Special Needs Glossary: Definitions and Keywords That Every Family with Children with Disabilities Should Know
Part of navigating a special needs or disability diagnosis (Developmental disability: Physical, learning, language, or behavioral impairments that will delay your child’s development. ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, etc. are all examples of developmental disabilities) is knowing the words used to describe it. But it can be intimidating to ask what everything means, especially when doctors or websites seem to be speaking another language with acronyms like “ERSS” and “OT”. We’ve all been in that confusing place before and, as parents, it’s not a fun feeling. That’s why, we’ve created a glossary for keywords that you may want to know as a parent of kids with special needs. This guide includes common disability words, phrases, and acronyms so that you can feel more confident in your parenting journey!
ADHD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A developmental disability that makes it difficult for your child to pay attention or stay focused. Look out for squirming and fidgeting, talking a lot, not being able to wait for their turn, or trouble concentrating.
ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder: A developmental disability that may delay your child’s speech, motor, learning, and social skills. Early intervention (see below) can help improve skills.
Down Syndrome
A condition caused by an extra chromosome that affects how your child’s brain and body develop. Diagnosis typically happens before or during birth.
Emotional Disturbance
Mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar, OCD, etc. that have no direct, identifiable cause. Be on the lookout for aggressive behavior, withdrawal or nerves related to social environments, and vocal outbursts in public places.
Learning Disability
Difficulty learning and grasping new concepts. Learning disabilities include dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), and dyscalculia (math). See Special Education for more.
Stutter
A speech disorder that makes it challenging for your child to say what they want to say. You may hear them repeat a sound a lot, hold one sound for a long time, or stop speaking mid-sentence.
Helpful Resources
OPWDD
Office of People with Developmental Disabilities: A New York organization that can help connect your family to nonprofit services, based on what kind of treatment/therapy they need, and provide funding.
Transition planning
Creating an action plan for what your child with disabilities will do after high school. This is often a part of your IEP (see below).
Service provider
An agency or organization that will help your family navigate some aspect of your journey. This could be everything from speech therapy to after school programs with a focus on special needs to horseback riding as a form of physical therapy.
INCLUDEnyc
A non-profit organization that advocates for young people in NYC to be included in their communities: classrooms, workplaces, etc. They have super informative resources for parents of kids with disabilities, and they can connect you with professionals who can help you navigate your options even further.
Special Education
Inclusion
Everyone in the classroom feels welcomed by the school, teacher, and classmates. For kids with disabilities, inclusion is definitely a keyword to look for when choosing a school!
IEP
Individualized Education Program: A written plan for your child’s education as a special needs student. According to the NYC Department of Education (DOE), this means your child is guaranteed a free and appropriate public education in a Least Restrictive Environment (see below). Your child’s IEP will also include development and progress reports, evaluation results, specific needs, and anything else that is relevant to your child’s success.
IEP Teams
Your IEP team will be made up of you (as a parent/guardian), a school psychologist, a special education teacher (and sometimes a general education teacher), and the district representative. It may also include a school physician or other service providers who have worked with your child.
LRE
Least Restrictive Environment: Your child will be in a classroom with kids who do not have a disability diagnosis.
SETSS
Special Education Teacher Support Services: Either a special education teacher will design specific activities for children with special needs or the special education teacher will collaborate with the general education teacher to modify the entire classroom to accommodate.
SEDL
Special Education Distance Learning: Modifying special needs education for virtual/online students. This became especially important during the pandemic.
SWD
Students With Disabilities: Used to refer to special needs children in the classroom.
SC– Special Class
If your child’s needs cannot be met in a general education classroom, they will have all classes taught specifically by a special education teacher. These classes are typically very small in NYC schools, with up to 12 students for elementary/middle school and up to 15 for high school.
PBIS
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support: NYC school-wide approach that encourages positive behavior instead of punishing or pointing out the negative. One example of this is changing a poster from “No Food. No Weapons. No Drugs.” to “School Rules: Be Safe, Responsible, Respectful”. This positive environment is especially important for special needs education.
Treatment & Evaluation
ADL
Activities of daily living: Day-to-day actions like brushing your teeth, going to the bathroom, walking up and down stairs, etc. that are used to determine your child’s diagnosis and progress.
Early intervention
Services and support for infants and young children with developmental disabilities. Early intervention can often help improve your child’s skills and progress.
OT– Occupational Therapy
Focuses on ADL’s (see above) and other everyday skills that your child will work on.
PT- Physical Therapy
Focuses on physical developmental disabilities and helps your child with mobility and movement.
Speech pathology
Focuses on language and speech disabilities to help your child communicate their thoughts.
Regression
Your child loses skills that they previously had. If regression happens, you may want to revisit and revise your child’s IEP (see above).
AT
Assistive technology: Any device that helps your child’s special needs by improving their capabilities. AT’s include wheelchairs, text to speech, voice recognition, and more.
ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis: A positive-reinforcement program designed to understand your child’s behavior in real life situations. It is most commonly used for children with Autism, but it can also be effective for other developmental disabilities.
Developmental milestones
Key movements, expressions, speech etc. that show your child’s progress. For little ones, this may include smiling at people, crawling, copying sounds, and reaching for toys.
Psst…The Special Child Fall/Winter Edition: Special Needs
Additional Resources
Click on your region to jump to resources near you!
Brooklyn
410 E. 92nd Street, New York
212-831-3667
admissions@gillenbrewer.com
The Gillen Brewer School is a 12-month, special education program located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, serving children ages 2.8 to 11 years old who have a wide variety of language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. Their academic-therapeutic program includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups. GBS currently serves children Pre-K-age 11 and is expanding in the Fall of 2024 to include middle school.
5 Hanover Square, New York 10004
212-769-1699
admissions@thidealschool.org
A Small School That’s Big on Inclusion–In a New Location! The IDEAL School of Manhattan, New York’s only K-12+ independent inclusion school, is now located at 5 Hanover Square in the Financial District. IDEAL students thrive in a diverse and nurturing learning community where a robust academic program teaches them to recognize their potential to effect change, seek out difference, advocate for themselves, stand behind others, and know that a strong, diverse, caring community is the IDEAL. Learn more at an open house or email admissions@theidealschool.org to schedule a tour.
Bronx
410 E. 92nd Street, New York
212-831-3667
admissions@gillenbrewer.com
The Gillen Brewer School is a 12-month, special education program located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, serving children ages 2.8 to 11 years old who have a wide variety of language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. Their academic-therapeutic program includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups. GBS currently serves children Pre-K-age 11 and is expanding in the Fall of 2024 to include middle school.
2826 Westchester Avenue, Bronx
718-554-2025
37 years ago SSDS opened its doors to provide services to children. The schools have remained true to the original vision which embraced the sentiment that “All children can”. SSDS continues to be at the forefront of best practices in early childhood services.
Queens
Autism Behavioral Consulting Services
Karen Bottalico, SAS, SDA
516-851-8330
kbottalico2002@yahoo.com
An Educational Consultant serving Queens and Long Island and the NY Metro area. Working directly with families, services include: Evaluating placement and service options; Accompanying parents throughout the entire CPSE or CSE process which includes meetings, screenings, observations and extensive education history reviews. Other services include Staff Training, School-Based Consultation, FBA Assessment and BIP Implementation, ABA and Verbal Behavior Training Techniques, Behavior Management Strategies, Home/School Intensive Behavior Intervention Services, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Home-Based Services and Parent Education Training.
114-20 Queens Blvd, Suite CS2, Forest Hills
180 East 79 St. Suite # 1C,
New York, NY
Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. is a group of neuropsychologists who work as a team to help you understand your child’s functioning, from cognitive, to academic to neurological. They can properly diagnose ADHD from a learning disability, and anxiety from autism. They use highly sensitive tests and include parent and teacher data to support assessments.
410 E. 92nd Street, New York
212-831-3667
admissions@gillenbrewer.com
The Gillen Brewer School is a 12-month, special education program located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, serving children ages 2.8 to 11 years old who have a wide variety of language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. Their academic-therapeutic program includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups. GBS currently serves children Pre-K-age 11 and is expanding in the Fall of 2024 to include middle school.
Long Island Speech
Nine locations
lispeech.com
Long Island Speech is the leading speech therapy provider on Long Island with 9 locations in Nassau and Suffolk County. They specialize in Myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmentative Communications, Articulation, Feeding Therapy, Auditory Processing, Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders and so much more. Long Island Speech participates with most major health insurance companies and offers evening and weekend hours. Call 844-5-SPEECH to schedule your first appointment, or visit LISpeech.com.
77-40 Vleigh Place
Kew Gardens Hills
718 591-9093
37 years ago SSDS opened its doors to provide services to children. The schools have remained true to the original vision which embraced the sentiment that “All children can”. SSDS continues to be at the forefront of best practices in early childhood services.
Long Island
100 Duffy Avenue, Suite 510, Hicksville NY
516-881-5373
info@appletreeaba.com
Appletree ABA is committed to providing high-quality and compassionate ABA therapy services to individuals with autism and their families. They utilize evidence-based practices, collaborate with families and professionals, and offer an individualized approach tailored to promote meaningful change. They offer in-home ABA services across Nassau County NY. They work with most major insurances and accept private pay clients.
Autism Behavioral Consulting Services
Karen Bottalico, SAS, SDA
516-851-8330
kbottalico2002@yahoo.com
An Educational Consultant serving Queens and Long Island and the NY Metro area. Working directly with families, services include: Evaluating placement and service options; Accompanying parents throughout the entire CPSE or CSE process which includes meetings, screenings, observations and extensive education history reviews. Other services include Staff Training, School-Based Consultation, FBA Assessment and BIP Implementation, ABA and Verbal Behavior Training Techniques, Behavior Management Strategies, Home/School Intensive Behavior Intervention Services, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Home-Based Services and Parent Education Training.
114-20 Queens Blvd, Suite CS2, Forest Hills
180 East 79 St. Suite # 1C,
New York, NY
Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. is a group of neuropsychologists who work as a team to help you understand your child’s functioning, from cognitive, to academic to neurological. They can properly diagnose ADHD from a learning disability, and anxiety from autism. They use highly sensitive tests and include parent and teacher data to support assessments.
The Hagedorn Little Village School
Jack Joel Center for Special Children
750 Hicksville Road, Seaford
516-520-6000
jon.feingold@littlevillage.org
The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT and related services.
631-385-3342
info@GershAutism.com
Gersh Autism provides a wide range of services for individuals with autism across the US and Puerto Rico. Their mission is to help individuals with ASD reach their full potential by providing educational and therapeutic programs tailored to their specific needs. The organization offers a range of services, including early intervention, preschool and K-12, life skills and transition services for young adults. They are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with ASD and their families.
Nine locations
Long Island Speech
Long Island Speech is the leading speech therapy provider on Long Island with 9 locations in Nassau and Suffolk County. They specialize in Myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmentative Communications, Articulation, Feeding Therapy, Auditory Processing, Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders and so much more. Long Island Speech participates with most major health insurance companies and offers evening and weekend hours. Call 844-5-SPEECH to schedule your first appointment, or visit LISpeech.com.
Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen, P.C.
1100 Franklin Avenue, Suite 305,
Garden City
516-877-0595
ac@amcohenlaw.com
The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provides personalized, high-quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services. Whether your needs are simple or intricate, the Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful legal planning. All clients are provided with high quality, personalized and timely legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools and parent groups.
Multiple Locations in Nassau and Suffolk, Little Neck
866-723-3794
info@saf-t-swim.com
Discover Saf-T-Swim’s Adaptive Aquatics Program, designed to cater to each swimmer’s distinct needs, promoting water confidence, prioritizing safety, and offering instruction despite physical or developmental challenges. Their program yields numerous advantages, such as enhanced physical and mental well-being, a joyful water experience, crucial water safety skills, and life-saving techniques. Join us on a journey where every swimmer thrives, regardless of their unique abilities.
100 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Cove, NY 11542
516-609-2000
Rosemarie King, Admissions Coordinator
rking@tiegerman.org
Tiegerman is a NYS approved non-public school program (K-12) for students with special needs. Our campuses in Nassau and Queens Counties serve students throughout Long Island and the five boroughs. Tiegerman’s innovative program specializes on the relationship between language development and academic success, providing intensive language immersion and academic instruction while meeting the individual needs of each student. To find out more, visit our website at tiegerman.org and register for a tour.
322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington
516-365-4900
lbekore@vincentsmithschool.org
Since 1924, Vincent Smith School has been Long Island’s premier school for differentiated instruction in grades first-12th for students with learning difficulties. They are known for their individualized programs for challenges like Dyslexia, Auditory Processing Disorders, or ADHD. Your child will find a supportive and nurturing environment at Vincent Smith.
30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills
631-779-2400
kpreston@winstonprep.edu
Winston Preparatory School Long Island is a leading school for students with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and nonverbal learning disorders. Learn more about their nationally recognized program at winstonprep.edu.
Manhattan
252 W 29th Street, 3rd Fl., NY
info@atlasforautism.org
212-256-0846
Atlas is a comprehensive community-building program that includes the Atlas School as well as Health & Wellness and Creative Arts Community Classes that are designed for anyone interested in increasing their skills and passions in art, music, health and fitness, and growth to keep students connected and engaged in their interests and each other! Atlas is different in its approach to working within modalities that promote empowered communication and overall self-esteem!
450 Route 590, Lackawaxen, PA
Winter: 215-658-1708
Summer: 570-685-7188
A private, seven-week residential summer program offering a unique curriculum incorporating a strong Academic and Speech program with traditional camp activities. Campers flourish at Lee Mar due to the structured environment provided allowing campers to feel comfortable and secure. Careful study is made of parent input, school (IEPs), camper interview, etc., so that the interests and needs of each child can be determined for suitable grouping prior arrival.
410 E. 92nd Street, New York
212-831-3667
admissions@gillenbrewer.com
A 12-month, special education program located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, serving children ages 2.8 to 11 years old who have a wide variety of language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. Their academic-therapeutic program includes speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups. GBS currently serves children Pre-K-age 11 and is expanding in the Fall of 2024 to include middle school.
5 Hanover Square, New York
212-769-1699
admissions@thidealschool.org
The IDEAL School of Manhattan, New York’s only K-12+ independent inclusion school, is now located at 5 Hanover Square in the Financial District. IDEAL students thrive in a diverse and nurturing learning community where a robust academic program teaches them to recognize their potential to effect change, seek out difference, advocate for themselves, stand behind others, and know that a strong, diverse, caring community is the IDEAL. Learn more at an open house or email admissions.
24 West 74th Street, New York,
212-787-6400
Stevenson is Manhattan’s therapeutic college preparatory independent school. Their proven track record of academic and therapeutic progress begins with their unique program. Stevenson students receive small classroom instruction, intensive advisor support, and on-demand access to a fully staffed Counseling Center throughout each day. Furthermore, their Transition Coaching Program helps to promote post-secondary success.. Apply today.
SUNY College of Optometry University Eye Center
33 West 42nd St New York, NY
The University Eye Center provides top quality eye care through over 60,000 on-site patient encounters, free patient screenings, and community partnerships. Eye doctors access state of the art equipment and diagnostic tools to ensure maximum eye health for patients ages 6 months to 100+ including special populations and children with special needs. Schedule an appointment today by calling 888-416-9933.
45 Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY
520 Route 22,North Salem,NY
33 Seymour St., Yonkers NY (Pre-K)
914-376-4300
A New York State approved, non-public school that provides educational and therapeutic services to students from Long Island, New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut. With campuses in Yonkers and North Salem, NY the program provides services to over 300 students with the classifications of Autism, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Emotional Disability, and Preschool Student with a Disability.
1275 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains – Lower School
40 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains – Middle School
914 949 6968
212 E. 93rd St, NYC – Lower and Middle Schools
212 222 8628
A coeducational, independent day school for children in grades 1 through 9 with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Windward remediates students’ skill deficits through a proven instructional program—combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth—to enable students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Visit our website to sign up for an information session!
Rockland
7 Lake ridge Plaza, Valley Cottage, NY
845-839-7032
brickitagain.org
andrew.perr@jawonio.org
At Brick It Again Lego Resale Store, their mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with special needs. They provide meaningful employment opportunities and job training to empower people with disabilities. Through the sale of Lego products, they’re more than just a store; they are a symbol of inclusivity and community involvement, embracing diversity and standing as a beacon of social responsibility, working to ensure that everyone in their community can shine.
260 N. Little Tor Rd, New City, NY
845-708-2022
diana.hess@jawonio.org
Jawonio is a non-profit provider for children and adults with special needs from infancy and throughout life serving Rockland and Westchester. Services include early intervention, special education preschool, summer program, day services, residential, care management, mental health, and consumer-directed assistant program. Serving both Rockland and Westchester counties. Jawonio is an indigenous word that means independence. Their mission statement is: Dedicated to Advancing the Independence, Well-Being and Equality for People With Special Needs.
Staten Island
49 Cedar Grove Ave., 10306
718-987-1234
info@avspny.org
A Very Special Place, Inc. (AVSP) was established in 1974 as a not-for-profit organization and today serves more than 1,600 people in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Manhattan. AVSP provides a comprehensive network of programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Programs include day habilitation, residential, self-direction, respite and community habilitation. With the guidance and support offered at AVSP, people of all ages find opportunities to achieve independence and self-fulfillment.
High School: 201-862-1796 CHSoffice@communityschool.k12.nj.us
1135 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Lower School: 201-837-8070 office@communityschool.us
11 W Forest Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666
Community School serves the bright child with learning and attentional disabilities. For 55 years the school’s primary goal has been to help children achieve a level of classroom performance that is fully commensurate with their abilities, intellects and talents. Community Schoolwelcomes students from New York and New Jersey, and is located just over the George Washington Bridge, in Teaneck, NJ.
info@crimsonrise.org
CrimsonRise is a nonprofit organization for nonverbal autistic children and adults to help them get communication access. They serve autistic individuals, ages 5+, who have sensory, movement and communication differences. CrimsonRise teaches these individuals how to Spell to Communicate (S2C). S2C is a method that teaches the purposeful motor to point to letters on a letterboard or keyboard to enable nonspeakers (formally called nonverbal) to communicate.
1200 South Avenue, 10314
347-459-8441
Extended Home Care is a Special Needs, Certified Home Health Care Agency, serving New Yorkers since 1997. They specialize in providing home care services to patients and their families with OPWDD. Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and HHA services all provided in the comfort of your home. Servicing ages 3 and up. Therapists are available after school and after Day Hab programs. Offering services to Residential Programs as well.
1466 Manor Road, 10314
1297 Arthur Kill Road, 10312
2221 Richmond Avenue
At the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, children with special needs can find the support they need in a fun and nurturing environment. The JCC offers an array of programs for children with special needs, including First Foot Forward for preschool-age children, Marvin’s Camp for children ages 6 to 21, after school activities for kids and teens, a Girl Scouts troop, inclusion opportunities in traditional programs, and more.
The Grace Foundation
460 Brielle Avenue, 10314
718-983-3800
The Grace Foundation improves the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Grace provides programs including Site Based Respite/In-Home Respite, Day Hab, Com Hab and for ages 5-30. The ultimate goal is to enable individuals with ASD to lead independent and productive lives.
1682 Victory Boulevard, 10314
929-415-8700
Guiga Law is dedicated to providing parents with peace of mind knowing that your children with special needs will be well taken care of if you are unable to care for them yourself. Guiga Law offers a variety of estate planning tools designed to help you choose future guardians to care for your children and pass on assets so your children can live a quality life without jeopardizing government benefits.
James P. Murphy, Staten Island Preparatory School
23 Summit Street, 10307
718-285-9377
AHRC NYC James P. Murphy Staten Island Prep is a preschool and school-age program for students with disabilities from 3-13 years of age. The school meets student’s individual learning needs using a multisensory approach in congruence with ABA programming while implementing the Next Generation Learning Standards. Classroom ratios are 6:1:2/8:1:2 in the preschool classrooms, and 8:1:3/10:1:2 in the school-age classrooms. In addition, they offer related services such as speech, OT, PT, and counseling within the building.
739 Woodrow Road, 10312
718-356-5437
Kids Dental understands that every child’s dental needs are as unique as their smiles and require an individualized approach. All doctors at Kids Dental pride themselves on specialized and comprehensive care solely focused on your child’s needs, especially those with special needs. Kids Dental has kid-friendly themed rooms for your child to relax and make the first experience a very happy one. From the moment you walk into the office, their focus is on your child.
150 Granite Avenue, 10303
pccsny.org
Person Centered Care Services is a not-for-profit organization creating social change within communities by supporting people with disabilities on their search for identity and acceptance. Services available include Community Supports, Residential Supports, Career Supports, Day Supports, Family Education & Training, and Self-Directed Supports.
Sandra Mazzucco, Speech-Language Pathology
465 Belfield Avenue, 10312
917-825-9005
Providing speech and language therapy to the Staten Island community for over 40 years. Toddlers to seniors. Specializing in fluency and stuttering, language and feeding disorders. Prompt trained for Apraxia of speech and phonological and articulation disorders. ASHA certified.New York state license in Speech and Language Pathology. Department of Education RSA accepted.
Staten Island Alliance for North Shore Children and Families
sialliance2022@gmail.com
The SI Alliance for North Shore Children and Families is a coalition of organizations, schools and community members focused on improving the overall well-being of children 0-8 years old. The SI Alliance promotes equity and addresses disparities while connecting SI North Shore families to resources located on SI. Families can access the SI Alliance Resource Hub via the website.
Sunny Days Consulting Services
1110 South Ave., Suite 405, 10314
718-556-1616
Sunny Days provides home-based evaluations and ongoing therapy for infants and toddlers (ages birth to three years) suspected of having any developmental delays. They offer Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Special Educational services. Services are funded by the NY State Department of Health. No out of pocket expenses necessary.
501 Richmond Hill Rd., 10314
718-689-2795
info@wherelittlemindsgrow.com
Where Little Minds Grow is an integrated learning program offering an interactive and multi-sensory language based approach for successful learning. Programs are led by special educators and include Speech and Occupational Therapy, special instruction, Little Essentials Toddler Program, integrated activity classes, and Summer Camp. Services offered in individual and group settings alongside the support needed for language acquisition, and to attain socialization skills. Their indoor sensory gym and outdoor play yard offer endless opportunities to learn and grow!
Westchester
905-569-7595
info@campkodiak.com
Canada’s premier overnight summer camp for children and teens with and without learning disabilities, ADHD and ASD Level 1. Your camper should attend because of Camp Kodiak’s social skills program, academic program, 50+ activities, 2:1 camper-to-staff ratio, increased self-esteem and confidence, Leader in Training program (16 to 18 years old), comfortable cabins with electricity and bathroom, over 400-acre site with 2 miles of waterfront. Your camper deserves a summer of fun, friends, and success!
The Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE)
260 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701
914- 476-5070
charterschoolofeducational-excellence.org
CSEE is a regional charter school open to students in grades k-12, that reside in Westchester, Rockland and Bronx counties. In partnership with parents, teachers and community, CSEE instills in students a passion for learning, to be critical thinkers, leaders and lifelong learners. The School’s special needs program and robust academic curriculum fosters a healthy body and mind course of study, which has led the school to be recognized by the NYS Department of Education as an “Exceptional School”.
Creative Wonders Therapy Center
470 Mamaroneck Ave, Suite 204, White Plains
101 South Bedford Rd Suite 404, Mt. Kisco
914-421-8270 ext. 1
Creative Wonders is a pediatric therapy center in both White Plains and Mt. Kisco. Their speech clinic has speech therapists trained extensively in PROMPT as well as oral motor and feeding. Seasoned occupational and physical therapists trained in specialties including sensory integration and evaluations including SIPT. They have toddler rooms as well as a sensory gym in a state-of-the-art facility! They also provide OT and ST in the home and daycares/pre-schools throughout the county.
Bronxville, NY and Berkeley Heights, NJ
908-279-0787
Accredited private school for gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. Our gifted curriculum, infused with executive functioning support and social-emotional learning, is custom-designed for insatiable minds. Summer enrichment / ESY offered on Cloud and NJ campuses. International students are welcome on all campuses. FlexSchool is proud to provide financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify. Weekly Virtual Open House.
Campuses in Brewster & Carmel
400 Doansburg Rd
Brewster, NY 10509
33 Clearpool Rd
Carmel, NY 10512
845-279-2995
admissions@greenchimneys.org
Green Chimneys is an accredited special education program for students who have been unsuccessful in traditional school environments, and benefit from a highly structured and supportive setting. Therapeutic day and residential programs feature an enriched curriculum for individualized academic, behavioral and emotional support. An innovative approach integrates animal-assisted activities and outdoor exploration into treatment and education plans, helping students connect with nature, discover their own special talents, and develop skills to grow into independent young adults.
Greenwich and New Rochelle
NY, CT, NJ, FL
Tala@HersheyTherapyPractice.com
Hershey Therapy Practice has an office in Greenwich, CT and in New Rochelle, NY. We also provide school screenings and in-home therapy. Tala Hershey, M.S. CCC-SLP, owns and operates the practice, focusing on pediatrics. She and her highly trained clinicians work with children targeting early language development, school-aged language development, articulation / phonology, fluency, feeding, tongue thrust swallowing, social skills, and more! We are trained in PROMPT Therapy, DIR-FloorTime, Sounds In Motion, and Feeding.
176 S Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701
914- 963-8666
diana.hess@jawonio.org
Jawonio is a non-profit provider for children and adults with special needs from infancy and throughout the lifespan. Services include early intervention, special education preschool, summer program, day services, residential, care management, mental health, and consumer-directed assistant program. Jawonio is based in Rockland and Westchester Counties. Please contact us via email at info@jawonio.org, phone 845.708.2000 and visit our website at www.jawonio.org.The word Jawonio is an Indigenous American Word for Independence. Our mission statement is: Dedicated to Advancing the Independence, Well-Being and Equality for People With Special Needs.
16 North Broadway, Irvington
914-591-9330
admissions@johncardinaloconnorschool.org
JCOS empowers children to thrive academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially in their supportive school community. JCOS faculty are NYS certified and committed to students with mild to moderate special education needs mainly centered around speech, language, reading, writing, math, attention, and social skills. This K- 8th grade private Catholic school is a great affordable choice in Westchester County. All faiths are welcome.
800 Westchester Avenue,
Rye Brook
914-684-2100
Littman Krooks Special Needs Planning and Special Education Advocacy Attorneys work for the empowerment of individuals with special needs. Planning for your child’s future can seem overwhelming but you do not need to face these tasks alone. Seeking the assistance of an attorney can be the best approach.
Main Street Pediatric Dentistry
115 Main St., Suite 302, Tuckahoe, NY
914-633-4440
drpennydds@aol.com
mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com
Main Street Pediatric Dentistry’s experienced staff has specialized training to work with special needs patients and those with disabilities. They focus on behavior management, working closely with the patient and their families to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Patients of all ages are welcome.
Yonkers Ridge Hill Mall
221 Market St., Unit 2950, 2nd fl., Yonker
914 346-5072
yonkers@monsterminigolf.com
Monster Mini Golf is an indoor, fun, affordable, upbeat experience for special needs humans of all ages. Their 18 holes of monster-themed mini golf, glow-in-the-dark experience is wheelchair accessible, climate controlled, with interactive team members. For more excitement they have an on-course DJ, arcade games, bowling, and private party rooms!
914-772-0864
grahamsrscinc@gmail.com
RSC offers adaptive sports and performing art programs. Their programs are adapted to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This is a learning environment where they encourage self-expression, instill confidence through social interaction and making friends. While these programs encourage a fun environment, their mission is to significantly improve the overall quality of life of their participants. A 501C# not for profit that provides therapeutic programs. Ask them about their special Olympics program.
1154 Saw Mill River Road
Yonkers, NY 10710
914 968-4854
ferncliffmanor.org
The School for Adaptive and Integrative Learning (SAIL) at Ferncliff Manor is a NYS Education Department approved private, non-public special education program serving residential and day students with severe ASD and developmental disabilities. SAIL provides 24-hour medical services, rehabilitative and psychiatric care and an intensive staff to student ratio. We accommodate a variety of meal plans (ie: kosher, diabetic, gluten free). We strive to provide each student with the skills they need to enjoy a personally rewarding life
Talk of The Town Speech and Language Therapy PLLC
39 Smith Ave, Mt Kisco, NY 10549
914-244-9600
Talk of the Town Speech and Language Therapy provides children with individual therapy, evaluations, and social skills groups. Their program is rooted in Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), social cognition, developmental language acquisition, and various learning theories. Group work includes forming friendships, picky eaters, and social success events.
Westchester BrainCore Therapy and Wellness
604 Fifth Avenue, Pelham NY 10803
914-738-4460
drwill@drwillmck.com
Dr. Will McKenna offers BrainCore Therapy for children and adults at his Pelham and Dutchess locations. BrainCore Therapy non-invasively alleviates symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Learning Disorders, Migraine and Tension-type Headaches, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Insomnia, Chronic Pain, and more. One main area of treatment involves children with ADHD. BrainCore Therapy encourages children to focus by watching videos of their choice for 30 minutes, without any drugs or side effects. Dr. Will says children love this therapy and parents love the 95% success rate and permanent results.
45 Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY
520 Route 22,North Salem,NY
33 Seymour St., Yonkers NY (Pre-K)
914-376-4300
A New York State approved, non-public school that provides educational and therapeutic services to students from Long Island, New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Connecticut. With campuses in Yonkers and North Salem, NY the program provides services to over 300 students with the classifications of Autism, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Emotional Disability, and Preschool Student with a Disability.
1275 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains – Lower School
40 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains – Middle School
914 949 6968
212 E. 93rd St, NYC – Lower and Middle Schools
212 222 8628
A coeducational, independent day school located in NYC and White Plains for children in grades 1 through 9 with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Committed to helping students achieve their full potential in order to successfully return to a mainstream educational environment, Windward remediates students’ skill deficits through a proven instructional program—combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth—to enable students to understand their learning differences, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Visit our website to sign up for an information session!
57 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT
203-229-0465
winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/connecticut
Michelle Rolfe, Director of Admissions
mrolfe@winstonprep.edu
At the core of Winston Preparatory School’s unique, individualized learning program for students with learning differences is the continuous commitment to an in-depth understanding of each and every student. At Winston Prep, emphasis is put on discovering who each student is, what their strengths and learning needs are and, based on their learning profile, designing an individualized curriculum that is grounded in continuous assessment and evaluation by expert faculty and staff.
10 Church St. (by City Center)
White Plains, NY
914 358 1460
darlene@yesshecaninc.org
Yes She Can Inc., a non-profit founded in 2013, is dedicated to helping young adults with autism and related disabilities develop transferable job and workplace social skills – through authentic work experience. We serve teenagers transitioning from high school to adulthood and young adults with autism spectrum disorders in an inclusion setting at Girl AGain Boutique.
