LONG ISLAND
SpecialParent NYMETROPARENTS.COM
SPRING 2021
Providing Services For Over 500 Years
The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for-profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 11 years of age with learning, language and social delays, motor Impairments and autism with no direct cost to families: • Evaluations • Early intervention (Birth–3) • SEIT • CSE Itinerant Services • ABA Home Programs
• Related Services: - Speech - OT/PT - Parent Training - Family Support Services
• Special Ed Classes: - Pre-School (3-5) - School-Age (5-11) - inclusion
750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-6000
www.littlevillage.org
Funded and Regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Departments of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department Early Intervention (EI) and Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evaluations must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare. 2
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Learn more at: www.advantagecaredtc.org Call Us Today! 516-686- 4400 Advantage Care Health Centers are state-of-the-art centers that provide: • Primary & Preventive Medical Care For Children And Adults • Comprehensive & Preventative Dental Care For Children And Adults • Psychiatric Medication Management • Psychological Diagnostic Assessments We accept • Psychoeducational Evaluations Medicaid, • Social Skills Therapy Groups Medicare, • Psychotherapy and Managed • Psychiatry Care Plans • Podiatry • Women’s Health The health center specializes in providing services to children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and the general public.
We provide services regardless of your ability to pay. Sliding fees! Bilingual Staff! FREEPORT 230 Hanse Avenue
BROOKVILLE AHRC Nassau’s Campus, 189 Wheatley Road
NOW OFFERING
Tele-Health Services: A Vital New Health Care Lifeline Primary Care, Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Tele Dental Care advcarefqhc
AdvCareFQHC
AdvCareFQHC
advantagecarefqhc NYMetroParents Camp Guide
3
Focusing on Abilities
In an effort to better help parents of children with special needs, we present the Spring 2021 issue of Special Parent! It’s full of advice and services for your child—all geared toward the specific needs of your family, including tips to avoid comparing your child to others, common stereotypes of ausim that just aren’t true, the benefits of having a pet, why “me” time is important for parents, and resources for individuals with special needs. For even more great advice to help you make better decisions for your kids, from what to do with your children today, tomorrow, and next week to choosing the best after-school program to local news, visit nymetroparents.com. And stay up to date on all the best family fun in your area by signing up for The Scoop newsletter at nymetroparents.com/register! Katelin Walling Editorial Director
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
NYMetroParents.com @NYMetroParents
facebook.com/nymetroparents
@nymetroparents
The Scoop
nymetroparents.com/register
To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com
inside
6 Autism Myths You Should Ignore Here are the five biggest misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder. 12 Avoiding Comparison Here’s what you can do to limit comparing your child to others. 16 Taking Care of Your Needs Why ‘me’ time is so important for parents of children with special needs, plus ideas for self-care 20 The Benefits of Pets 7 ways a child with special needs can benefit from having a pet. 22 Special Needs Resources 23 Advertisers’ Index
4
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
SpecialParent
5
Autism Myths You Should Ignore
There are a lot of stereotypes about autism spectrum disorder that just aren’t true—here are the five biggest misconceptions. By Katelin Walling
Despite what many people may think, individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder do like spending time with peers. In fact, interacting with people on the spectrum is the best way to battle these misconceptions.
W
hile the awareness of autism spectrum disorder has grown due to social media, increased research, Autism Awareness Month, and more, there are still many misconceptions about ASD, from its causes to the characteristics and abilities of those on the spectrum. As its name denotes, autism is a spectrum, meaning not everyone diagnosed with autism displays the same traits, exhibits the same behaviors, or has the same abilities— just like you or me. Applying blanket statements to those on the spectrum would be like saying girls can’t throw or boys don’t cry. We spoke to experts about stereotypes of ASD and uncovered the truth behind five big misconceptions about the disorder and those diagnosed with it.
6
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Syosset Campus
Levittown Campus
47 Humphrey Dr, Syosset, NY 11791 (516) 921-7171
72 Farmedge Rd, Levittown, NY 11756 (516) 490-3301
FOR CHILDREN • Evaluations
• School-Age Special Education Classes (K-2nd Grade)
• Early Intervention (EI) • Preschool Special Education Classes • Bilingual (Spanish) Preschool Education Class
• Preschool Special Education Itinerant Services (SEIS) • Related Services
• English Language Learner Classes
• ABA Home Program
• Preschool Special Education Class in an Integrated Setting (SCIS)
• Family Center Respite Programs
FOR FAMILIES
• Childcare* (at Levittown)
* fee-for-service
FOR PROFESSIONALS
• Parent Counseling/Parent Training • Parent Education and Support Groups • Family Center Respite Program
• Professional Development* • Internships • Consultations*
* fee-for-service
Early Intervention (EI) & Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability & are eligible based on NYSDOH or NYSED guidelines. For Early Intervention, referrals are made to NCDOH or SCDOH dependent on your residence. For preschool, referrals are made to your local school district CPSE. Type of services, frequency, location & provider are determined by the municipality for EI & the school district for CPSE. Families have no out of pocket expense but are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare. All therapists & teachers are licensed and/or certied according to NYSDOH & NYSED regulations.
Visit us online at
www.vclc.org Follow us on social media @varietychildlearningcenter
Myth 1: Vaccines cause autism. Unfortunately, we do still hear the misconception that autism is related to vaccinations, commonly the measles, mumps, rubella vaccination, says Sarah Kuriakose, Ph.D., BCBA-D, statewide director of psychology services at NYS Office of Mental Health. “Not only was the initial study that showed that a fraudulent study, but follow-up studies have debunked that many times,” she explains. There are other concerns that autism is caused by “various environmental factors that a pregnant mother may be exposed to,” says John Pfeifer, assistant executive director at Life’s WORC, a Long Island nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities and autism. “There’s still ongoing research about the expansion of electromagnetic technology and various environmental chemicals and such that may be at play, but not knowing everything in the environment that may be affecting a fetus, either seen or unseen, makes it hard to decipher that.” “What we do know about autism is there seems to be a genetic component, and about 10- to 20-percent of cases with ASD are linked to an identified genetic disorder,” Dr. Kuriakose says. “We anticipate that that number will go up with more genetics research. But even in identical twins, the concordance rate is not 100-percent, so we know there is some factor that is not genetic as well.”
Myth 2: People on the spectrum are anti-social and don’t have feelings. Dr. Kuriakose says parents, teachers, and even doctors will tell her things like, “that child can’t have autism because…he’s affectionate, …she makes eye contact, or …he’s interested in other kids.” “So what can end up happening is people have this very black-and-white picture that a person with autism is someone who is anti-social and isn’t interested in other people,” she says. “We know that those aren’t necessarily true.” Yet thanks to this persistent myth, a child who does have autism might not be given a diagnosis—his parents may be hanging on to the fact that their child is affectionate though he is struggling in other ways. “It is often thought that people with autism don’t have feelings, which is a very sad misconception and very far from the truth,” adds Janet Koch, CEO of Life’s WORC.
Myth 3: People with autism exhibit challenging and/or maladaptive behaviors. “It’s not fair to say that challenging behaviors are inherent in the diagnosis,” Pfeifer says. “They are often a byproduct of ineffective treatment of some of the things that are 8
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Representing Parents of Children with Disabilities
Special Education Law Services
•Representation at CSE meeting to obtain appropriate programming, support services, accomodations • Negotiation—resolve disputes between parents and school districts • Litigation at Impartial Hearings • Consultation Services— case assessment, options, legal entitlements • Representation in disciplinary matters
Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy & Associates 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 603 Westbury, New York 11590 Phone: (516) 221-8133 Fax: (561) 221-3011 website: www.susandeedylaw.com email: sdeedy@susandeedylaw.com www.facebook.com/susandeedyempowered SpecialParent
9
inherent in the diagnosis, which are communication and socialization difficulties.” These behaviors could include flapping hands, rocking, or other self-stimulatory behaviors. “We still, unfortunately, have the misconception from previous media portrayals that kids with autism are nonverbal, are going to sit in the corner, and just rock or flap their hands,” Dr. Kuriakose says. As society becomes more educated about autism, people are learning about adapting communication efforts. “It could actually help a person [on the spectrum] to not escalate to such a significant behavior because they’ll be able to communicate more easily with people who have been taught how to communicate with them,” Koch says.
Myth 4: Those on the spectrum are savants and/or are fixated on one topic. The media commonly portrays those with autism as being savants or having restricted interest in a singular subject: Sam Gardner in Netflix’s Atypical and Shaun Murphy in ABC’s The Good Doctor are two recent portrayals. “Certainly, we have kids and adults with autism who have an amazing depth of knowledge in a particular area, incredible memory, incredible pattern recognition skills, things like that that are going to set them up for a particular career,” Dr. Kuriakose says, but not all individuals with ASD show these characteristics. In fact, the most recent criteria for an autism diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fall into two categories: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRB). There are four traits that fall under the RRB category—repetitive speech or behavior/mannerisms, restricted interest, sensory challenges, and difficulty with transitions or insistence on sameness—and a person needs to only exhibit two of those traits (and meet criteria from the social communication category) to receive a diagnosis of autism, according to Dr. Kuriakose. “So, you could have a kid who has some sensory challenges and insistence on sameness without any restricted interest at all and you could still have the diagnosis,” she says.
Myth 5: People with ASD can’t go to college, have jobs, or get married. Because some people with autism may struggle with social situations, have communication challenges, and have difficulty with flexibility, there’s the misconception that they will not be able to attend higher education, have a job, or get married and have kids. “There are lots of examples of folks with autism who do successfully do those 10
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
things, and the big thing that’s important is it’s all about the supports the environment can provide,” Dr. Kuriakose says. When working with a patient who is looking at colleges or employment opportunities, Dr. Kuriakose looks for a setting that is supportive of that patient’s strengths and challenges. In fact, “a lot of individuals with autism are actually really great, dedicated, passionate employees, but it has to be a setting that can understand that they might process information and interact in ways that are slightly different from typical.” In terms of getting married, Dr. Kuriakose says there are quite a few instances where she’s diagnosed a child with autism, and a few months later their parent will observe that they’re seeing some of the same characteristics in themselves or another family member. “And these are all people who had families,” she says. So how can we continue to combat these and other myths about people on the spectrum? “Just like with any other group, you shed your misconceptions when you have more close relationships with people in that group,” Dr. Kuriakose says. “I really would encourage people to engage with lots of individuals with autism.”
SpecialParent 11
Avoiding Comparison While it’s normal to sometimes compare your child to others, it’s important to try to limit it. Here’s what you can do. By Linda DiProperzio
S
ocial media has given us a bird’s eye view into everyone’s life, with parents posting about their kids’ achievements, milestones, celebrations, and more. For any parent, the instinct to compare their children to others can be hard to resist. And for a parent of a child with special needs, it can bring another level of stress and anxiety into the fold. “Comparison is natural and learning not to compare your child with a disability to others takes effort, but it will get easier with practice and time,” explains Melanie Musson, with LifeInsurancePost.com. Musson is also the parent of a child with special needs. “While you’ll always see differences between your child and their typical peers, you can train your mind not to focus on that.” Not sure where to start? Follow these simple steps to help you get off the comparison train.
12
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Realize it is normal. All parents compare their kids to other children from time to time, so it isn’t something to feel guilty about. Engaging in the behavior doesn’t mean you don’t love your child, so give yourself a break, points out Joy Gandell, a parenting, critical life skills, and learning coach.
Admit it’s a waste of time. Comparing two different people to one another will only lead to unhappiness, negativity, and a whole lot of stress. As parents in general, you should always keep this in mind. Once you remind yourself of this, you’ll soon find yourself doing it less often and eventually stop altogether, notes Jessica Robinson of The Speaking Polymath.
Look at the positive. All the magic lies in our perception, Robinson says. “If you can see the positive traits in
LONG ISLAND SPEECH Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists
TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE!
Specializing in the Treatment & Correction of: • Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders
• • • • • •
Deviate Swallowing Tongue Thrust Feeding & Swallowing Problems/Aversions Thumb Sucking Articulation Disorders Oral Facial Muscle Weakness
Specialized Therapy Approches Including: • PROMPT • Individual Feeding Therapy • Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy
Locations in: East Yaphank | Farmingville | Stony Brook | Commack | Islip Terrace | Jericho | Wantagh | New Hyde Park
844-5-SPEECH | www.LIspeech.com
Background Vectors by Vecteezy
SpecialParent 13
your child, you’ll naturally stop comparing him/her with anyone. So, you should try to look for at least one new positive trait in your child on a daily basis.”
Celebrate your child’s uniqueness. Although it can be hard not to think about the things your child can’t do, try to focus on their strengths and what makes them unique, recommends Marissa Labuz, founder of TeachingLittles.com and a pediatric occupational therapist who works with children with special needs. “Their uniqueness is what will set them apart as they get older, and they may even have special abilities or talents that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
Verbalize those strengths. There is a tendency to discuss weaknesses as those things are thought about, talked about, written, printed, and talked about again in many meetings. Let’s do the same thing with strengths, says Janelle Vargo, Director of Education for Wonder Media, an animation production company that creates content to educate children in an entertaining and positive way. If there aren’t a lot of strengths listed or required in your meetings, you’ll have to do this part on your own. And don’t be afraid to remind teachers, administrators, therapists, and doctors of all of the wonderful things your child has accomplished throughout the year. It can also be helpful to have your child focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities, especially when they’re feeling discouraged by something. For 6 steps to help your child (and you!) focus on their abilities, visit nymetroparents.com/abilities.
See the reality. Remind yourself that what you see from other children is often a highlight reel much like what we see on social media, says Kathy Heath, an autism awareness advocate behind TheAutismEdit.com and mom of three children, including one on the autism spectrum. Remember, no child is perfect, and no parent has it easy.
Join a good support group. Find fellow parents of kids with special needs. They’ll understand your struggles and help you feel like you’re not alone, Musson says. Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons. 14
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
School Districts ask their attorneys what is the minimum amount of services the law requires them to provide to special education students. Law Offices of
Why shouldn’t you ask your attorney what the maximum amount of services the law requires the School District to provide?
Brad H. Rosken, PLCC Counselor at Law
(631) 379-9569 www.specialcounselor.com Brad@specialedcounselor.com
Going for your child’s first Individual Education Plan (IEP) and don’t know what to expect? I can give you the answers to those questions and many more, as your attorney, I solve problems.
Y
CH
CE
IE T
ADDRESS: 72 Farmedge Road Levittown, NY 11756
NT
VA R
ER
Chi l
m ra
d
Care Prog
IL D L E A R NI N
G
o Preschool Integrated Class o Pre-K Integrated Class
6 weeks to 5 years old
Monday - Friday 6:45 AM - 6:30 PM Licensed by NYS OCFS
Quality Child Care for all Children
o Infant Class: 6 weeks old - 18 months old o Toddler Class: 18 months old - 3 years old
PHONE: 516-490-3301 ext. 3149
(Office of Children and Family Services)
Before & After Care AVAILABLE!
o Before & After school care for 3,4 & 5 years old (M-F 7:00AM -8:30AM & 2:30PM - 6:30PM)
Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate for the age of each child, focusing on social and emotional development and building skills for future school success.
SpecialParent 15
Taking Care of Your Needs Why ‘me’ time is so important for parents of children with special needs, plus ideas for self-care By Linda DiProperzio
B
eing a parent is hard work, and for moms and dads who have a child with special needs, the day-to-day can be especially taxing on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. That’s why selfcare for parents of children with special needs is especially important—and luckily, taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be expensive or even leisurely. “Self-care is any purposeful action that improves your physical, mental, or emotional well-being,” explains Stacy Spensley, a certified holistic health coach and founder of The Semi-Crunchy Mama Club. “Making sure that parents stay healthy can make caregiving easier on everyone.” In fact, did you know scheduling 15-20 minutes a date of “me” time can reduce stress, prevent caregiver burnout, and help you be a better, more present parent? If you’re ready, here are some easy ways to show yourself some love.
16
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Ask for help. Find someone you trust to watch your kids when you need a break. “It’s essential to line up dependable help who can assist and care for children with special needs while parents take care of their emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs to reset and refresh their well-being,” explains Karen Aronian, Ed.D., a parenting and education expert.
Get outside. Let the beauty of nature feed your soul, suggests Dana Humphrey, a life coach based in Queens. Walking has been shown to be valuable in improving mental health, particularly depression, so try to walk daily.
Reward yourself each day. This isn’t about going out and spending money on designer clothes. It can be as simple as sitting alone on the porch looking at the sky for 10 minutes, taking an extra-long shower, texting someone you haven’t spoken with in a long time, buying a bouquet of flowers for yourself, etc., says Sarah Farmer, M.A., a special needs parent advocate and the mom of a daughter with special needs.
ABA Psychological Services, P.C.
• Is your child with autism struggling to make friends?
• Are you tired of dealing with tantrums and challenging behavior in your home and in the community? ABA Psychological Services has programs designed to help your child and your family. We are a private ABA agency focused on providing the highest quality therapy based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to children and adults with autism. We provide services in the home, community, and our clinic setting. We focus on teaching skills that are necessary for success in life. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create treatment plans that decrease tantrums, agression, self-injurious behavior, stereotypy, property destruction, noncompliance, and food selectivity. Some behaviors we may teach include language, social skills, self-help skills, play skills, staying on task, toileting, eating a variety of foods, as well as coping skills. We work with all individuals across the spectrum.
We accept most major insurances! Call us today (516) 294-5000
436 Willis Ave 2nd Floor, Williston Park, NY 11596 abapsychologicalservices.com
SpecialParent 17
Schedule your “me” time. Make sure any special time for yourself—whether it’s working out, having lunch with friends, or getting a manicure—is in your calendar or it will likely get pushed aside to take care of someone else’s needs.
Join an online group. Farmer suggests finding an online support group for parents of children with special needs that will serve as a safe space to vent, share ideas, mourn, share successes and failures, and more. “It’s a forum where you can be totally honest and not be judged,” she says. “These parents will ‘get’ you in a way no other set of parents will.
Just say no. This can be one of the hardest things to do, but it’s an absolute necessity for your overall well-being. Creating boundaries and learning to say no also helps to bring your goals into sharper focus, Humphrey notes.
See a professional (if needed). If you are feeling overwhelmed to the point of depression, have thoughts of self-harm, or feel anger with your child or yourself, find a professional who understands your situation and can give you tools for making life easier at home. If you aren’t functioning well mentally, it’s tough to parent a child with special needs, Farmer points out.
Be kind to yourself. Yes, the situation can be hard, but you are doing it. Give yourself some credit, some selfcompassion, and some kindness! Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons. 18
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Does Your Child Struggle With Reading, Speech, OT or Another Learning Challenge? In-Person, Full Day, 5 Days
Vincent Smith School (Est. 1924) Grades 1-12
• • • •
Specializing in Dyslexia, ADHD, School Anxiety Small Classes (Avg. 5 Students) On-Site Related Services Special Ed. Teachers; Wilson-Certified Reading
Rolling Admissions All Year! Email admin@vincentsmithschool.org or call us for a Zoom or in-person tour--we'd love to meet you! 322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, NY • (516) 365-4900 • vincentsmithschool.org Registered with NYS Bd. of Regents. We are a non-profit org. open to all, without regard to race, gender, or nationality.
N E S S B E H AV I O R C O N S U LT I N G
ABA Therapy for children with Autism
FOR LONG ISLAND PARENTS OF KIDS WITH AUTISM... Do you feel like they’ve tried just about EVERYTHING? At NESS BEHAVIOR CONSULTING, we take a small, tight-knit approach to our services, consulting, and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy.
All major private insurance accepted
• We give each family and child personalized care, without letting anyone fall through the cracks • We listen to each family’s specific needs and mold the solution around what will replace certain unwanted, maladaptive behaviors with healthier ones • We even offer supportive and strategic parent coaching so the whole family can enjoy more peace of mind. Our professional ABA consultants help you pick up resources to understand and implement therapy effectively!
445 Broadhollow Road, Ste 25, Melville, NY 11747 (516) 252-1444 | www.nessbehaviorconsulting.com SpecialParent 19
The Benefits of Pets
7 ways a child with special needs can benefit from having a pet—cat, dog, or other By Linda DiProperzio
T
he happiness that a pet can bring to a home is immeasurable. For a family with a child with special needs, a beloved furry friend can offer an even wider variety of benefits. “Gifting a kid with special needs a pet is one of the best things you can possibly do, says Sara Ochoa, D.V.M., veterinary writer at WeLoveDoodles.com. “Animals inherently possess an unbiased view of all living beings and can be incredibly empathetic, which is exactly why they make the perfect companions for children with special needs.” In fact, Dr. Ochoa says that any pet can offer therapeutic benefits to kids with special needs. Here are some ways bringing a pet into your home can improve your child’s life and health.
Companionship Pets offer a bond for kids who could be struggling to make connections with their peers, which can leave them feeling lonely and isolated, says Sherry Morgan of 20
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Petsolino. “Dogs and even cats are innocent creatures that can be a very good support system. They are non-judgmental, good listeners, stress-relievers, and can give you nice and warm cuddles!”
Stress Relief There’s no denying we are living in a stressful time, and kids with special needs can often feel that anxiety on another level. “The calm demeanor and loving presence of dogs can cause a perceived reduction in stress and cortisol levels in children,” says Danielle Mühlenberg, a dog behaviorist.
Physical Activity Getting active can be a stress reliever, as well as a mood booster. Pets encourage children to en-gage in physical activity and spend time outdoors, which is beneficial for healthy lifestyle habits, notes Rachel Barrack, D.V.M., of Animal Acupuncture in NYC.
Social Skills Research has shown that animals increase social behaviors in children on the spectrum. “Children with autism were more likely to talk, smile, laugh, and make physical contact with others when they had real pets, rather than toys,” reveals Joanna Woodnutt, B.V.M, B.V.S., BVMedSci, MRCVS, and a team member at Breed Advisor.
Responsibility Taking care of their pets will help a child with special needs create their own schedule, including when to feed or bathe the pet, and even when it’s time for some fun. Morgan points out that this daily routine helps create better habits, such as the ability to make plans, then focus and stick to it.
Daily Tasks Animals can be trained to grab objects, open doors, and guide people with limited mobility or physical impairments, Dr. Barrack notes.
Well-being A fully trained support dog can be taught behaviors such as applying pressure to help with a panic attack or sounding the alarm if self-harming behaviors are happening. Dr. Woodnutt notes that there are even charities that train dogs for a child’s particular needs. Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons. SpecialParent 21
Special Needs resources ABA Psychological Services, P.C.
436 Willis Ave., 2nd floor, Williston Park 516-294-5000 abapsychologicalservices.com pmoss@abapsychologicalservices.com We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adults who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our BCBAs provide these services at home, in the community, and in our clinic setting. We work to decrease challenging or aggressive behaviors while teaching appropriate language, and social, daily living, and coping skills.
Advantage Care Health Center
189 Wheatley Road, Brookville 516-686-4400 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport advantagecaredtc.org Advantage Care Health Centers and The Fay J. Lindner Center are Long Islands premier Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHC). We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health services to children and adults. The center specializes in providing services to individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Family of Kidz: Kidz ABA
familyofkidz.com/kidz-aba info@familyofkidz.com Kidz ABA provides insurance-based ABA services to children of all ages with autism spectrum disorder. We help both caregivers and children to thrive by providing them with strategies to overcome challenging behaviors, increase independence, and develop new skills. Our locations are across Long Island and Queens.
The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children 750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services. 22
Spring 2021 | nymetroparents.com
Helping Hands Family
229 Laurel Road, East Northport 631-659-3337 hhfamily.com referral@hhfamily.com We provide ABA Therapy to children diagnosed with autism in both Suffolk and Nassau counties. We provide center-based, in-home, or in-school ABA therapy. Our highly trained staff work through 1-on-1 sessions with each child, individualized treatment plans and goals, and built-in parent training for all of our programs.
Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, PLLC
631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He is also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He will guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies.
Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy & Associates
1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 603, Westbury 516-221-8133 susandeedylaw.com sdeedy@susandeedylaw.com The Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy and Associates has been representing parents of students with disabilities since 2003. We are proud of our longstanding record of reaching successful resolutions to disputes between parents and school districts. Our representation provides a personalized approach to ensuring that the desired outcome is achieved.
Long Island Speech
Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: Stony Brook, Farmingville, Commack, East Yaphank, Islip Terrace, Jericho, Wantagh, New Hyde Park Newest Location: 2915 Sunrise Highway, Islip Terrace 631-675-1065 844-5-SPEECH (577-3324) lispeech.com Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.
NESS BEHAVIOR CONSULTING
516-252-1444 nessbehaviorconsulting.com info@nessbehaviorconsulting.com Ness Behavior Consulting provides services for families and school administrators. We service individuals with behavioral challenges that may impede their ability to learn. We provide in-home services to families and work closely with school administrators to train and build staff capacity of effectively applying the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Variety Child Learning Center
47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center provides evaluations, early intervention, special education (special classes, special classes in integrated settings, itinerant services), ABA, and Family Center Respite Program to more than 750 children and families annually, and professional training. VCLC has implemented COVID protocols in accordance with NYS DOH and CDC guidelines.
Vincent Smith School
322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Vincent Smith School is Long Island’s premier prep school serving students with learning issues such as school anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and language disorders in first to 12th grades. VSS students come from all over Long Island and NYC to take advantage of the school’s unique programs and individualized curriculum.
Winston Preparatory School
Various locations throughout the greater NYC area 631-779-2400 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Preparatory School is a network of six campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through 12th grade. Winston Online now allows students to learn from anywhere in the country. Visit instonprep.edu/apply-now to sign up for a virtual open house.
index Advocacy Law Offices of Brad H Rosken................................... 15 The Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy.............................. 9
Doctors & Therapies ABA Psychological Services P.C................................. 17 Advantage Care Health Center.................................... 3 Applied Behavior Health Management LLC.................. 5 Helping Hands Family................................................ 11 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech..................... 13 Ness Behavior Consulting.......................................... 19 Variety Child Learning Center...................................... 7
Education Hagedorn Little Village................................. 2 Variety Child Learning Center........................ 7 Variety Child Learning Center ......................15 Vincent Smith School ..................................19
Legal & Financial Services Law Offices of Brad H Rosken......................15 The Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy................. 9 NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area!
The BEST things to do with your kids in your neighborhood delivered to your inbox!
Sign up for
The Scoop nymetroparents.com/register
SpecialParent 23