER SCHOOL
410 E. 92nd St., New York
212-831-3667
Email [email protected]

The Gillen Brewer School is dedicated to transforming the lives of young children with a wide variety of language, emotional, developmental, and learning disabilities. GBS prides itself on its mission: making a difference, one child and family at a time. GBS educates and supports students to become confident, independent, and engaged learners. A cornerstone of the school’s philosophy is that a knowledgeable and informed family is essential for each child to reach his or her full potential.

THE QUAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL
325 E. 6th St., New York
646-649-3913
Email [email protected]

The Quad Preparatory School, a not-for-profit private school for Twice Exceptional students grades 3-9 invites your inquiries about our integrated, whole-child educational approach. Our academic faculty and clinical team create individualized plans to address current abilities while building resiliency and grit to promote social, emotional, as well as academic growth and achievement.

WEST END DAY SCHOOL
255 W. 71st St., New York
212-873-5708
Email [email protected]

West End Day School is a nonprofit elementary school for children who may not be well served by the conventional system. We are dedicated to the belief that children with mild to moderate learning, language, or emotional issues can succeed. We offer a social and emotional perspective to learning while maintaining a challenging mainstream curriculum. Our teachers work hand-in-hand with social workers and other specialists to respond as a team to all aspects of development.

THE WHITESTONE SCHOOL FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT
14-45 143rd St., Whitestone
718-746-6555

The Whitestone School for Child Development is a highly regarded special education preschool for children ages 3-5. The school provides a quality program of educational and therapeutic services in English or Spanish, including evaluations, speech, physical, and occupational therapies, and counseling. Ongoing support and encouragement are provided to the children and their families from dedicated teachers and therapists. Individualized attention is offered to help each child reach his or her potential in a warm, supportive, and caring environment.

SENSORY INTEGRATION

BRAINSTORM KID SOLUTIONS
83 Dikeman St., #1, Brooklyn
917-796-5595
Email [email protected]

Brainstorm Kid Solutions is a boutique, concierge pediatric occupational therapy practice offering families “The Empowered Family Solution™,” a unique approach to occupational therapy, where families learn how to help themselves. Rather than “OT” indefinitely, families accepted into our practice learn how to solve their particular problem during the specific program time frame. We work with children and families offering daily support and solutions. Handwriting, sensory, feeding, and eating services. Call 917-796-5595 or email [email protected] to discuss your acceptance into our practice.

CHATTY CHILD SPEECH THERAPY, PLLC
325 Broadway, Suite 403, New York
347-491-4451
WE'VE MOVED!
Email [email protected]

Our state-of-the art, downtown Manhattan facility specializes in treating speech-language and feeding delays. Our highly trained therapists are passionate professionals who help each child reach his or her full potential. We work with the family to develop individual and group sessions based on each child’s needs and goals. We are PROMPT-trained with experience treating articulation, apraxia, language, and feeding delays. Payment options: Private pay, EI, and DOE cases accepted. Quality OT services are provided on-site by our partner, Sonya Kashlan, M.S. OT/L.

CLICK FOR PART 3