Charotte Parent's Exceptional Child 2014-2015

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2014-2015

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PUBLICATION

WHY Music Therapy Works UNDERSTANDING Asperger’s

Does Diet Make a Difference?

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Six Things LearningRx Brain Training Can Do: (That Tutoring Can’t)

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TREAT THE ROOT CAUSE:

LearningRx strengthens the weak cognitive skills responsible for 88% of reading struggles and 80% of all learning problems. While tutoring treats symptoms, LearningRx finds and fixes the cause.

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PROVIDE TRANSFERABLE GAINS: LearningRx brain training improves

learning and thinking in every subject and grade from now on. (Compare this to hiring tutors for multiple classes, or paying for tutoring year after year.)

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APPLY TO OTHER AREAS OF LIFE: Better thinking skills aren’t just about

grades. They improve how you drive a car, perform athletically, and handle daily tasks. After brain training, our clients say they think faster, learn easier, pay attention longer and remember better in every area of life.

COST LESS: LearningRx is seven times

more effective than tutoring, for less than half the price and in less than half the time! In fact, the largest study1 ever done on reading tutoring revealed that a year’s worth of tutoring results in a one-to-four-month gain in reading skills. But LearningRx delivers 3.1 years of reading gains in just 72 hours of one-on-one brain training.2

GET UNMATCHED AND PERMANENT RESULTS: We

measure the cognitive skills of every client before training, after training and, when possible, a year later.

Our results can be measured scientifically, they are dramatic, and they are permanent.2 No other program today can match the results we get.

RAISE IQ, WHICH IS LINKED TO HIGHER LIFETIME INCOME: Our programs raise IQ an average of

15 points in 12 weeks, and 20 points in 24 weeks.2 And because higher IQ has been linked to college scholarships, job advancement and higher income for life, dollars spent at LearningRx can result in impressive financial returns.

LearningRx Charlotte North (704) 499-8888 Near Poplar Tent and Hwy 73 B EXCEPTIONAL CHILD 2014-2015 | CharlotteParent.com 1. For the full study, visit: www.learningrx.com/downloads/CPS_readingtutoring_study.pdf 2. Learn more about our results at: www.learningrx.com/results

E X C E P T I O N A L

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GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek

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EDITOR

C H I L D

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2 IN PERFECT HARMONY

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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Resa Goldberg

SALES TEAM LEADER Leslie Hatheway

13 STUFFED ALLIES AND DIGNITY

Why music therapy works

Understanding how Aspies fend their way through social situations

7 THE POWER OF FOOD

The life-changing benefits of a nutrition plan

14 NEWS AND NOTES

Apps, books and activities especially for kids and parents

10 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PARENTS Add grace, balance and energy to your daily routine with these tips

lhatheway@charlotteparent.com

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Resource Listings 18 Advocacy and Agencies

28 Financial, Legal and Estate Planning

29 Speech, Language and Hearing Therapy

28 Health Services

30 Support Groups

22 Camps and Recreation

28 Home Health Care

25 Developmental Therapy

28 Hospitals — Children's

31 Transportation and Accessibility

27 Education

28 Occupational and Physical Therapy

21 Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology

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Phone: 704-344-1980 | Fax: 704-344-1983 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302 | Charlotte, NC 28203 advertising@charlotteparent.com | editorial@charlotteparent.com Circulation 109,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services.

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, s d e e n h i g h n o te l a a s i t i c h e y p p s a r h e t i h t w n c e r i d l i Fo r ch mus

BY ELEANOR-SCOTT DAVIS

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ike many children, Evan Galbato found it difficult to memorize prepositions.

And, like most mothers, Lynn Wilcox-Galbato, was determined to find a solution for her son’s problem.

Evan, 13, was born with cerebral palsy, and was already involved in music therapy, when he hit the preposition stumbling block. At his next music therapy session, Wilcox-Galbato mentioned Evan’s issue to his music therapist, Stacey Surratt, who came up with the idea of setting the words to music for Evan. “From there on out, he got 100 percent every time. It made a difference in how his brain was working,” says Wilcox-Galbato.

Wilcox-Galbato recognized early on the positive impact that music had on her son. “We played classical music to him in the NICU when he was first born,” she says. This is one of the reasons Wilcox-Galbato chose to include music therapy among the services offered at her private, outpatient therapy center, Arise and Shine Therapy, in Charlotte. The center also offers physical, occupational and speech therapy to children.

She vividly remembers Evan’s first music therapy session with Surratt. “His whole demeanor changed. I watched his face and could see his joy was rising. He didn’t even realize he was working so hard. He was in that zone where time just passes,” she says.

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Striking a Chord in a Child's Mind

Surratt, a board-certified music therapist, provides one-onone and small-group music therapy services for children with special needs, as well as family support and education programming through her Charlotte practice Roots and Wings Music Therapy. She is also a clinical practicum supervisor in the on-campus music therapy clinic at Queens University of Charlotte where therapy sessions are conducted by a student therapist under supervision of a board-certified music therapist.

“Music is one of the only stimuli that can be presented that activates the whole brain, which in turn strengthens neural connections and promotes learning and growth,” says Surratt.

“Think about the ABC song. I don't know any children who have achieved root memorization of the alphabet without it.”

But music therapy is much more than a learning tool.

It also benefits children on an emotional and physical level.

“Music therapy has many benefits for children with special needs,” says Jane Maydian, who has been a board certified music therapist for over 20 years and offers music therapy through her Greensboro-based business, Allegro Music Therapy and Education Services. “Music is considered a universal language which provides a non-threatening setting, which facilitates relationship building, learning, self-expression and communication.”

Maydian explains that music therapy complements more traditional therapies, such as speech therapy, by helping a child practice and discriminate between sounds, and grow receptive and expressive language skills. “Music captures and helps maintain attention. It is highly motivating and engaging and is a natural reinforcer for desired responses,” she says. “It can enable those without language to communicate, participate and express themselves nonverbally. Because music is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, it can stimulate cognitive functioning.”

Melodic Medicine

Who can benefit from music therapy? “My current client group includes children with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, mitochondrial disease, epilepsy, and a variety of other physical, neurological and chromosomal diagnoses,” says Surratt. Maydian offers her services to individuals with learning differences, physical and developmental delays, those with diagnoses along the autism spectrum, Alzheimer's disease and other age-related conditions, as well as traumatic brain injury, and acute and chronic pain.

Services are also available for neurotypical, and well children and adults.

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Surratt believes that music therapy is a valuable tool, engaging and accessible, for all people with adaptations Arise and Shine Therapy that allows individuals of 704-778-7192 different ability levels to ariseandshinetherapy.com participate, exercise new Ballantyne School skills, and move toward of Music wellness.

704-219-6756 “I think overall, music ballantyneschoolofmusic.com is a connector on many levels. It brings people Dreamweavers Unlimited Inc. together to share in a 704-868-8551 common experience in a dreamweaversnc.com way that words cannot,” she says. “It activates the Knox Music brain and helps forge Therapy Services 704-651-2597 pathways toward healing. knoxmusictherapy.org It is experienced by the whole body, and motivates Music Therapy movement, socialization, Association of North Carolina communication and more.” ncmusictherapy.org In general, music therapy sessions for children Queens University of with special needs begin Charlotte Music with an introductory Therapy Clinic 704-337-2520 transition or greeting queens.edu song, then move through a specifically sequenced Roots and Wings plan that may include active Music Therapy instrument play, singing, 704-565-9870 rootsandwingsmt.com songwriting, movement and more, based on the child's functional goals. “A session will look different for each child.

Sometimes children learn to play instruments as a way to strengthen fine motor skills or increase cognitive development.

Sometimes children learn to sing as a way to support breath control and trunk support or to develop speech skills such as articulation or fluency,” says Maydian.

Wilcox-Galbato has seen several goals met through Evan’s involvement in music therapy. Recently, he performed in a talent show where he got to exhibit some of his musical skills by singing and playing the ukulele. “The bricks of therapy are physical, occupational and speech,” says Wilcox-Galbato.

“Music therapy is the mortar that holds it all together.”

Music Therapy Resour Music Therapy Resources

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Eleanor-Scott Davis is the associate editor at Piedmont Parent magazine in the Triad area.

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AlexanderPEDIATRIC Youth Network CROSSWAY THERAPY Helping Kids Get Back to the Business of Being Kids wo of the most common misconceptions about mental illness in youth are that the child is bad, and that there is something limiting or hopeless about having such a diagnosis.

Fortunately, times are changing, and parents are seeking help from organizations such as Alexander Youth Network, the first and largest psychiatric residential treatment facility serving children in North Carolina.

“Most kids just want to be kids and do well in school, but have a hard time controlling their behavior,” says Ann Church, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Alexander Youth Network. “It may be that they just have a chemical imbalance in their brain, much like a child with diabetes who has trouble processing sugar. We want to make it better from the very first phone call.”

Alexander Youth Network was established in 1888 by the First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, primarily to assist poor women and children. By the 1940s, however, it had turned its focus to serving the mental health needs of youth. Since then, Church says the organization has been on the “cutting edge” of comprehensive services that range from acute care for children coming from emergency care in the hospital to outpatient services.

The organization which is accredited by the Joint Commission, which is the body that certifies hospitals for quality, served more than 7,300 children ages 5-18 last year with a continuum of care that makes transitions between treatment programs seamless and easy for children and families.

“The most difficult thing for a child is to feel like he is pingponged around and has to tell his story 9,000 times,” says Church.

In addition, Alexander Youth Network is one of only four

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flagship sites in the country certified by the Child Trauma Academy in the Neuro Sequential Model of Therapuetics, which is an approach that addresses the impact of trauma on the developing brains of children. Brain maps are utilized to determine where trauma or neglect has impacted brain development. Activities like yoga, African drumming, music and art therapy are combined with evidence based practices helping children develop new neural connections. This approach helps children better manage stress, enhances their ability to calm themselves and helps them thrive in an academic and social environment.

“Alexander invests in evidence-based and trauma informed practices to gain and measure success. By following these models, Alexander has achieved an 87% success rate,” says Church. That means the child is in the least restrictive environment, ideally home, is attending school and not involved in the court system.

“We believe our job is to provide the right care at the right time so that we help a child get back to the business of being a child,” says Church.

6220 Thermal Road 704-366-8712 | alexanderyouthnetwork.org

THE POWER OF

F od The life-changing benefits of a nutritional plan

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BY VANESSA INFANZON

hen a child is diagnosed with special needs, parents are introduced to an array of therapies to help improve the child’s life.

Determining a treatment plan can be overwhelming and typically includes routine interventions like physical, occupational and speech therapy, and medication.

When Caleb Donahue, 6, avoids gluten and sugar, he is a calmer and happier child. ďƒ?

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Recently, nutrition has made its way to the forefront as another method to aid the development of children with special needs. “Good nutrition is fundamental to healthy growth and change, which is the essence of childhood.

This is true for all children, special needs or not,” says Dr. Paul Smolen, a 32-year veteran of pediatric medicine in Charlotte.

A Wholistic Approach The benefits from implementing a nutrition plan are varied and depend on the individual, but can be life changing. “It is like putting together a puzzle to figure out the child’s biochemical individuality – what deeply nourishes them and what depletes them,” says Tracy Fox, nutritional consultant with Neurology Wellness. Benefits may include controlling weight gain; decreasing constipation; changing a child’s energy level, focus and attention; improving behavioral problems; decreasing seizure activity; and even lessening the amount of medications a child may have to take.

Doctor Jean-Ronel Corbier is passionate about his quest to include nutrition in improving the lives of children with special needs. When he started as a pediatric neurologist 14 years ago, he knew that nutrition was integral to brain function. He saw firsthand how the ketogenic diet — a highfat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet — was successful with some patients with untreatable epilepsy.

His current practice in Charlotte, Neurology Wellness and the Brain Restoration Clinic, reflects a different approach to serving patients, giving nutrition priority along with therapies and medication. “When other realms in treatment are expanded, like nutrition,

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it opens doors in an amazing way,” says Corbier.

A few of the popular diets include gluten-free, casein-free, ketogenic, elimination/provocation and targeted supplementation. Some nutritional plans are closely recommended for a specific disability, such as a glutenfree diet for children on the autism spectrum and for those who have a digestive-tract disorder. Children who have Down syndrome, epilepsy, CHARGE Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, cerebral palsy or a combination of disorders may likely see positive results from a change in nutrition.

“Nutrition is just as important as taking my daughter to therapy and putting on her orthotics each morning,” says Valerie Rompa, whose 7-year-old daughter is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and ADHD. “Although it takes diligence, nutrition is a priority because her sleep patterns and behavior improve when a special diet is followed,” she says.

Staying the Course A nutrition plan is unique to the individual and involves consulting with a team of medical and health professionals including nutritionists, physicians and registered dieticians.

Using lab results, medical history and a diet diary, a plan is put in place that may include vitamin and mineral supplements, food exclusions or inclusions. The overall goal in creating a nutrition plan is to optimize vitamin, mineral and nutrients, and minimize proinflammatory food, says Dr. Sheila Kilbane, an integrated pediatrician with Infinite Health in Charlotte.

Results vary depending on the individual, and certainly may change if the plan is not implemented consistently and for a considerable amount of time. Getting off the plan

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or having “treat” days can wreak havoc. Cost of special foods or supplements, cooking for one versus entire family, shopping at specialty shops and fighting a picky eater can sometimes make it hard to stay the course, but over time the results prove worth it to most parents.

Annie Beth Donahue saw the difference in her 6-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum, and 9-year-old daughter, who has Spina bifida and ADD after implementing a nutrition plan.

“We saw positive results, then not-so positive results when we strayed from it, so we are back on the wagon,” she says. A dietitian or mom who has been through the experience can offer advice on meal plans, and even grocery store tours, to help you stay the course.

Paulette Kelly, a Huntersville mom, whose son is on the autism spectrum and has Crohn’s disease, says they tried a gluten-casein-free diet in 2000, but due to the difficulty in finding the variety of glutenfree foods, they stopped the plan.

Now, her son is on a strict glutencasein-free diet and also avoids corn, soy, dyes and preservatives. Foods are better labeled and now more abundant in the stores and with some pre-planning for parties, travel and eating out, her son has improved health, behavior and is much happier.

Vanessa Infanzon is a Charlotte mom to Ben, 11; Logan, 9; and Sean, 6, and writes about adventures with Ben at eSpeciallyBen. com.

Vanessa Infanzon saw remarkable changes in her son Ben after implementing a nutrition plan. 

True Story ...

When I began researching this story, we were at the three-month mark of my 11-year-old son Ben not responding to his usual sleep aids. Ben, who has epilepsy and cerebral palsy, was laughing loudly, crawling around the house, waking up his brothers and needing constant supervision throughout the evening and into the night. Never did I imagine that writing this article might change the course of our family’s life.

After two days of reading articles, speaking with other moms who had success stories, and talking with doctors and nutritionists, I was sold on the benefits of a nutrition plan.

Within days of doing the research, Ben was on a four-week casein-elimination diet. His new plan includes a probiotic, spinach or kale, avocado and chia seeds in his once-a-day smoothie. We substitute milk products with almond milk and coconut yogurt. Other than avoiding dairy, his diet for the rest of the day remains the same.

After three days of implementing the diet plan, Ben’s constipation was gone and his hyperactivity in the evening diminished. His ability to fall asleep in his room at a regular bedtime without any sleep aid was absolutely amazing. In addition, without so much milk during the day, Ben was hungrier for other foods, expanding his once limited diet.

Our next step is to visit with a nutritionist for an evaluation of Ben’s vitamin and mineral levels. Armed with information and questions, I am now willing (and excited) to proceed with nutrition as part of Ben’s treatment plan.

— Vanessa Infanzon, local mom and author of this story.

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Habits of

HIGHLY

E F F E C T I V E P A R E N T S of Chil dren Wi th

Speci a l Need s

BY JUDY M. MILLER

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any parents of special needs children appear to parent with grace,

balance and energy. In addition they also seem remarkably stressfree and organized. How, in the face of all of these challenges and more, do they keep it together?

What habits do they embrace that allow them to be highly effective parents for their children?

Habit

They are proactive advocates for their children and educate others. Parents become experts about their children and their needs. They conduct ongoing research; ask questions of therapists, doctors, specialists, and other professionals, and keep an organized binder full of notes and important information. They create and add to their at-home, special needs libraries. They are knowledgeable about

ONE:

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vernacular, treatments, and services.

They are well versed in the state and federal laws that regulate services for their children. Because of their knowledge, parents are effective educators of their child's faculty and staff. They are powerful advocates for treatment, services, and support-in and outside of school.

to. And always look for ways to break up the monotony of life.” They also eat nutritious food and don't skip meals. They make sure their bodies are properly hydrated. They schedule time for regular exercise, by themselves or with friends. They engage in activities that offer creative or intellectual enrichment.

Habit

Habit

They maintain a sense of "normalcy" within the family. Effective parents realize that although everyone in the family is affected by their child's disorder, they are not defined by it. Parents work to ensure that siblings have childhoods and do not take on adult responsibilities.

They encourage siblings to spend time with their friends. Parents are proactive about training other family members, friends and sitters about how to care for their child so that they can have time for themselvesindividually and as a couple, perhaps going out on weekly dates. They also spend time in the company of other adult friends.

TWO:

H a b i t

They take care of themselves.

Effective parents nurture their needs holistically — meaning they take care of their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual need — and recognize that doing so is important for themselves as well as their children.

“Good self-care can range from 30 minutes of quiet time per day to bi-weekly massages. It depends on your budget and what will help you feel recharged and ready to face a new day,” says Althia McLaughlin, licensed professional counselor at Southeast Psych in Charlotte.

“Always make it a point of having something special to look forward

THREE:

They manage their stress. Effective parents are intentional about reducing stress in their lives by setting time aside each day to promote calm and centering. They adopt practices such as prayer, deep breathing and meditation to replenish their inner reserves. Rebecca, a mom of a son who has a diagnosis of autism, says, “When in doubt, I choose grace to forgive people for letting me down or for rejecting my son, for whatever reason.”

“Being a parent, in general, is a job that is loaded with stress.

Being a parent of a special needs child means that the stress load is greatly magnified,” says McLaughlin.

Learning how to manage your children’s schedule will alleviate a lot of stress.”

When parents lead lives that are stress-free and balanced, all family members, especially children, win. Research, by the Gottman Institute supports that children fare better emotionally, socially, and academically when parents manage their stress properly.

FOUR:

Habit

They make rest a priority. While any parent can tire in their parenting responsibilities, parenting a child with special needs can elevate fatigue to a whole different level.

Sometime parents don't realize the extent of their exhaustion. Effective

FIVE:

parents realize the importance of getting to bed as early as possible, or taking naps to offset the sleep they lose due to their child's irregular sleep patterns — up and down throughout the night, late to bed, and/or early to rise.

Habit

They surround themselves with energy givers. People are either energy zappers or energy givers.

Effective parents opt to spend time in the company of people who lift them up, make them feel confident, positive, and happy. They realize energy givers help them to feel energized, inspired and motivated.

Parents of children with special needs appreciate and need this energy.

SIX:

H a b i t

They have a support group. Parenting a child with special needs can be lonely, however there is no need to be alone in the journey.

Effective parents are part of or have created a group of parents whose parenting journeys are similar to theirs.

“One of the best things a parent of special needs children can do is to have a strong support system,” says McLaughlin. “It is essential to regularly connect with other parents who can relate to your family’s challenges. From them, you can gain insight into what has worked well for them. And you may even find that through providing them with insight into what has worked for you, you gain a sense of confidence in yourself as a parent.”

SEVEN:

Judy M. Miller is a mom to four children — three with special needs.

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STUFFED

Allies and Dignity Understanding daily anxiety of living with autism and Asperger’s

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BY JENNIFER O’TOOLE

he year was 1982. Ronald Reagan was in office. “Don’t You Want Me, Baby?” was on the radio, and the smiley face emoticon was born. But what I most clearly remember about, like, that year isn’t valley girl speech or, like, Ms. PacMan. It is “E.T.”, the Reese’s-pieces eating alien who I was absolutely sure was hiding in my closet. Try as they might to counter my certainty that there was not an extraterrestrial lurking in my bedroom, my parents couldn’t convince me otherwise. So I clutched my teddy bear for reassurance, and sat there on my bed — scared — pit-of-stomach, cold-sweat, freak-out-if-you-touch-me terrified.

I’d venture that most everyone has felt that kind of fear at some point in his or her life. But try this for me: Allow your body, not just your mind, to remember that feeling — your heart thudding, mind racing, stomach lurching, your little self ready to run or fight against any shadow. Everything about fear is primal — irrational. There’s no logic involved.

Anxiety is little bit different. Imagine that fear turned down just a bit so that it’s not so immediate a threat or so acute a danger. Instead, it’s replaced by a gnawing, jittery, ever-present sensation of waiting for the threat ... waiting for the fear. What most neurotypicals don’t realize is that we spectrumites (that is people on the autism spectrum), whose bodies and minds are wired differently, live with varying levels and intensities of almost perpetual anxiety. Most “aspies” or “autistics” have been bullied, are constantly assaulted by sensory input, must fend their way daily through social situations, which seem random and chaotic, and often think we are at the top of our games when, in fact, the rug is about to be pulled out from under us. In other words, our anxiety is an absolutely rational reaction to the experiences we have.

Pull at a weed and simply tear off the leaves, and what happens? Nothing new. The weed grows back. Similarly, if teachers, caregivers, therapists, spouses and friends focus their energy on tantrums and meltdowns, obsessions or rigidity, they’ve only torn at the leaves. Nothing will change — either in the behaviors or in the heart of the loved one living with Asperger’s or on the autism spectrum. But grab that weed near the base — dig at the roots, and pull — gently. What happens?

Another weed may grow elsewhere, but that one is gone. Anxiety is that root. It is the seed from which our topical fixations and “overly sensitive,” routine-driven, obsessive behaviors arise. We are trying to create predictable order in a chaotic, often random world by asking a million questions, by challenging exceptions

to rules, by scripting dialogue we know was funny (once) or dictating play. It’s not that we want to be difficult or dominate the conversation with topics; we just want to feel secure, safe — and to be able to stop the endless waiting for unwelcome surprises.

For those who work or live with, or know folks who have Asperger’s syndrome, remember these four things: 1. Respect the fear, don’t punish self-protection. If you know danger may very well be waiting outside the front door, would you skip and whistle on out? No. You’d do or act however you needed to in order to feel safe again.

2. Reconsider disruptive behaviors not as disobedient or disrespectful, but as the individual’s method of protecting himself from something painful or scary.

3. Show empathy or compassion for those very real feelings. That’s going to get you both much further than a shouting match ever will.

4. Plan ahead, communicate and make the environment predictable.

Those of us on the spectrum want to be liked; we want to please — even to impress. We certainly don’t want to be the problem. If you can remember that in the hardest moments, if you can remember what the feeling of true fear is, if you can hold first in your mind that the behaviors society likes least are actually the fruit of very real anxiety, then you can respond not with anger or shame, but with understanding and a plan. Like I did years ago, we need allies — stuffed or otherwise — to cling to until we can steady ourselves … until we can see, peeking through the fear, the safety and calm of an unsullied tomorrow.

Jennifer O’Toole is a Charlotte mom and author of multiple books about living with Asperger’s, including recently published "The Asperkid's Game Plan." O’Toole, her husband and three children all have Asperger's syndrome. asperkids.com.

* This article first appeared as a blog on the Autism Society of North Carolina website and is reprinted with permission from the writer.

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NEWS AND NOTES FOR PARENTS

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5 APPS Especially for Exceptional Children With interactive games, stories and adventures, these apps can help your child learn and developmentally grow to better handle day-to-day needs. *

Dexteria /// Programmed to improve dexterity for the hands and fingers, this app encourages children to improve fine motor skills with therapeutic hand exercises. $3.99, iOS; $4.98, Android. *

Bob Books Reading Magic /// Bridge the gap between recognizing letters and realizing the sounds they make alone and in words through stories, and spelling and matching games. $3.99; iOS, Android. *

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Counting Dots /// Children can practice their counting skills, and master numbers in this interactive counting game. Bright graphics and designs hold their attention. $1.99, iOS. *

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Speech With Milo /// Created by a speech pathologist, children perform repetitive exercises that help improve speech delays or impediments. $2.99; iOS, Android. *

Crazy Copy /// A Simon Says mock-up, this game helps enhance memory and focus with learning from patterns. Free, iPad.

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Sensory Story Times

The Spangler Library at ImaginOn houses the Autism Spectrum Disorder Reference Collection.

Find reference materials provided in collaboration by the Autism Society of North Carolina, Smart Start of Mecklenburg County, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers sensory story time programs at eight library branches. The story times are similar to traditional story times, but include calming music, flannel stories, puppets, instruments, big books, and visual displays. The series is geared to youth from ages 3 to 8 on the autism spectrum, or who have sensory integration issues or other developmental disabilities or delays. The programs generally have a small attendance, and participants receive schedule cards so they know what to expect at each step during the programs. cmlibrary.org.

A Different Movie Experience Big screens and bright lights can be overwhelming for children with sensory issues, but that doesn't mean they can't enjoy a day at the movies thanks to AMC theatres' Sensory-Friendly Films held one Saturday each month. Movies start promptly at 10 a.m. without previews. The movie experience includes a few lights on during the movie and the sound slightly down, and everyone can get up and dance, walk, shout and interact with other families who have children with the same needs. Families are encouraged to bring gluten-free snacks from home for those who have special dietary needs. SensoryFriendly Films are locally shown at AMC theatres Carolina Pavilion 22, and at Concord Mills 24 in Concord. amctheatres.com.

Recommended Reads COMPILED BY EMILY USHER

Cure Your Child With Food /// It is recorded that this generation of children suffers the highest rate of obesity, food allergies, behavioral and emotional disorders, autoimmune disease and learning issues. Nutritionist Kelly Dorfman explains how to investigate the clues to nutritional disorders, as well as how to find nutritional treatments for these ailments. $13.95, Workman Publishing, workman.com.

I Like Berries, Do You? /// In this board book of pictures, children with Down syndrome are photographed eating a wide selection of healthy foods.

The book encourages other children to try the same nutritious snacks that have different textures, temperatures, tastes and smells, ultimately helping to promote and aid a healthier diet. $10.75, Woodbine House, woodbinehouse.com.

Sleep Better! A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs /// Psychologist and autism expert Dr. Mark Durand emphasizes that there is no “one right way” approach to achieving a restful and healthy night of sleep. “Sleep Better!” is a relaxed and helpful guide for parents of children with and without disabilities that addresses numerous sleep issues, such as bedtime tantrums, night walking, sleep terrors, bed-wetting, insomnia and sleep-schedule problems. $24.95, Paul H. Brooks Publishing, brookspublishing.com.

Essential First Steps for Parents of Children with Autism /// When a child is first diagnosed with autism, parents must begin the process of helping their child the best they can. This book offers parents research-based behavior strategies, ways to offer support for the rest of the family, and overall guidance to easing this transition. $17.99, Woodbine House Publishers, woodbinehouse.com.

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Healthy PEDIATRIC Home Market CROSSWAY THERAPY A One-Stop Shop for Healthy Eating ealthy Home Market, formerly called Home Economist, began in a very modest building on Independence Boulevard in 1979 quietly serving mostly women who made food from scratch at home.

Today it is a chain of health food stores around Charlotte, with a new store scheduled to open in fall 2014.

The stores carry one of the largest inventories of glutenfree and special diet foods for children and adults who suffer from sensitivities; organic and natural groceries that are free of pesticide, antibiotics and GMOs; and vitamins, supplements, herbs and natural remedies. The newest location will also offer a juice and smoothie bar, hot bar and deli.

“It’s been a natural evolution,” says Amber Smith, a store manager at Healthy Home Market. “Our customers are still fixing foods from scratch, but now they’re doing it with natural ingredients.”

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Smith says that product knowledge possessed by Healthy Home Market staff is what sets it apart from other natural food stores and supermarkets offering similar products. “We have a passion for eating healthy and we pass that on to our customers.”

Davidson | Galleria, Matthews | Independence Boulevard | Plaza-Midwood healthyhomemkt.com

Nevins INC.THERAPY CROSSWAY PEDIATRIC Innovative Programs That Lead to New Opportunities Nevins, Inc. continues to lead the way with innovative ust as many children transition to adulthood in college, programming such as its Abilities & Possibilities self-pay developmentally disabled individuals need a safe, programs and supported employment services. To learn experienced organization to help them move to the next phase of their life. Whether it’s developing a vocational more, visit nevinsinc.org. opportunity or continuing to grow and learn new skills, people 16 years and older find what they need at Nevins Inc. Founded in 1959, Nevins creates opportunities — both vocational and educational — for the developmentally disabled, so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute. The organization achieves this through its Day Supports and Employment Services.

“At times we have heard that Nevins is a ‘day care facility,’” says Adam Lawlor, Executive Director of Nevins Inc. “The truth is that participants engage in structured, onsite activities with qualified, caring staff, as well as outings, 3523 Nevin Road | 704-596-1372 volunteering and social events that provide purpose and add nevinsinc.org excitement to life.”

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Finding the right services and resources for children with special needs is important to ensure the best for day-to-day living. We've compiled a comprehensive list of local resources to support them as they grow.

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

ADVOCACY AND AGENCIES

Dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergic diseases.

Alexander Youth Network 6220 Thermal Road 704-366-8712 alexanderyouthnetwork.org Behavioral health care services and outpatient therapies.

Autism Charlotte 704-776-1232 autismcharlotte.org Dedicated to helping families through inclusion-based programs.

Autism Services of Mecklenburg County 2211-A Executive St. 704-392-9220 asmcinc.com Offers residential and communitybased services for children with autism, traumatic brain injury and other developmental disabilities.

American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Washington, DC 202-387-1968 aaidd.org Promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Autism Society Of North Carolina-Charlotte 8420 University Executive Park Drive 704-894-9678 autismsociety-nc.org A community where people within the autism spectrum and their families receive respect, services and support based on individual differences, needs and preferences.

American Diabetes Association 1300 Baxter St., Suite 150 704-373-9111 diabetes.org Local resources and information for people affected by diabetes.

Academic Advocates 15318 Brynfield Drive 704-502-1665 Provides individual case advocacy for children with learning differences.

Autism Speaks 4530 Park Road, Suite 320 704-561-0003 autismspeaks.org Funds global biomedical research and raises public awareness about autism through events, including World Autism Awareness Day.

Angels in Need Davidson 704-607-5118 angelsinneed.org Develops and financially supports local programs for children with special needs.

Bee Mighty 704-384-7894 beemighty.org Provides resources and support for families with neonatal intensive care unit survivors who continue to have medical challenges.

Arc of North Carolina Raleigh 800-662-8706 arcnc.org Services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

• Cabarrus County: 704-788-1616 | arcofcabarrus.org • Gaston County: 704-861-1036 | gastoncountyarc.org • Mecklenburg County: 704-332-4535 | arcmeck.org • Union County: 704-261-1550 | thearcofunion.com • South Carolina: 803-748-5020 | arcsc.org

Beginnings Raleigh 704-566-0145 ncbegin.org Free services for parents of children who are deaf or have hearing impairment, plus resources and referrals.

Brain Injury Association of North Carolina 1100 Blythe Blvd.

704-960-0561 | 877-962-7246 bianc.net Advocates for individuals with brain injuries, and provides support groups throughout the region.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 800-727-8462 aafa.org

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Cardinal Innovations cardinalinnovations.org • Cabarrus/Union counties: 704-939-7700 • Mecklenburg County: 980-938-4100 Assists individuals and families affected by mental illness and developmental disabilities with care coordination.

Celiac Disease Foundation 818-716-1513 celiac.org Support, advocacy, resources and education for people affected by celiac disease.

CHADD Of Mecklenburg County 4100 Coca-Cola Plaza 704-551-9120 chadd.net/620 Works to improve the lives of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder through education, advocacy and support.

Child Care Resources 4600 Park Road, Suite 400 704-376-6697 childcareresourcesinc.org Provides free child care resources and referral services for parents with a child with an identified special need.

Children's Developmental Services Agency 3500 Ellington St. 704-336-7100 thechildrensalliance.org Assessments, treatment and case management service coordination for children, birth to 3 years, who are at high risk for developmental delays.

Sliding fee scale.

Community Alternatives Program for Children Raleigh 919-855-4380 ncdhhs.gov/dma/medicaid/ capchildren.htm A N.C. Medicaid waiver program providing home and community services to medically fragile children who are at risk for institutionalization.

Eligibility based on child's income.

Council for Children's Rights 601 E. 5th St., Suite 510 704-372-7961 cfcrights.org Advocates for children in the areas of special education, abuse and neglect, and mental health.

Council for Exceptional Children 888-232-7733 www.cec.sped.org Advocates for improving the educational success of students with disabilities and those who are gifted and talented.

Covenant Case Management 2101 Sardis Road N., Suite 217 704-249-7418 Provides targeted case management, educational workshops and personal consultation for clients.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 4600 Park Road, Suite 200 704-321-7852 cff.org/chapters/charlotte A nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle.

FYI: Buddy Program Creates Meaningful Relationships for Local Children Charlotte nonprofit Playing for Others provides a place for teens to explore and answer the question, “Who am I?” As part of its service program, each year it offers 30 to 35 children with disabilities and their siblings the opportunity to partner up with a Playing for Others teen through the Buddy Program. During the fall, buddies and teens participate in monthly buddy events that include music, art, theater and more, and then move on to explore art in the community together, and work together to do a community service project.

For more information about to be a part of the Buddy Program, go to playingforothers.org/buddyprogram.

Developmental Disabilities Resources 9822 Albemarle Road 704-573-9777 ddrinc.org Care providers for children with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Disability Rights and Resources 5801 Executive Center Drive, Suite 101 800-755-5749 disability-rights.org Offers resources, peer counseling and independent living skills training.

Disability Rights of North Carolina Raleigh 877-235-4210 disabilityrightsnc.org Part of a national system of federally mandated, independent disability agencies that helps people gain access to services.

Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte 212 S. Tryon St., Suite 1700 704-536-2163 dsa-gc.org Offers family-to-family support, educational meetings, social events, fund-raising activities and networking opportunities for families of children with Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Online 949-757-1877 dseusa.org Offers high-quality, comprehensive information resources and communication to enhance public understanding of Down syndrome.

Easter Seals South Carolina Columbia, S.C. 803-256-0735 easterseals.com/southcarolina Early intervention services for families and children with disabilities, as well as information about therapy services in school and at home.

Easter Seals/United Cerebral Palsy North Carolina 10150 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 510 800-662-7119 nc.eastersealsucp.com Offers child and family services, mental health services, job development and placement to individuals with disabilities.

Epilepsy Foundation of North Carolina Winston-Salem 800-451-0694 epilepsyfoundation.org Supports children and adults with epilepsy through information and referral, counseling, support groups, advocacy and community and school education.

Exceptional Children's Assistance Center 907 Barra Row, Suites 102/103, Davidson 800-962-6817 ecac-parentcenter.org Parent training and information center offering assistance with educational issues, a lending library and parent-toparent support.

Exceptional Children Preschool Program/N.C. Office of Early Learning 919-981-5300 earlylearning.nc.gov/prekindergarten/ headstart State-run program serving children ages 3 and 4 and pre-K 5-year-olds with developmental delays, autism, visual or hearing impairments.

Family First Community Services 3705 Latrobe Drive, Suite 340 704-364-3989 familyfirstcommunity.com A community-based program that serves children and adolescents with mental health/substance abuse challenges.

Family Support Network of N.C. • Charlotte: 3500 Ellington St. | 704-366-7173 • Harrisburg: 980-522-8740 fsnnc.org Offers a one-on-one parent match with a trained support parent for emotional support and assistance finding resources.

First in Families of NC Durham 919-251-8368 fifnc.org Resources and assistance to help those with developmental disabilities become self-sufficient, including food, housing and clothing.

• Cabarrus/Union counties: 704-261-1550 • Gaston county: 704-689-6648 • Mecklenburg county: 704-536-6661

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) 800-929-4040 foodallergy.org Dedicated to raising awareness, providing advocacy and education, and advancing research for people affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis.

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute UNC Chapel Hill 919-966-2622 Cultivates and shares knowledge that enhances child development, including children with special needs, and family well-being.

Genetics and Down Syndrome Clinic 704-381-6810 levinechildrenshopsital.org Provides genetic evaluations, genetic counseling and laboratory testing for a variety of conditions associated with developmental disabilities, as well as information, education and referrals to programs and groups.

Innovative Approaches Cabarrus Health Alliance 704-934-4399 resourcecafe.org An alliance of community partners that provides services and resources for families of children and youth with special health care needs from birth to age 21.

InReach 4425 Randolph Road, Suite 400 704-536-6661 inreachnc.org Provides housing, employment and community services to children with developmental disabilities in Mecklenburg and nearby counties.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International 205 Regency Executive Park Drive, Suite 102 704-561-0828 gwc.jdrf.org Advocates for a cure for diabetes and its complications.

LifeSpan 200 Clanton Road 704-944-5100 lifespanservices.org Provides education, employment and enrichment opportunities for children with developmental disabilities.

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Listening and Spoken Language Knowledge Center 202-337-5220 listeningandspokenlanguage.org Provides financial assistance, assistive technology and therapy for families of children with hearing impairment.

Love Inc. 2633 Eastway Drive 704-536-5588 loveinc-charlotte.org Volunteer network of more than 190 churches that donates services to to help those in need.

Make a Wish Foundation 1131 Harding Place 704-339-0334 ncwish.org Granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

March of Dimes 7506 E. independence Blvd., Suite 114 704-377-2009 marchofdimes.com Funds research and provides community services, education and advocacy to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Mecklenburg County Children's Developmental Services Agency 3500 Ellington St. 704-336-7130 charmeck.org Evaluates and services children birth-3 years with developmental delays or disorders.

Mental Health Association of Central Carolinas Inc. 3701 Latrobe Drive, Suite 140 704-365-3454 mhacentralcarolinas.org Promotes mental wellness through advocacy, prevention and education.

Metrolina Association for the Blind 704 Louise Ave. 704-372-3870 mabnc.org Provides services to visually impaired people, including rehabilitation and accessible Braille services.

Monarch 800-230-7525 monarchnc.org A nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Muscular Dystrophy Association 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 701 704-567-2912 mda.org Combats neuromuscular diseases through research, medical and community services, and professional and public education.

National Association for Down Syndrome 630-325-9112 nads.org Offers information, support, and advocacy to ensure that all persons with Down syndrome have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

National Kidney Foundation 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Suite 810 877-858-3808 kidneync.org Support, advocacy, resources and education for people affected by kidney and urinary tract diseases.

National Down Syndrome Congress 770-604-9500 ndsccenter.org Provides information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome.

N.C. Association for Parents of Children With Visual Impairment 919-469-8879 nc-apvi.org Provides information and resources for parents of children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities.

National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 ndss.org The national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

N.C. Department of Public Instruction - Exceptional Children's Division 301 N. Wilmington St., Raleigh 919-807-3969 ec.ncpublicschools.gov Assures that students with disabilities develop mentally, physically, emotionally and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate individualized education in the least restrictive environment.

N.C. Division of Services for the Blind 5855 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 704-563-4168 ncdhhs.gov/dsb Provides services for adults and children who are blind or visually impaired.

NC MedAssist 601 E. 5th St., Suite 350 704-536-1790 medassist.org Free medication, healthcare advocacy and related educational services for low-income, uninsured NC residents.

N.C. Office on Disability and Health Raleigh 919-707-5633 dhhs.nc.gov Works to increase awareness, understanding, and response to the health related needs of individuals with disabilities.

National Tourette Syndrome Association Concord 980-521-3951 tsa-usa.org Funds research and treatment, and offers resources and referrals to people living with Tourette syndrome.

Nevins Center 3523 Nevins Road 704-596-1372 nevinsinc.org Provides educational and vocational opportunities for people with developmental disablities.

North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities Raleigh 800-357-6916 nccdd.org Gubernatorial-appointed council that works to ensure people with disabilities and have access to services, support and improved policies.

North Carolina Early Intervention Services Raleigh 919-707-5520 beearly.nc.gov Assessment, treatment, case management, education, inclusion training and inclusion aides.

Birth-3 years.

Parker Autism Foundation 704-819-4952 parkerautismfoundation.org Provides workshops for parents and

York County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs • Rock Hill, S.C.: 525 Bryant Blvd. | 803-324-5377 • York, S.C.: 7900 Park Place Road | 803-628-5999 yorkdsnb.org Developmental programs for children and adults, case management, residential services and a summer camp.

educators, a lending library, and scholarship grants for North Carolina families with children on the autism spectrum.

Partners Behavioral Health Management 901 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia 877-864-1454 partnersbhm.org Provides Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Care Coordination.

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte 1613 E. Morehead St. 704-288-5300 rmhofcharlotte.org Provides a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children in nearby hospitals.

AblePlay ableplay.org Reviews and ratings of play products for children with special needs.

especial Needs 877-664-4565 especialneeds.com Adapative equipment, including toys, baby gear and mobility aids.

Social Security Administration 5800 Executive Center Drive, Suite 300 800-772-1213 ssa.gov Offers supplemental security income for children under 18 who meet Social Security's definition of disability for children.

• Charlotte: 888-383-1598 • Concord: 888-366-6149 • Gastonia: 866-331-2193 • Statesville: 855-722-3497 • Rock Hill, S.C.: 877-626-9589

The Center for AAC and Autism 866-998-1726 aacandautism.com Works to improve the language and communication skills of kids with autism through technology.

FYI:

Total Care and Concern • Charlotte: 1428 Orchard Lake Drive • Matthews: 608-F MatthewsMint Hill Road 704-321-1635 totalcareandconcern.org Care designed to maximize independence, productivity and quality of life.

The Assistive Technology Daily, hosted by The North Carolina Assitive Technology Program (NCATP), is a blog filled with information about assistive technology, workshops, webinars and useful information on products designed for people with special needs. It includes searchable categories related to different types of devices and needs. The Learning, Cognition and Development category includes information on apps for children with special needs, as well as products particularly geared to children. attraining.org/atdaily

TEACCH Charlotte Center 5701 Executive Center Drive, Suite 108 704-563-4103 teacch.com Serves individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including diagnostic evaluations, treatment planning and implementation, education and consultation.

United Way of Central Carolina 301 S. Brevard St. 704-372-7170 uwcentralcarolinas.org Information and referrals through the United Way for various types of developmental needs.

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES North Carolina Assistive Technology Program 5501 Executive Center Drive, Suite 105 704-566-2899 ncatp.org Consultations, information and referrals for assistive technology needs, and an equipment loan program.

The Family Center on Technology and Disability 202- 884-8068 fctd.info Provides assistive and instructional technology resources of interest to families of children with disabilities.

Learning Ally 800-221-4792 learningally.org Free audio textbook library for eligible students who are visually impaired or have learning disabilities.

Tech Matrix techmatrix.org Assistive and educational technology tools and resources.

The UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund Raleigh 919-783-8898 A national program operated by United Cerebral Palsy that provides grants for purchasing or repairing assistive-technology equipment for individuals with disabilities.

Lekotek Center 404-633-3430 lekotek.org A nonprofit that offers toy lending libraries and compuplay for children with special needs, plus webinars for parents.

CAMPS AND RECREATION

The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project themorganproject.org/get-help Gently used disability equipment exchange program. All items are free.

ABC Language Stimulation Summer Program 201 E. Matthews St., Suite 102, Matthews 704-443-2990 abctutoring.com/summer/language Thematic summer-based units for children with speech and language delays, plus language enrichment, social skills, academics and speech and language therapy included. Ages 3-8.

FYI:

For one week each summer, highly trained coaches and volunteers come together

Adaptive Water Skiing Program 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius 704-716-4400 ymcacharlotte.org Water skiing program for those with disabilities.

to help children with autism and other disabilities learn how to ride a bike. Hosted by Autism Charlotte, the iCan

Bambino Buddy Ball 1200 S. Trade St., Matthews marasports.org Offers children with mental or physical disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Hosted by Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association. Ages 5-18.

Bike Camp is designed to build confidence in children, increase self-esteem and heighten cognitive stimulation and motor skills. The goal:

Bit of Hope Ranch 5001 CR Wood Road, Gastonia 704-862-0095 bitofhoperanch.org Equine-based program offers professional counseling, focused group programs, individual mentoring and special programming for family.

for each participant to be able to ride a two-wheel bike by the end of the week. For more information about the Charlotte camp, call 704-7760685 or email bikecamp@

Boy Scouts of America 1410 E. 7th St. 704-333-5471 mccscouting.org A variety of programs for boys with

autismcharlotte.org. For more general information about the program, visit icanshine.org.

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disabilities, plus a co-ed program.

Camp Arc • Day camp: 1165 Constitution Blvd., Rock Hill, S.C. • Residential camp: 155 Johnston St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-329-5659 cityofrockhill.com Mainstream summer camp for children with developmental disabilities.

Camp Boomerang Siskey YMCA 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews 704-716-4329 ymcacharlotte.org Inclusion-based day camp for children with autism ages 5-15 that includes field sports, fishing, swimming, devotions, and arts and crafts.

Camp Carefree 275 Carefree Lane, Stokesdale 336-427-0966 campcarefree.org Summer camp for children with special needs and chronic illness and their siblings, as well as children whose parents are chronically ill or have special needs. Ages 6-18.

Camp Dogwood 7050 Camp Dogwood Drive, Sherrills Ford 828-478-2135 nclionsinc.org Provides recreational opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

Camp Dakota Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Blvd.

704-819-4952 parkerautismfoundation.org One-week camps for children ages 5-13 on autism spectrum to strengthen academic goals through traditional camp activities.

Camp Holiday Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Road 704-536- 2163 dsacnc.org Day camp for children ages 5-16 with Down syndrome.

Camp Horizon A part of YMCA Camp Harrison, 115 N. Bissell Lane, Boomer 704-536-2163 dsacnc.org Three-day overnight camp at

for children ages 10-17 with Down syndrome.

Camp KAMPN Wildcat Ridge Road, Deep Gap 828-264-0054 kampn4autism.appstate.edu A nature-based, overnight camp for children with autism and their families.

Camp Lakey Gap 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain 828-669-8977 christmount.com/camplakeygap A camp for people with autism that promotes social and emotional growth. Ages 4+.

Camp LUCK 1299 Camp Cherokee Road, Blacksburg, S.C. 704-240-1041 campluck.com A medically-supervised, overnight camp for kids with heart disease plus one sibling that includes programs to nurture, educate and support kids and families. Ages 7-14.

Camp Royall 250 Bill Ash Road, Moncure 919-542-1033 autismsociety-nc.org A residential summer camp program designed to provide campers on the autism spectrum a week of typical camp activities. Ages 4+.

Camp KidZu 4401 Zoo Pkwy., Asheboro 336-879-7715 A day camp specifically designed for kids with high-functioning autism that gives each child a place to broaden their knowledge of zoo animals and conservation practices. Ages 1-6.

Carolinas Rehabilitation Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program 1100 Blythe Blvd.

704-355-1062 carolinasrehabilitation.org Offers a variety of programs and activities for physically-challenged children and adults.

Challenger Flag Football League and Cheerleading panthers.com Provides children and young adults with disabilities the chance to play flag football and cheer in a safe, structured and team environment. Ages 8-21.

City of Rock Hill Parks and Recreation Therapeutic Programs 1165 Constitution Blvd., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-329-5658 cityofrockhill.com Recreational programs, including camps, a theatrical troupe and Special Olympics.

Cornelius PARC and Huntersville Parks and Recreation 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius 704-892-6031 cornelius.org/parc Offers programs for individuals with special needs, including summer camps, sports, parents night out, and family events. Ages 5-16.

Creative Care Christian Preschool Camp for Children With Special Needs 4823 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe 704-635-7829 creativecarenc.com Daily activities include circle time, music, art, and physical education; plus weekly programs, including yoga, martial arts, dance, field trips and more. Ages 4-10.

Crossway Academy and Pediatric Therapy Summer Camps 9129 Monroe Road, Suite 100-105 704-847-3911 crosswayacademy.com and crosswaytherapy.com Designed to strengthen academics, communication and social skills through theme-based activities, including reading, math, music, art and gym.

Epiphany School of Charlotte Summer Camp 1000 E. Morehead St. 704-644-4407 theepiphanyschool.com Experiential activities build upon a child’s natural strengths to enhance communication and social skills.

Ages 6-14.

Family Retreats at Joni and Friends International Disability Center 616A Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews 704-841-1177 joniandfriends.org/charlotte A Christian outreach ministry that operates a five-day camp to give

families affected by disabilities a chance to refresh and relieve stress.

Girl Scouts Hornet’s Nest Council 7007 Idlewild Road 704-731-6500 hngirlscouts.org Many programs and activities for girls, including girls with disabilities.

Hinds’ Feet Farm 14625 Black Farms Road, Huntersville 704-992-1424 hindsfeetfarm.org Services for brain-injury patients, including a therapeutic equestrian riding program. iCan Bike 704-776-0685 icanshine.org A national program that utilizes adapative equipment and highly trained coaches to teach children with a variety of disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bike.

Week-long summer camp hosted by Autism Charlotte.

Imagination Station/ Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation 440 Tuckaseegee Road 704-432-4329 charmeck.org/mecklengurg/county Day camp that features sports, art, music, dance and field trips for ages 2-6 with disabilities.

Interactive Health Therapies 2101 Sardis Road N., Suite 112 704-845-6134 ihtherapies.com Offers speech and language camps in summer months.

Kids Rein 6201 Sample Road, Huntersville 980-320-0331 kidsrein.com Therapeutic horseback riding program at Latta Plantation Equestrian Center.

Make Summer Count!

The Fletcher School, 8500 Sardis Road 704-365-4658 thefletcherschool.org Designed to provide both Fletcher and non-Fletcher students with learning disabilities and attention difficulties an opportunity to maintain and improve academic skills during the summer. Rising grades 2-8.

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES MDA Summer Camp at Bethelwoods 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 701 704-567-2912 mda.org Overnight program in York, S.C. that includes swimming, fishing, games, arts and crafts and other activities for children with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases. Ages 6-17.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation – Therapeutic Recreation 704-432-0237 tr.charmeck.org Goal-oriented camps and programs for children with disabilities. Activities include field trips, swimming, games, music, sports, and arts and crafts.

Miracle League University YMCA 8100 Old Mallard Creek Road 704-716-6700 ymcacharlotte.org/branches/ universitycity A baseball league for children who have physical or mental impairments.

Ages 5-18.

Misty Meadows Mitey Riders 455 Providence Road S., Waxhaw 704-841-0602 miteyriders.org Therapeutic riding and equineassisted activities. Free of charge.

Playing for Others 704-661-7142 playingforothers.org Pairs teens with children who have special needs and their siblings through a buddy program that facilitates relationships through the arts, community outings, and community service. Ages 5-17.

Shining Hope Farms 328 Whippoorwill Lane, Mount Holly 704-827-3788 shininghopefarms.org Therapeutic horseback riding, family and caregiver support and social recreation SOAR (Success Oriented Achievement Realized) 226 SOAR Lane, Balsam 828-456-3435 soarnc.org A success-oriented, high-adventure program for tweens and teens with learning disabilites and attention deficit/hyperactive disorder. Ages 8-25.

Special Olympics of North Carolina • 4421 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Suite 605 | 704-358-1935 • 610 Home Trail, Gastonia | 704-853-2424 • 1226 Morningside Meadow Lane, Matthews | 704-390-5274 • 1011 South Magnolia St., Mooresville | 704-799-4248 • Statesville | 704-878-3429 sonc.net Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children with special needs.

Speech and Language Camp Charlotte Preparatory School, 212 Boyce Road 704-845-0561 Speech therapists work directly with camp participants on specific, targeted goals. Ages 3-5.

Spectrum Family Camp at YMCA Camp Greenville Cedar Mountain 864-836-3291 campgreenville.org Traditional camp for families with kids on the autism spectrum.

Talisman Summer Camps 64 Gap Creek Road, Zirconia 855-588-8254 talismancamps.com Overnight camps for children and teenagers with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger syndrome and highfunctioning autism.

Trips, Inc. 800-686-1013 tripsinc.com Travel agency offering a variety of tours designed for people with developmental disabilities in the U.S. and Europe. Fees vary according to tour chosen.

Victory Junction 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman 336-498-9055 victoryjunction.org Offers camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. Ages 6-16.

Wings of Eagles Ranch 4800 Faith Trails, Concord 704-784-3147 wingsofeaglesranch.org Therapeutic horseback riding sessions and summer camps.

DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPY

therapeutic models in the treatment of children by using best practice as a core principle and offering more than 300 combined years of pediatric clinical expertise.

ABC Educational Services 201 E. Matthews St., Suite 102, Matthews 704-443-2990 abcedservices.com Provides early intervention and educational assessments, plus language and occupational therapy.

The Developmental Vision Center 10210 Berkeley Place Drive 704-510-1555 thedvc.net Provides vision development therapy and vision rehabilitation.

Alexander Youth Network 6220 Thermal Road 704-366-8712 alexanderyouthnetwork.org Behavioral health care services and outpatient therapies.

Dreamweavers Unlimited Inc. 1010 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia 704-868-8551 dreamweaversnc.com Provides speech therapy, music therapy, counseling, early intervention services.

Arise and Shine Therapy 3727 Rose Lake Drive, Suite 103 704-778-7192 ariseandshinetherapy.com An innovative, private, outpatient physical, occupational, speech and music therapy practice.

Easter Seals/United Cerebral Palsy Child Development Center 10150 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 510 800-662-7119 nc.eastersealsucp.com Individualized therapeutic services for children birth-5 years.

Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Charlotte • 9101-J Pineville-Matthews Road, Pineville | 704-540-6363 • 20601 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius | 704-655-1334 brainbalancecenters.com Targeted sensory, motor and cognitive activities, designed to stimulate and increase brain function in children to help children overcome the challenges of ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and developmental delays. Ages 3-19.

Encouraging Steps 7900 Park Place Road, York, S.C. 803-628-5800 yorkdsnb.org Provides appropriate instruction that helps children with special needs grow and develop. Ages birth-5 years.

FOCUS 309 S. Sharon Amity 704-900-0252 focus-md.com A medical practice solely dedicated to ADHD diagnosis and treatment that uses cutting-edge technology to create individualized treatment and behavior modification plans.

Carolina Center for Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Treatment 2124 Crown Center Drive, Suite 200 980-819-0010 carolinacenterforaba.com Offers in-home and clinic-based services. Clinics are designed with comforting colors, stimulating toys/ activities, and an inviting climate.

Learning Connections Unlimited Huntersville 704-488-2026 learningconnectionsunlimited.com Developmental specialists work with children and families in their homes to provide play-based developmental intervention. Ages 0-6.

The Center for Creativity and Healing 4728-C Park Road, Suite C 704-523-5567 thecenterforcreativityandhealing.com Encourages clients to take an active role in determining their course for change with a holistic approach to therapy. Ages 4-18.

Music Therapy Association of North Carolina ncmusictherapy.org Resources regarding music therapists throughout North Carolina.

Child and Family Development 4102 Park Road, Suite 200 704-332-4834 childandfamilydevelopment.com Strives to provide the most effective CharlotteParent.com

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Therapy Center 9835 Northcross Center Court, Suite B, Huntersville 704-608-6812 Play is integrated with therapy to develop social and emotional needs of children with ADHD, learning disabilities and developmental delays. Ages 6 mos.-14 years.

Psychological Services of Charlotte 1923 J.N. Pease Place, Suite 204 704-503-3535 psychologicalservicesofcharlotte.com Integrated therapy for sensory integration disorder.

Queens University of Charlotte Music Therapy Clinic E.H. Little Fine Arts Center, 1900 Selwyn Ave. 704-337-2520 queens.edu Offers music therapy services to address functional needs through musical experiences. Ages 3 and older.

11030 Golf Links Drive Ste. 204 704-541-1373 thebraintrainer.com An evidenced-based, brain training and speech therapy center.

Thompson Child and Family Focus • 2200 E. 7th St. | 704-376-7180 • 1645 Clanton Road | 704-333-5382 • 6800 St. Peter's Lane, Matthews | 704-536-0375 thompsoncff.org Leading provider of clinical and behavioral treatment, developmental education, and proactive care for at-risk children and families. Ages 21 and under.

EDUCATION

All Saints Episcopal Preschool 525 Lake Concord Road, Concord 704-782-2024 allsaintsconcord.org Giving children of all backgrounds and needs the opportunity to learn and grow.

Roots and Wings Music Therapy Charlotte and surrounding areas 704-565-9870 rootsandwingsmt.com Offers individual and group music therapy sessions.

Allegro Foundation 419 Ardmore Road 704-364-4063 allegrofoundation.net Free movement education programs for children with disabilities.

Siber Imaging 7820 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 106 704-543-0427 siberimaging.com Multi-disciplinary neurophysiology practice founded by Dr. Myra Preston.

Bethlehem Center Head Start • 700 Parkwood Ave. • 2600 Grimes St. 704-333-0203 bethlehemcenter.org Federally funded, child development program that offers a variety of services for children ages 3-5 with special needs.

Southeast Psych • 6060 Piedmont Row Drive S., Suite 120 | 704-552-0116 • 8840 Blakeney Professional Drive, Suite 200 | 704-970-4791 southeastpsych.com Psychological services for various ages and needs.

Special K Enrichment • 2838 Queen City Drive, Suite A | 704-395-9387 • 1564 Union Road, Suite A, Gastonia | 704-917-0230 skeinc.org Support and services to help individuals with developmental and physical disabilities live comfortable lives within their community.

The Brain Trainer

Charlotte Mecklenburg School Programs for Exceptional Children 700 E. Stonewall St., Suite 404 980-343-6960 cms.k12.nc.us Provides special education services to students ages 3-5. TEACCH affiliated classes are available for preschoolers identified with autism.

Charlotte United Christian Academy 7640 Wallace Road 704-537-0331 cucawarriors.com Private school for children diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Grades K-12.

Crossway Academy 9129 Monroe Road, Suite 100-105

Iredell-Statesville Exceptional Children Department 619 S. Elm St., Statesville 704-873-9432 iss.schoolwires.com Provides continuum of services for individual student needs. Ages 3-21.

704-847-3911 crosswayacademy.com A combined clinic-school for children ages 6-10 and/or for children ages 11-14.

Cyzner Institute 7022 Sardis Road 704-366-8260 cyznerinstitute.com CI Day School and Therapeutic Center provides customized educational and therapeutic support (ABA, OT, Speechlanguage, creative arts) for children with learning differences, behavioral and/or developmental needs.

Irwin and Carol Belk Children’s Center 716 Marsh Road 704-522-9912 eastersealsucpcenters.com/center/ charlotte Provides inclusive early care and education for children ages 6 weeks-5 years. Services include child care, OT/ PT/speech-language therapy.

The Davidson Center 452 S. Main St., Suite 110, Davidson 704-892-4533 davidsoncenter.com Comprehensive learning center that provides psychological-educational evaluations; reading evaluations; educational therapy and remedial instruction for ages 5-18.

The John Crosland School 5146 Parkway Plaza Blvd.

704-365-5490 johncroslandschool.org Individualized education for students grades K-12 who have learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.

The Epiphany School of Charlotte 6800 St. Peters Lane, Matthews 704-644-4407 theepiphanyschool.com Private school program for students with social and communication problems, including Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder. Grades: 1-8.

Lazar Center of Learning and Achievement 5126 Park Road, Suite D 704-726-8236 lazarcenter.com An after-school tutoring center that offers individualized curriculum.

Learning Rx 10030 Edison Square Drive NW, Concord 704-499-8888 learningrx.com/charlotte-north Offers brain training to help with ADD/ ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other cognitive developmental delays.

The Fletcher School 8500 Sardis Road 704-365-4658 thefletcherschool.org Individualized and college preparatory programs for students with learning disabilities and ADD.

LIFESPAN Circle School Statesville 302 W. Broad St., Statesville 704-872-8579 lifespanservices.org Inclusive preschool environment for children with developmental delays.

Services provided in the home, in child care facilities and other community locations. Ages 6 weeks-5 years.

Gaston County School Programs for Exceptional Children 215 W. 3rd Ave., Gastonia 704-866-6160 gaston.k12.nc.us Ensures that children and youth with disabilities develop educationally, socially, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of a free, appropriate education.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Center 4419 Sharon Road 704-362-4556 lindamoodbell.com Reading, language comprehension and math programs for individuals with dyslexia, hyperlexia and autism spectrum disorders.

Governor Morehead School for the Blind 301 Ashe Ave., Raleigh 919-733-6382 governormorehead.net State-run residential school serving residents 5-21 who are blind or visually impaired. Also offers preschool services.

CharlotteParent.com

Lisa Pennington and Associates 6729 Fairview Road, Suite E

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SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES 704-362-3123 lisapennington.com Specializing in evaluations, intervention development and tutoring services for children with learning disabilities or ADHD.

children with special needs, including speech language therapy and transitional planning.

Manus Academy 6203 Carmel Road 704-542-6471 manusacademy.com Private school program for students in grades 4-12 who have learning disabilities and ADD.

A Special Needs Plan 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 400 704-557-9637 aspecialneedsplan.com Financial and estate planning consultations for families of children with special needs, plus educational workshops.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL AND ESTATE PLANNING

N.C. Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 1841 Capital Blvd., Raleigh 888-388-2460 | TDD: 919-733-1462 statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/lbph Provides books and magazines in large print, Braille or tape. Located in Raleigh, but mails throughout the state. No fee for services.

First in Families of North Carolina fifnc.org A nonprofit organization that offers will and estate planning, and help in establishing trusts and long-term support networks for individuals with disabilities.

North Carolina School for the Deaf 517 W. Fleming Dr, Morganton 828-432-5200 ncsd.net A day/residential facility for the education of children who are deaf and hard of hearing.

HF Financial South Park Towers, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 400 704-557-9600 hfcarolinas.com Help in protecting government benefits, identifying guardians, proper use of trusts and other complex decisions related to children with special needs.

Philips Academy 3115 Providence Road 704-365-4533 philipsacademync.org Individualized education for middle and high school students with complex language, learning and/or cognitive disabilities.

Special Needs Alliance 877-572-8472 specialneedsalliance.org National, nonprofit organization of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law.

Special Needs Answers specialneedsanswers.com Organization of attorneys that provides special-needs planning, plus a searchable database of service providers.

Shands Institute 130A W. Matthews St., Matthews 704-321-5705 shandsinstitute.org A nonprofit learning center serving children with ADD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and visual/ auditory processing disorders using a multisensory approach. Ages 6-12.

HEALTH SERVICES

Asthma and Allergy Specialists • Arboretum: 8045 Providence Road, Suite 300 | 704-341-9600 • Matthews: 855 Sam Newell Road, Suite 206 | 704-321-2793 • Monroe: Presbyterian Medical Plaza (shots only) | 1994 Wellness Blvd.

• University: 10310 Mallard Creek Road, Suite 101A | 704-503-4888 asthmanc.com Provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for food allergies and chronic asthma.

Swan Learning Center 427 S. Sharon Amity Road, Suite A 704-442-1718 swanlearningcenter.com Personalized programs and instruction that address students’ academic needs.

Union County Public Schools Exceptional Children 407 N. Main St., Monroe 704-296-6370 ecp.ucps.k12.nc.us Continuous improvement plans for

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1126 Sam Newell Road, Matthews 704-708-4404 carolinasnaturalhealth.com Therapies that bridge conventional and natural medicine.

The Developmental Vision Center 10210 Berkeley Place Drive 704-510-1555 thedvc.net Provides pediatric optometry therapy and rehabilitation, including treatment for learning-related vision problems.

Haas Wellness Centers 3315 Springbank Lane, Suite 304 704-837-2420 haaswellnesscenters.com Holistic alternatives for health issues, including those with special needs.

HOME HEALTH CARE

Comprehensive Home Care 3460 N. Davidson St. 704-333-5214 Offers personal care, attendant, respite, special event and school services.

Bayada Nurses Home Care Specialists • Charlotte: 8801 J.M. Keynes Drive, Suite 230 | 704-549-1700 • Gastonia: 1361 E. Garrison Blvd., Suite B | 704-884-2122 • Monroe: 1606 E. Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 207 | 704-226-0100 • Rock Hill, SC: 454 S. Anderson Road, Suite 121 | 803-327-8900 bayada.com Helps individuals have a safe home life with comfort, independence, and dignity.

HomeTown Oxygen • Charlotte: 1005 S. Kings Drive | 704-347-2233 • Concord: 369 Concord Pkwy. N | 704-782-0222 • Gastonia: 1032 X-Ray Drive | 704-854-3802 hometownoxygen.com Provides quality, community-based home respiratory products and services.

Interim HealthCare • Charlotte: 131 Providence Road | 704-372-8230 • Concord: 139 Union St. South | 704-784-3483 • Gastonia: 2551 Pembroke Road | 704-861-1156 • Rock Hill, S.C.: 154 Amendment Ave. | 803-324-4166 interimhealthcare.com Encompasses home care, hospice and

health care staffing.

Maxim Healthcare Services 1300 Baxter St., Suite 114, 704-366-1075 maxhealth.com Provides home health care, pediatric homecare, respite care, intermittent care and companion services.

Mission Medstaff 4108 Park Road, Suite 409 704-295-0822 missionmedstaff.com In-home nursing services. Ages 21 and under.

PSA Healthcare 4530 Park Road, Suite 105 704-335-9797 psahealthcare.com Private duty nursing with tailored care plans.

HOSPITALS – CHILDREN’S

Hemby Children’s Hospital – Novant Healthcare 200 Hawthorne Lane 704-384-4021 novanthealth.org/hemby Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital at Carolinas Medical Center NorthEast 920 Church St. N., Concord 704-403-3000 carolinashealthcare.org/childrens-services Levine Children’s Hospital – Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd.

704-381-2000 levinechildrenshospital.org

OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSICAL THERAPIES

Carolina Kids Therapy Services 16818 Bridgeton Lane, Huntersville 704-293-1856 Provides therapy for children birth to 21 in their home or at the child's daycare or preschool.

Charlotte Therapy Associates 5200 Park Road, Suite 219 704-705-4550 charlottetherapyassociates.com Licensed therapists and counselors provide support and guidance through challenging situations, working towards achieving goals.

ChildWorks Therapy 8257 Tradd Court 704-575-2670 childworkstherapy.com

Home-based, community and clinicbased physical therapy from birth to adolescence.

Crossway Pediatric Therapy 9129 Monroe Road Suite 100-105 704-547-3911 crosswaytherapy.com Home-based, community and clinicbased speech, occupational and physical therapies, and tutoring. Also offers a clinic-based day school. Ages 18 and under.

Early Bird Developmental Services 3007 Simmon Tree Road 704-995-2900 earlybirdonline.com A family-focused company with the mission to provide the highest quality functional intervention to infants and children. Ages 21 and under.

First Steps Pediatric Therapy 2711 Randolph Road 704-256-4281 firststepspeds.org Provides physical and occupational therapy from birth to 21.

Integration Station 2110 Ben Craig Drive, Suite 300 704-595-9363 myintegrationstation.com Skilled occupational therapy delivered in the home, school and sensory clinic.

Ages 14 and under.

Interactive Health Therapies 2101 Sardis Road N., Suite 112 704-845-6134 ihtherapies.com Occupational, speech and physical therapy services for schools, developmental centers and earlyintervention programs from birth to 21.

KidsAbilities Occupational Therapy for Children 7735 Beaker Court 704-503-1117 kidsabilitiesot.com Private pediatric occupational therapy clinic that uses a sensory integrative approach to help children with sensory and motor skills. Ages 21 and under.

Kinetic Kids Inc. 9611 Brookdale Drive, Suite 100-122 704-807-5699 kinetickidsinc.com Physical therapy delivered in home and at schools. Ages 21 and under.

Lake Norman Children's Therapy 9835 Northcross Center Court, Suite B, Huntersville 704-896-8688 lknchildrenstherapy.com Speech, occupational, physical, psychological and family therapy services.

Little Wonders 123 5113 Piper Station Drive, Suite 103 704-752-1616 littlewonders123.com Pediatric occupational therapy for children and infants in a clinic-based, supportive setting. Ages 16 and under.

Pediatric Advanced Therapy 134 Infield Court, Mooresville 704-799-6824 pediatricadvancedtherapy.com Clinic-based physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Pediatric Boulevard 2814 Gray Fox Road, Indian Trail 704-821-0568 pediatricboulevard.com Provides speech, physical, occupational, feeding and aquatic therapy services. Ages 21 and under.

Touchstone Therapy 561 N. Polk St., Pineville 704-889-7828 touchstonekids.com Full spectrum occupational and physical therapy services for children.

SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING THERAPY

Achieve Therapy Services 2301 Crown Point Executive Drive, Suite E 704-708-8314 achievetherapyclinic.com Speech and occupational therapy for children, plus family support and guidance, “fun groups� for typically developing and children with special needs, plus pediatric yoga.

Carolina Speech Therapy Feeding Therapy Clinic: 13420 Reese Blvd. West, Huntersville 704-380-0799 carolinaspeechtherapy.com Private practice specializing in providing speech-language and occupational therapy in the Lake CharlotteParent.com

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Norman, Statesville, Charlotte and surrounding areas. Ranging from birth to school age children.

Center for Speech Excellence Inc. 320 Lillington Ave., Suite 202 704-375-5231 speechexcellence.com A private speech pathology practice providing evaluation and treatment for children with communication problems, plus special programs for language and learning disabilities.

Hundreds of local resources for parents of children with special needs

charlotteparent.com/specialneeds

Charlotte Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Associates 6035 Fairview Road Charlotte and surrounding areas.

704-295-3000 ceenta.com A multi-speciality practice with a comprehensive audiology program.

Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center 741 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 100 704-523-8027 charlottespeechhearing.com Speech-language, hearing diagnostic and remediation services for all ages.

Child Language and Developmental Speech 2101 Sardis Road N., Suite112 704-845-0561 childspeechlanguage.com Early support for language difficulties.

State-licensed and nationally-certified speech experts; offers screening, evaluation and speech therapy services. Ages 3 and up.

Kidspeak Speech and Language Services 6911 Shannon Willow Road, Suite 700 704-540-3777 kidspeakinc.com Offers individual screenings, evaluations and therapy. Ages 18 and under.

Pediatric Speech and Language Services 336-541-8167 Serves the Triad, Triangle, Charlotte and Coastal North Carolina areas.

Therapists work with deaf or hard of hearing, dysphagia, apraxia and cognitivie/linguistic therapy children.

Speech, Create and Move 704-443-8247 speechmove.com Offers speech therapy with art and high-energy movement classes for

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children. Ages 3-10.

Speech Excellence Inc. 320 Lillington Ave., Suite 202 704-375-5231 speechexcellence.com A private speech pathology practice providing evaluation and treatment for children with communication problems, plus special programs for language and learning disabilities.

Speech Matters 17228 Lancaster Hwy., Suite 212 704-307-9541 speechmattersclinic.com Provides individual therapy for speech, language, and feeding issues.

Speech Unlimited, Inc. 704-794-4028 speechunlimited.net A private practice that provides speech therapy in a child's most natural environment.

Speech WISE Inc. • 3315 Springbank Lane, Suite 206 • 6000 Fairview Road 704-847-0186 speechwisenc.com Offers speech and occupational therapy for children of all ages.

The Speech Garden Institute Inc. 1235-E East Blvd., Suite 140 704-609-8255 speechgarden.org Parent education and therapy for children with speech and language disorders.

The Speech Vine 4425 Randolph Road, Suite 207 704-629-8463 thespeechvine.com Speech and language evaluations, as well as group and individual therapy.

Terrific Talkers 11535 Carmel Commons Blvd., Suite 100 704-541-3737 terrifictalkers.com Provides speech, language and communication services within a fun learning environment. Ages 18 mos.18 years.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Absolutely Special Kids (ASK) 704-522-9912 supportworks.org Share and have a good time in a relaxed setting with parents of children with special needs and

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES cerebral palsy.

Apraxia Group of Charlotte For parents who have children with apraxia of speech. Find on Facebook.

ButterflyWheel 704-940-2063 butterflywheel.com Family-focused group life coaching to enhance quality of life, deepen relationships and strengthen connections and effective communication with individuals who have disabilities.

Celiac Disease Foundation Support Groups celiac.org Support groups, led by trained patient volunteers, meet monthly to provide those living with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity critical peer-to-peer support, information and encouragement.

Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte 704-536-2163 dsacnc.org Parent group that offers moms’ night out, play dates and other chances to share mutual support.

Family Connection of South Carolina – Rock Hill 803-366-4839 familyconnectionsc.org Parent-to-parent support to help in planning, implementing and evaluating programs and services for children with special needs.

Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte 5007 Providence Road 704-364-6594 jfscharlotte.org Licensed therapists provide confidential counseling for all ages, religions and incomes, including children experiencing social and emotional issues and those who are on the autism spectrum.

KinderMourn 1320 Harding Place 704-376-2580 kindermourn.org Provides hope for bereaved parents, grieving children and teens by offering support and counseling programs.

Lake Norman Exceptional Moms Davidson 704-895-4968

angelsinneed.org For parents of children with special needs in the Lake Norman area.

Holds monthly support groups, social events, family gatherings.

The No Nuts Moms Group of Charlotte facebook.com/groups/ nonutsmomscharlotte Hosts playgroups and parent get togethers throughout the Charlotte area. Email Jessica at NNMGCharlotte@ gmail.com for information.

Parents of Allergic Kids Matthews 704-905-9603 pakcharlotte.wordpress.com Parent support group for families of children with severe food, latex and venom allergies. Holds meetings, playgroups and educational events.

Parent VOICE at Grace United Methodist Church 737 Woodlawn Road 980-406-1498 mhacentralcarolinas.org Offers monthly support groups for parents and caregivers. Every fourth Tuesday from 6-8pm.

Rodgers Christian Counseling 6412 Bannington Drive 704-840-3228 rodgerscc.com Mental health therapist who specializes in relational and healing approaches. Ages 3 and up.

TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

1st Choice Transportation Services 704-537-1819 1stchoicetsps.com Provides door-to-door transportation for school-age children, adults, the elderly and disabled.

A-1 Wheelchair Patient Transport 1121 Hawthorne Lane 704-333-9741 Shuttle service to doctor appointments or the hospital.

Adventure Vans 4765 South Blvd.

704-527-5454 adventurevans.com Provides different seating configurations and vehicle sizes that are handicap accessible.

Assistance Dogs for Autism 145 Foxfield Drive, Harmony 704-728-9494 autismassistancedog.com Assistance dogs for children with autism.

Medi-Taxi 2400 Queens City drive, Building F 704-295-1495 medi-taxiofnc.com Nonemergency wheelchair transportation to doctors appointments, rehabilitation and therapy appointments, as well as hospital discharges.

Canine Companions for Independence 8150 Carcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL 407-522-3300 cci.org Assistance dogs for children and adults.

National Special Transportation Service 1902 Sharon Forest Drive 704-372-1991 nstransports.com Nonemergency wheelchairaccessible transportation to medical appointments, treatment sessions and rehabilitative therapies.

Canines for Service 1200 N. 23 St. Suite 101, Wilmington 866-910-3647 caninesforservice.org Aims to empower people with disabilities to gain independence and enhanced quality of life through the service of specially trained dogs.

National Seating and Mobility 800 Central Ave. 704-333-8431 Rehabilitation and mobility products and services.

Carolina Mobility Sales 4025 Queen City Drive 704-399-0900 cmobilitysales.com Sells wheelchairs, mobility aids and adaptive accessories, and provides transportation.

Peoples Special Transportation 3330 Pine Meadow Drive 704-408-2637 Provides transportation for the disabled.

Carolina Specialty Transport 4838 E. Long Ave., Suite 2 704-824-2455 carolinaspec.com General and nonemergency transportation.

Stalls Medical and Adaptive Vans 9908 Albemarle Road 704-494-7222 stallsmedical.com Sells conversion vans and wheelchairaccessible vehicles, as well as wheelchair lifts.

Ilderton Conversion Company 5518 Westpark Drive 704-523-2022 ildertonvans.com Installs adaptive equipment, and sells new and pre-owned accessible vans.

Renting also available.

Totz ‘N’ Teenz on Wheelz 1925 Rothmullan Drive 980-219-7020 tntow.net Offers quality van transportation services for children.

Lundberg Specialty Transportation 15720 John J. Delaney, Suite 300 704-649-1177 Dependable transportation for mobility limitation of any kind, including wheelchair.

for more exceptional child resources, visit our directories charlotteparent.com/directories CharlotteParent.com

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A Special Needs Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Kidspeak Speech and Language Services Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Achieve Therapy Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Learning RX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover

Alexander Youth Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 & 12

Monarch NC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Autism Society of North Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Nevin's Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Brain Balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Pediatric Boulevard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Child and Family Development-Charlotte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Philips Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Child Language and Developmental Speech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Playful Connections Therapy Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Developmental Disabilities Resources, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Siber Imaging, Dr. Myra Preston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Dreamweavers Unlimited Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

The Epiphany School of Charlotte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

The Fletcher School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fast Med Urgent Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The John Crosland School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Healthy Home Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

The Speech Garden Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

InReach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Young & Polite Children's Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Integration Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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