New York City Special Needs Resource Guide - Part 3

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. 

SERVING MULTIPLE DISABILITIES/OFFERING A VARIETY OF SERVICES 

BAYSIDE SPEECH & LANGUAGE PALS
58-47 Francis Lewis Blvd., Suite 15, Bayside
347-408-4247
Email [email protected] or [email protected]

Bayside Speech & Language PALS is a pediatric practice specializing in evaluations and treatment of articulation, phonological processing and oral motor skills, feeding issues, fluency, auditory processing, reading, writing, spelling, and pragmatic language. Bilingual Korean and Spanish, PROMPT, Phono-Graphix, and SOS-trained therapists are available. PALS is an approved NYCDOE-related service provider for preschoolers and school-aged children. PALS is affiliated with occupational and physical therapists, as well as SETS providers. Therapy provided in office or a variety of locations.

BRAIN ABILITIES
444 Lakeville Road, Suite 103, Lake Success
516-208-9360

There are no simple solutions when it comes to ADD, ADHD, autism, Asperger’s syndrome, learning disabilities, or processing disorders. Complex issues require comprehensive integrative solutions and that is exactly what we provide at Brain Abilities. A simple phone call is all it takes to find out exactly how we have helped hundreds of children and families. Call 516-208-9360 today to see how we can help your family and visit brainabilities.com for more information.

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.

DORIS M. APTEKAR, PHD
School Psychologist/Bilingual Psychologist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor,
516-484-6351
Email [email protected]

Dr. Aptekar has more than 35 years of experience working as a school psychologist, psychotherapist, and hypnotherapist with children and adults of varying needs. Dr. Aptekar works in groups or individually to help you and your loved ones achieve goals such as motivation, socialization, self-esteem, academic achievement, social judgment, and more. She has worked with all age groups and with the special needs population. Dr. Aptekar is available for CSE, IEP, and 504 meetings.

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.

POSITIVE BEGINNINGS PRESCHOOL
71-25 Main St., Flushing
718-261-0211
72-52 Metropolitan Ave.
Middle Village, NY 11379
718-326-0055

Positive Beginnings is a special education preschool located in Flushing and Middle Village, Queens. Our award-winning program has been recognized by the NYS Department of Education as an outstanding early childhood program. We offer UPK, integrated classes, and self-contained classes of 12 children with one teacher and two assistant teachers. Classes are offered in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian, and Chinese. As a state-approved evaluation site, the school can evaluate children in English and many other languages. Call for further information.

SOCIAL SERVICES

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.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

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.

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.

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.

LITTMAN KROOKS, LLP
White Plains: 914-684-2100
NYC: 212-490-2020
Fishkill: 845-896-1106

Identifying the best services for someone with special needs can be daunting. The attorneys at Littman Krooks can help you navigate the system, understand your child’s legal rights, and establish the financial foundation that will enable as much independence as possible. Our goal is to empower families with the tools they need to advocate for their loved ones—for a free and appropriate education, public benefits, and social services.

SPECIAL NEEDS ADVOCACY NAVIGATOR
2440 Sedgwick Ave., Suite 2D, Bronx
646-450-2567
Email [email protected]

We provide hands-on advocacy services to parents of children with special needs, including preparation and supportive attendance at your IEP meeting. Our guidance through school transitions will help you identify appropriate school placements, and provide advice on school transportation issues and recreational programs. Confused about the “front door”? Let us give you advice on how to proceed. We will help you help your child. Call us today.

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.

SPEECH 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.

BAYSIDE SPEECH & LANGUAGE PALS
58-47 Francis Lewis Blvd., Suite 15, Bayside
347-408-4247
Email [email protected] or [email protected]

Bayside Speech & Language PALS is a pediatric practice specializing in evaluations and treatment of articulation, phonological processing and oral motor skills, feeding issues, fluency, auditory processing, reading, writing, spelling, and pragmatic language. Bilingual Korean and Spanish, PROMPT, Phono-Graphix, and SOS-trained therapists are available. PALS is an approved NYCDOE-related service provider for preschoolers and school-aged children. PALS is affiliated with occupational and physical therapists, as well as SETS providers. Therapy provided in office or a variety of locations.

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.

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.

THE SPEECH GARDEN
143 Waverly Ave., Brooklyn
845-541-9045
895 Fulton St.
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Email [email protected]

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.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

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.

THE KOL PROGRAM - 14TH STREET Y
344 E. 14th St., New York
646-395-4339

The 14th Street Y offers weekend programming including sports, swim, Capoeira, music, movement, and art for children with special needs and their families. This program is geared for children ages 4-16 on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum, and children with communication and language delays.