Special Needs Resources

WE KNOW SHOPPING FOR RESOURCES PROBABLY ISN’T AT THE TOP OF YOUR DAY-OFF TO-DO LIST, so we’ve packed this handy directory with as many local support groups, recreational activities and respite programs in DallasFort Worth as we could find. If you know of something we missed or have an idea for a new listing, send your recommendations to editorial@dfwchild.com. Unbridled Horse Therapy in Flower Mound helps special needs riders reach their full potential.

ADD & ADHD Attention Deficit Disorders Association (ADDA) Southern Region Designed as a resource network to support individuals with ADHD and/or related conditions and to advocate for community resources. Support group meets from 7–8pm (the second Tuesday of the month in February, April, September and November) at the new Mesquite ISD Professional Development Center. Email opal.harris@att.net or kesmith@ mesquiteisd.org for more information. Mesquite; adda-sr.org

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Works to educate and empower others with information about ADD/ADHD by providing parents with tools and information to help their child reach their full potential. Tarrant County support group meets the fourth Monday of each month from 7–9pm at the White’s Chapel United Methodist Church (inside the Adult Education Building) in Southlake. ntxchadd.com ASPERGER’S & AUTISM AUsome Moms A nonprofit that provides support, social opportunities and education to Dallas-Fort Worth families with children on the autism spectrum. Flower Mound; ausomemoms.org

Families for Effective Autism Treatment North Texas (FEAT-NT) Provides resources, support, education and advocacy for families in the autism community. Richland Hills; featnt.org

#MomStrongFWA Fort Worth-based support group connecting moms raising children with autism, providing opportunities to share resources and friendship. Search #MomStrongFW on Facebook to join.

Our Children’s Circle Support group of parents, educators and community leaders that strives to provide resources for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. McKinney; Find information on Facebook. CHILD CARE Achievement Center of Texas Nonprofit day care and day habilitation center for children and adults with disabilities or other special needs. Also offers arts exploration, educational assistance and community inclusion. Garland; achievementcenteroftexas.org

Brighter Day Academy Fully inclusive day care for nonaggressive children with special needs, infant to age 12. Medications and breathing treatments can be given on-site if necessary. Children accepted case by case. Dallas; 214/265-8585

Calab, Inc. Provides quality individualized child care that encourages independence in individuals with disabilities. Multiple locations; calabinc.com

The Clubhouse for Special Needs Afterschool programs, school holiday programs, summer programs and all-day programs for teens and young adults (ages 13–22) with special needs. Bedford; theclubhouse.org

Easterseals North Texas Child Development Center Provides an ABA therapy program in a preschool setting for children who have autism (ages 6 weeks–6 years) and typically developing children to learn alongside one another. Carrollton; easterseals.com/northtexas

Emma’s House Provides functional, vocational and life skills to promote independence and self-sufficiency for teens and young adults with disabilities. After-school and summer programming is also available. Irving; emmashouse.net

KinderFrogs School at TCU Early childhood program (ages 18 months–6 years) designed to accommodate children with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. Fort Worth; kinderfrogs.tcu.edu

Mary’s House Provides before- and after-school care (Monday–Friday), day habilitation, activities and therapeutic options for teens ages 13 and older as well as adults with disabilities. Dalworthington Gardens; maryshouseinc.org

Mom’s Best Friend The nanny agency and babysitter service provides referrals for in-home care for children of all ages with special needs throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Carrollton; momsbestfriend.com

22 s p e c i a l n e e d s spring 2020 mas toy drive and a parent network for the families of children with cystic fibrosis. The adults-only support group meets on the second Monday of each month. Location varies; see Facebook page or email kiri@bluecaboose4cf.org for details. Dallas; bluecaboose4cf.org

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES The Arc of DFW Area An advocacy group for individuals with special needs and their families. The Arc hosts a quarterly conference, A Look Ahead, in partnership with the First United Methodist Church of Arlington and Families for Effective Autism Treatment North Texas. Get more information via email at info@thearcofdfw.org. thearcgmc.org

North Texas FASD Network Support group for parents of children and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Meets the fourth Monday of every month (except May and December) from 6:45–8:45pm in the Activities Center at First Baptist Richardson; email northtexasfasd@gmail.com for more information.

DOWN SYNDROME Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas Provides information, social and educational activities and events, and support for new parents, families and caregivers of those with Down syndrome. Fort Worth; dspnt.org

EQUESTRIAN THERAPY Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite Provides a safe, happy and healthy therapeutic community that works to empower and propel citizens with special needs to their fullest potential through therapeutic horseback riding and respite as well as vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Krugerville; blueskytexas.org

Born 2 Be Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Dedicated to safe and affordable horseback riding and carriage driving for children and adults with disabilities through smallgroup or private lessons. Riders have the opportunity to participate in the Texas Special Olympics and in exhibitions, including the Chisholm Challenge for Special Riders Horse Show held in Fort Worth each January. Sanger; born2betec.org

Equest Strengthens and rehabilitates children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and learning disabilities through equine-facilitated programs and therapies. Programs are taught by credentialed professionals and assisted by over 400 trained volunteers. Dallas; equest.org

Grace Lake Ministries, Inc. God-centered therapeutic riding program with the goal of developing wholeness in the lives of the people served. Riders include anyone in need of hope and healing, including children and adults with disabilities or social challenges. Anna; gracelakeministries.org

ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship Provides a fun, enriching and supportive environment for riders to reach their potential. Offers group, semiprivate or private lessons taught by certified riding instructors with the assistance of volunteer aides. Riders participate in pre-mounted and post-mounted horse care as much as they are able. McKinney; manegait.org

New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy Provides therapeutic horseback riding services for people with a wide variety of disabilities. Program is designed to bring hope, healing and happiness to riders by encouraging the horse and human connection. Argyle; newhopeequine.com

Riding Unlimited Provides small-group and individual lessons for age 4 to adult. Students can participate in therapeutic horsemanship classes, hippotherapy, exhibition and drill teams, Special Olympics equestrian events and shows, such as the Chisholm Challenge for Special Riders Horse Show. Ponder; ridingunlimited.org

Stable Strides Farm Therapeutic Riding Children age 2 and older and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities learn to become effective, competitive riders. Students are encouraged to ride independently as soon as safely possible. Riders participate in the Special Olympics and other competitions and shows. Flower Mound; stablestridesfarm.org

Unbridled Horse Therapy Aims to effectively intercede and encourage unrealized potential for those with special needs and disabilities through the connection between horse and rider and the use of physical, speech and behavioral therapy. Email shelly@unbridledhorsetherapy.com for more information. Flower Mound; unbridledhorsetherapy.com

Victory Therapy Center Cares for the physical, mental and emotional needs of children, adults, veterans, first responders and their families through the healing power of horses. Roanoke; victorytherapy.org

MENTAL ILLNESS Mental Health America of Greater Dallas Works to stop the stigma around mental illness and build awareness of mental health issues while providing resources from providers in the community. Offers multiple peer-led support groups at varying times. Dallas; mhadallas.org

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) North Texas Provides support, education and a community for parents and caregivers of children or adolescents experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges. Offers monthly support group and free parenting classes. North Texas area; naminorthtexas.org

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE OCD and Anxiety Support Group DFW Support group for families and friends of individuals with OCD and other anxiety disorders. Meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (except on holidays) from 6:30–8pm at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. Bedford; ocdsupportgroupdfw.wordpress.com

OCD Support Group Professionally led support group serving the Dallas, Richardson and Plano areas for parents of children with OCD, adults with OCD, family members and friends of people with OCD, and teens with OCD. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month (except December) from 7:45–9pm at the Methodist Richardson Medical Center – Bush/Renner Campus, second floor, Education Room B. Email ocdparenthelp@yahoo.com for more information.

RECREATION ACEing Autism Dallas Nonprofit organization that provides a weekly program to teach children (5–18 years) and young adults (19–30 years) on the autism spectrum the game of tennis while improving their gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and social skills. Sessions are held in the spring, summer and fall. Richardson; aceingautism.org/locations/dallas-tx

CREATIVE+ INTEGRATED approaches to speech + feeding therapy Speech | Orofacial Myofunctional | Feeding Therapy

We believe in a multi-sensory holistic approach to therapy to meet individual needs. We address lip tie, tongue tie, remediate tongue thrust to gain correct rest posture for breathing, sleeping and eating through myofunctional therapy. We move on to increasing nutritional intake and texture acceptance for our picky eaters/problem feeders then address the speech mechanism by reshaping the speech movements and phrases to aid in more effective communication through motivating play and social interaction routines.

Rebecca L. Dana, MS, CCC/SLP, PC, SIPT-C

7002 Lebanon, Suite 102 Frisco, TX 75034 469-408-4634 • F: 972-618-1051 walkeztalkez@gmail.com walkeztalkez.com

University of North Texas Speech and Hearing

New Auditory Listening Clinic Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2020.

UNT, located in Denton, TX, is offering a multidisciplinary clinic for auditory assessments and interventions directed by Erin Schafer, Ph.D., CCC-A and Lauren Mathews, M.S., CCC-SLP. This clinic specializes in individuals who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as well as any child with normal hearing who experiences listening difficulties.

Providing Lifelong Learning through Community Experiences

Serves all people with different abilities from ages three through adulthood.

HEROES Academy is a community-based, year-round day program for adults who have aged out of the school system. HEROES Academy

We provide the much-needed opportunity for individuals to become active and contributing members of the community.

JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEERING LEARNING LIFE SKILLS: money management, cooking, shopping, social skills + more RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Other programs offered:

WEEKEND RETREATS + SLEEPOVERS PARENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT CONTINUING ED COURSES SEASONAL DAY CAMPS: Summer, Winter, Spring Break SIBSHOPS: Fun activities for siblings of brothers/sisters with disabilities

heroesdfw.org For further information or to schedule a visit, email info@heroesdfw.org Like us on Facebook: HEROESCamp 972-663-5853

24 s p e c i a l n e e d s spring 2020 any disabilities; the adult team is for ages 16–60 with mental challenges. Seasons start in March and September. Register online. Rockwall; angelleague.org

Aqua-Fit Swim & Fitness Family Wellness Center Offers swimming lessons for adults and children with special needs on Saturday and Monday in suite D2. Plano; aquafitplano.com

Aqua-Tots Swim School The Special Needs Adaptive Program provides customized swim lessons to meet the individual needs of children and address specific goals set for them by their parents. Multiple locations; aqua-tots.com

Arlington TOPS Soccer Free soccer program for ages 5–25 with special or adaptive needs. Fall league includes Saturday games and two groups (ages 5–12; 13 and up). Each player receives a uniform and end-of-season trophy. Visit the Facebook page.

ASI Gymnastics Offers Gymmie Kids, a recreational gymnastics program designed to enhance motor skills, provide social interaction and build the self-esteem of children with special needs. Multiple locations; asigymnastics.com

Buddy League Provides recreational opportunities for children with special needs, allowing children with disabilities to learn baseball with their typical peers, or “buddies.” Garland; buddyleague.org

Buddy Sports at Cross Timbers YMCA Specialized program for athletes ages 5–18 with learning and physical disabilities. Athletes meet on Sunday afternoon from noon–2pm (younger kids) or 2–4pm (older kids) to have fun, exercise and be part of a team in an understanding atmosphere. The sport changes every six to seven weeks; sports include basketball, baseball, soccer and floor hockey. Registration is $25 per season. Flower Mound; crosstimbersymca.org

Camp Summit Camp for children and adults with disabilities ages (6–99). Traditional camp activities are adapted to each individual, provided in 100% barrier-free facilities and implemented by trained, caring staff. Paradise; campsummittx.org

Challenge Air for Kids & Friends Offers motivational and inspirational aviation experiences to children and youth with physical challenges. Dallas; challengeair.com

Cheer Academy Cheerleaders 5 and older learn basic cheer steps as well as tumbling moves as part of the academy’s special needs team. Contact info@cheeracademy.com. Arlington; cheeracademy.com

Coppell TOPS Soccer League Program by the Coppell Youth Soccer Association for boys and girls ages 4–19 with mental and physical disabilities. Teams organized according to physical size and ability play 8–10 noncompetitive games throughout the season. Coppell; coppellyouthsoccer.com

Crull Fitness Personal and group training for children and adults with various physical and cognitive disabilities through the Champions Challenge program. Richardson; crull-fitness.com

Dallas Jr. Wheelchair Mavericks Basketball In this wheelchair league, kids are divided into two groups: two varsity teams and a prep team. Dallas; dallasjuniorwheelchairmavericks.org ABOVE // Individuals with disabilities develop more independence through activities with RISE Adaptive Sports.

Dallas Sled Stars The Dallas Stars Foundation supports this sled hockey league that caters to athletes with limited mobility, amputees and typical athletes with leg and hip injuries. The youth league runs September through May. Contact dfwsledhockey@gmail.com. Farmers Branch; dallassledstars.com

Dana’s Studio of Dance Kids age 10 and up can join a special needs hip-hop class on Monday from 6:45–7:45pm. Keller; danastudio.com

Emler Swim School Teaches the lifesaving skill of swimming to children with special needs in a fun, positive environment. Multiple locations; emlerswimschool.com

Encore School of Dance Offers No Boundaries, coed classes for dancers with special needs and abilities, age 5 and up. Sign up online or at the studio. Saginaw; encoreschoolofdance.com

Especially Needed Builds a strong sense of unity for individuals with special needs by offering familyfriendly events throughout the year. McKinney; especiallyneeded.org

Express Cheer Offers a Shining Stars cheerleading team for children with special needs. Practices are on Mondays from 5:30–6:30pm. For more information, email kiki@expresscheer.com. Frisco; expresscheer.com

Irving Parks and Recreation Special Olympics Program Athletes age 15 and up can take part in basketball, volleyball, golf and bowling programs adapted to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Practice is scheduled on Tuesdays from 5:30–7pm but might vary. Email Emory Caballero at ecaballero@cityofirving.org. Irving; cityofirving.org

Jumpstreet Hosts a semiprivate indoor trampoline event on the first Saturday of the month for children with special needs and their siblings. Multiple locations; gotjump.com

Keller ATA Martial Arts Offers classes on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:15pm for children and adults with special needs and participates in tournaments that offer divisions for special abilities competitors. Instructors have experience working with students with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other conditions. Keller; kellerata.com

Metroplex Adaptive Water Sports (MAWS) Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for persons with all types of disabilities to experience water sports. Dallas; youcanski.org

BEST EVER Summer EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE Additional camps online at dfwchild.com/directory Summer

Plano Hive: 6105 Windcom Ct. Suite 400, Plano, TX 75093 Frisco Hive: 8501 Wade Blvd. Building 12, Frisco, TX 75034 971-312-8733 behaviorexchange.com

ABA therapy makes happy campers out of everyone.

ABA therapy services combined with a fun curriculum of activities to bring about measurable improvements in the behavior of children with autism. We collect and analyze extensive data from each therapy session, so we can ensure every child is making progress on their goals. Our unique learning programs and proven ABA therapy techniques help children:

• Communicate better• Successfully participate in group activities • Get ready for school • Develop their social skills

All in a colorful, caring, and engaging environment. Once you see the results, you can’t help but be happy. Reserve your spot today! Our programs, including Summer Camp, are covered by insurance in most cases.

270 Private Rd. 3475 Paradise, TX 76073 972-484-8900 camp@campsummittx.org campsummittx.org

Residential • Day Program • Camp • Respite

20250 FM 619, Elgin, TX 78621 512-856-0128 DownHomeRanch.org Camp Summit is a one-of-a-kind camp for children and adults with disabilities. Campers enjoy a variety of activities adapted to their individual needs, including horseback riding, archery, swimming, ropes course, photography, arts & crafts and more. Weeklong overnight camp sessions are held throughout Spring, Summer and Fall for campers age 6–99. Financial assistance is available.

Camp Summit is located in Paradise, Texas, just north of DFW on 460 acres of land. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed as a Youth Camp in the State of Texas.

SUMMER CAMP FOR ADULTS 18+ Ranch Camp is designed for people with disabilities to build confidence by encouraging social connections and supporting the development of new interests. Traditional camp activities are implemented by trained staff, maintaining a 1 to 5 staff/volunteer to camper ratio. • Hayrides • Kayaking • Farm Animals • Archery • Fishing • … and more! Located in Elgin, TX, just east of Austin at a year-round residential community for adults with disabilities.

SEEKING PARENTS WHO UNDERSTAND SPECIAL NEEDS

Make a difference in the life of a child by becoming a foster parent

LEARN MORE AT OUR MONTHLY ORIENTATION

JPKIDS.ORG 972-303-5303 X214

Spring Break Wonders at the Modern March 9–12 Two sessions each day; 11–11:45 am & 2–2:45 pm

Take advantage of family programming at the Modern over the course of the week while your school-aged children are on Spring Break. Each unique session includes a tour and gallery project focusing on selected works in the special exhibition, Mark Bradford: End Papers. Arrive early, this program fills quickly. Attendance is limited to 45 children per session; admission is free.

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell Street Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817.738.9215

Free Spring Break Monday The Museum will be FREE and open to the public on March 9 from 10 am–5 pm.

enjoy playing, growing and learning through adaptive team sports. Basketball launched last fall; for more information, reach out via email to heather.gregg@ miracleleagueofdallas.com. Dallas; miracleleagueofdallas.com

Miracle League of DFW Provides an opportunity for children with physical or mental challenges to play baseball. Arlington; miracleleaguedfw.com

Miracle League of Frisco Offers seven sports for children and young adults (ages 5–22) with special needs, with attainable goals set and assistance provided by a buddy or volunteer. Seasons run from January–October. Frisco; friscomiracleleague.org

Miracle League of Irving Provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball, regardless of ability level. The spring season runs March–July; fall season runs September–November. Irving; irvingymca.org

Miracle League of Southlake Baseball league for ages 5 and up with all abilities and special needs, including high-functioning autism, vision impairment and limited mobility. Games last two innings and each player is assigned a typical buddy. Email tom@miracleleagueofsouthlake.com. Southlake; miracleleagueofsouthlake.com

The Palaestra The developmental gymnastics program offers private lessons and group integration classes for tumblers of all ages with all mental disabilities and most physical disabilities. (Children who use wheelchairs might be limited.) Farmers Branch; thepalaestradallas.com

Plano Metropolitan Ballet – Pals Program A free, weekly ballet class tailored especially to children with special needs. PMB Pals have the opportunity to perform at the annual Plano Metropolitan Ballet Junior Company Jubilee. Plano; planometballet.org

RISE Adaptive Sports Promotes independence for individuals with physical disabilities through sports, recreation and other outdoor events and programs. Irving; riseadaptivesports.org

Southwest Wheelchair Athletic Association (SWAA) Provides wheelchair sled hockey (at Farmers Branch location), fencing, track and other sports for people with disabilities. Multiple locations; swaasports.org

Special Abilities of North Texas Supports adults with disabilities through programs and events, including a health and fitness program, creative arts program and opportunities to visit local attractions and sporting events. specialabilities.net

Special Needs Gymnastics Coaches work individually and in groups with students of all ages and skill levels who have disabilities to help athletes achieve success. In addition to gymnastics, the program offers art, music, swimming, cycling and life skills. Multiple locations; specialneedsgymnastics.com and lovesng.org

Special Olympics Texas Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Unified Sports program brings athletes with and without disabilities together on the same team in order to promote inclusion in sports and everyday life. Statewide; sotx.org

Special Strong Specialized health, nutrition and fitness services, including private training and boot camps for children and adults with special needs. DallasFort Worth area; specialstrong.com

Spirit Xtreme Spirit Xtreme’s Rejoice is a coed special needs all-star team for athletes with an intellectual and/or physical disability who love to cheer, dance and perform. Contact melissa@spirit-xtreme.com. Southlake; spirit-xtreme.com

Starcatchers Provides youth and adults with opportunities to shine through drama, music, dance and visual art. From large theater productions to intimate art summer camps, participants further the development of social, communication, motor and cognitive skills. Multiple locations; starcatchers.org

Texas Cutez Serves children with special needs of all ages and abilities as they learn and make friends on a cheerleading team. Lewisville; texascutez.com

Wet Zone Waterpark Angel Swim Open swim for members of the community with special needs and their families during summer months. Rowlett; rowlett.com/parksandrec

Serving the needs of learning-different students for more than 30 years

• PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL • SMALL CLASS SIZES • SOCIAL LEARNING CURRICULUM AT ALL GRADE LEVELS • SENSORY MOTOR LAB • SPEECH AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ON SITE • SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS IN PRESCHOOL THROUGH FIRST GRADE CLASSROOMS • TRANSITIONS SKILLS AND JOB READINESS • SUMMER CAMPS

Oak Hill Academy is dedicated to providing individualized academic and social-emotional learning programs not found in traditional learning environments. Through a multi-sensory instructional model, we take a whole-child approach, preparing our students for life after graduation.

9407 MIDWAY ROAD, DALLAS 75220 | 214-353-8804 | oakhillacademy.org

New Beginnings Start Here

We do everything we can to help get a kid back on track, whether that is in the family, social or school arena.

BPBC where kids become kids again

Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center

A Child, Teen & Family Counseling Center

17210 Campbell Road, Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75252 972-250-1700 www.drbeckloff.com

RESPITE CARE APT G Held the third Saturday of the month (September–May) from 7–9:30pm at First United Methodist Allen. Grades six and up. Free; register online by the prior Thursday. Allen; firstallen.org

Arise Held one Saturday a month from 5:30–8:30pm at Irving Bible Church. All ages are welcome. Free. Irving; irvingbible.org

Breakaway A respite night for kids with special needs (all ages) and their siblings (0–12 years) on the third Friday of the month, except June, July and December. RSVP required; contact emmaw@christchapelbc.org. Fort Worth; ccbcfamily.org

Bryan’s Buddies Takes place one Friday a month from 6:30–9:30pm at First Grapevine. Ages 3–18. The care is free; contact Joyce King at fumcdt@gmail.com. Grapevine; firstmethodistgrapevine.org

Friday Night Respite Takes place the last Friday of the month from 5:30–8:30pm at First Methodist Manfield. Dinner provided. All ages welcome. Free; register online. Mansfield; firstmethodistmansfield.org

Friday NITE Friends A respite program for ages 0–15 and their siblings (up to age 12) on Friday evenings from 6–10pm. Plano; fridaynitefriends.org Dallas; mungerplace.org; Highland Park United Methodist Church: Dallas; hpumc.org

Parents’ Night Out Held by First Baptist Church Allen one Saturday a month during the school year. Open to kindergarten through sixth grade. Allen; fbcallen.org

SIBLING CLASSES

Cook Children’s Sib2Sib Program Free program for siblings of

patients with a chronic illness or a life-changing injury. Crafts and games encourage communication. Groups for ages 5–7 and for ages 8–12 meet every other month; there are occasional field trips and camps for ages 13–24 and overnight camps for ages 13–18. Fort Worth; cookchildrens.org

FEAT-North Texas Sibshops Sibshops held annually at the FEAT-NT Resource Center and Library. Books on sibling issues, autism and a range of other disabilities and related topics available for parents and children to check out. Richland Hills; featnt.org

HEROES Sibshops Allows siblings of children with disabilities to participate in fun and exciting activities. Workshops take place one Saturday a month starting in March. Richardson; heroesdfw.org

TOURETTE SYNDROME Tourette Association of Texas Serves area families with a loved one who has Tourette syndrome or an associated disorder. Irving; tourettetexas.org/dallas-northtexas

Harvey’s Kids Takes place the second Saturday of every month from 5–8pm at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church. Reservations required. Carrollton; hcumc.org

Kids Night Out For ages 1–11 and their siblings on the second Friday of each month (except June and July) from 5:45–8:45pm. $20 per family or $40 for four or more kids; reservations required. Email dianned@plano.gov to let her know if you will be bringing siblings. Plano; plano.gov

Loving Hands Ministry Offers respite care during the school year for kids up to age 16 and their siblings up to age 10 from 5:30–8:30pm at First United Methodist Church. Check website for meeting dates. Coppell; fumccoppell.org

Night Lights Takes place from 6–10pm on the first, second and third Friday of every month (except January and July) at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church; the first Friday of the month at White Rock United Methodist Church; and the third Friday of the month at Christ Foundry United Methodist Mission (for Spanish-speaking families). Free; registration required. Dallas; raysoflightdallas.org

NightOWLS Happens on the second Friday of the month at Munger Place Church from 6–10pm for ages 6 months–12 years. At the Highland Park United Methodist Church, NightOWLS takes place on the first and third Friday each month at the same time for ages 6 months–12 years. Email sweeneyr@mungerplace. org and nightowls@hpumc.org, respectively, for more information. Munger Place Church:

services a resourceful guide for your special needs

We provide services to children and adults. • 1-on-1 in center & in home ABA therapy • Social Skills • Community Outings • Naturalistic Teaching • Interactive Approach • Social Skills Group • Community Outings • Speech Therapy Available

ABA Interactive Behavioral Therapy 817-849-5802 abainteractive.org

A One-Of-A-Kind Camp Camp Summit is a residential camp for children and adults with disabilities where the emphasis is on the campers’ abilities rather than their disabilities. Traditional camp activities are adapted to each camper, provided in our barrier-free facilities, and implemented by trained, caring staff. Campers are grouped by age, providing the opportunity to make friends within peer groups while experiencing new adventures.

Camp Summit 270 Private Rd. 3475, Paradise, TX 76073 972-484-8900 • camp@campsummittx.org campsummittx.org

Language Works/Rainbow Kidz Language Works/Rainbow Kidz provides low-cost, high therapeutic interventions and therapies both 1:1 and in small groups using the principles of ABA and the analysis of verbal behavior. We offer individual therapy, social skills classes, recreational classes, handwriting, sibling classes, Saturday classes and summer/holiday break classes at affordable prices.

Andrea Gamble M.Ed., BCBA 2155 Marsh Ln. Ste. 132, Carrollton, TX 75006 972-306-3189 • gamblea@yahoo.com www.languageworksllc.com • Social-emotional counseling • Academic coaching, tutoring & learning support • Educational consulting & school placement • Schedule summer camp now to build executive functioning, study & social skills • Office or travel to student’s home is optional

Sparkman Counseling & Educational Consulting, PLLC Laura L. Sparkman, M.S., LPC, NCC 6060 N. Central Expy. #222, Dallas, TX 75206 469-414-3424 laura@sparkmancounselingtx.com sparkmancounselingtx.com

Increase communication. Decrease behavior. Improve quality of life.

Now enrolling new Dallas location at 635 and Hillcrest!

The Helm ABA Allen. Lewisville. Dallas. In-Home. 469-730-0925 www.TheHelmABA.com

ENROLLING NOW ROCKWALL & GREENVILLE Our program includes an on-site therapy clinic, where students receive ABA Therapy throughout the day in addition to participating in an accredited educational program.

• ABA Therapy • Indoor Motor Lab • Speech Therapy • Social Skills Group • Occupational Therapy • Summer Camp

Marigold Learning Academy ABA Therapy Center 401 W. Washington St., Rockwall, TX 75087 972-722-3892 • MarigoldLearningAcademy@gmail.com MarigoldLearningAcademy.com

To advertise in the Services section, call 972-447-9188 or email advertising@dfwchild.com

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COMPILED BY EMILY YEARWOOD ILLUSTRATION MARY DUNN

WITH EACH WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY, MY DAUGHTER HAS GAINED MORE INDEPENDENCE AND, EVENTUALLY, ASKED TO BE DROPPED OFF AND LEFT TO FIND HER WAY. WHEN I PICKED HER UP, MRS. DEBBIE TOLD ME THAT MARIA EAGERLY PARTICIPATES IN SONGS AND RAISES HER HANDS TO PARTICIPATE. SUCH A GRATEFUL MOMENT.” —Whitney, Preston Hollow. Her daughter Maria, 12, has fetal alcohol syndrome disorder.

Sometimes being a parent is one part funny, one part trying, one part exhausting—and all parts rewarding. Here’s a roundup of our current favorites. Mom Truths

“Every week, our special needs son eats pasta, which consists of Heart Smart Prego, rotini noodles and meat. Dad accidentally grabbed the kind with colored noodles. Our son’s response: ‘Mom, I can’t eat these—they have crayons in them!’” —Dianna, Dallas. Her son Nathan, 12, has autism spectrum disorder.

Got a humorous or heartwarming moment to share? We’d love to hear from you. Send it to editorial@dfwchild.com. “My nonverbal son crawled up into our truck and locked himself in with the keys. We tried to get him to open the door, but he just sat there with his tablet waving at us. We had to call the fire department. My son saw the fire truck, unlocked the door and quickly hopped out to get in the fire truck. The firemen even let him try out some gear.” —Adri, Rowlett. Her daughter Harley, 4, and son Gauge, 7, both have autism. Her son also has ADHD and is nonverbal.

MY GREATGRANDSON AND I ARE IN THE CAR ONE DAY TRYING TO DECIDE ON A LUNCH SPOT. HERE’S HOW IT WENT. IAN: NANA, DO YOU LIKE HOOTERS? ME: SURE, I LIKE HOOTERS. IAN: ME TOO. BUT IT’S NOT BECAUSE I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND THERE OR KNOW ANYONE.” —Carolyn, Benbrook. She is the greatgrandmother of a 7-year-old with autism.

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Where there’s a story, we’ll be there. Let us know what matters to you at dallasnews.com/matters

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KIDS BELIEVE ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. SO DO WE.

Kids. They’re unstoppable. Inspirational. Amazing. And one-of-a-kind kids deserve health care to match. That’s why at Children’s Health SM , we do more than treat illnesses and injuries. Our experts are dedicated to helping kids feel like kids again. Because at Children’s Health, KIDS RULE.