The following is a local listing of programs and services for children and youth with disabilities and special needs and their families.
Behavior Therapy
Associates
228 Birch Dr., New Hyde Park
516-294-5000
Dr. Jeffrey J. Felixbrod has been a distinguished behavioral child psychologist for more than 30 years. He’s the clinical director of Behavior Therapy Associates. Dr. Felixbrod is known for his work in the treatment of ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), autism, Asperger’s Disorder, PDD-NOS mental retardation and bedwetting. His work in the area of social skills training was the subject of a national television broadcast. He and his professional colleagues provide advanced and comprehensive behavior modification treatments in the home, school and community settings. Along with parent training services, these treatments often produce significant and observable improvements in the child’s behavior in a short period of time. For a free telephone consultation, call 516-294-5000.
Friedberg JCC Ezra
Center for People With
Disabilities
15 Neil Ct., Oceanside
516-766-4341
www.friedbergjcc.org
The mission of the Friedberg JCC’s Ezra Center for People with Disabilities is to answer the unmet needs of disabled children and adults by providing programs and ongoing support for them and their families – now and for many years to come. The Ezra Center currently serves individuals diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, ADD, ADHD, speech and language delays, learning disabilities, autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and mild mental retardation. This unique center provides assistance to individuals with disabilities of all ages who are in need of quality daycare, nursery school, afterschool, camp, health and fitness, aquatics, cultural classes and programs.
Law Offices of Brad H.
Rosken, PLLC
445 Broad Hollow Rd., Ste. 25, Melville
631-379-9569
www.specialedcounselor.com
brad@specialedcounselor.com
School districts consult their attorneys; why shouldn’t you? Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. This personal understanding enhances the individualized services that Mr. Rosken provides. He knows when and how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child’s entitled to under law. He’s always up-to-date with the latest information. It’s his job, but it’s also part of his life in advocating for his own child. The tenacity and devotion Mr. Rosken brings to his work is unparalleled. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo and develop the most effective strategy to achieve your goals.
Calling All Kids Creative
LearningCenter
The Salisbury Center,
718 The Plain Rd., Westbury
516-997-3552
Calling All Kids believes that the first years of your child’s life are the most important for their development, and they cater to your child’s individual needs. Early Childhood Director Leslie Joy Larson has more than 26 years of experience in the field of education. She’s committed to helping each child reach their full potential with the benefits of early intervention. All programs are taught by New York State Master Level Special Education teachers who are certified early childhood specialists. Each classroom benefits from a speech therapist, social worker, occupational therapist and physical therapist. A full-time nurse is on duty when classes are in session. Behavior management programs, individual and family therapy and speech and audiological screenings are available.
Long Island University
Center for the Gifted Youth
720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
516-299-2160
gifted@cwpost.liu.edu
www.liu.edu/giftedyouth
The Long Island University Center for the Gifted Youth is committed to the development of the intellectual potential of each child. Each fall and spring, Saturday classes are offered for gifted students in grades K-6 who pass highly selective admissions requirements. CGY also offers a four-week campus-based non-residential summer program for students entering grades 2-8, emphasizing hands-on academic activities. The Center’s purpose is to provide students with the opportunity to relate to each other intellectually and socially. Classes emphasize problem solving, critical thinking and independence in learning. Courses offered include science, math, computers, law, social sciences and writing. The combination of extraordinary teachers recruited from leading local schools and university facilities, including scientific laboratories and computer rooms, gives the program unique strength in producing positive benefits for students. Workshops for parents of enrolled children are an integral part of the program. These special sessions, conducted by psychologists, explore a variety of issues of interest to parents of gifted children.
Opti-Healthcare
Diagnostic & Treatment Centers
99 Hollywood Dr., Smithtown
631-366-5800
www.ddiinfo.org
A doctor’s office can be a frightening place, especially for a child with a developmental disability. That’s why the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) designed a network of NYS Department of Health-licensed diagnostic and treatment centers called Opti-Healthcare, to offer comprehensive medical, dental, psychiatric and rehabilitation services specifically designed for children and adults with special needs. Families are welcomed into a comfortable environment with facilities designed for patients with emotional, mental and physical difficulties. The friendly and caring staff has the knowledge and patience to calm patients and make their visits a pleasant experience. Opti is a leader in educating the medical community about the current research and care of the special needs population. Visit www.ddiinfo.org or call 631-366-5800.
Spark Development Centers
337 Merrick Rd., Ste. 4, Lynbrook
516-568-2100
www.sparkcenters.com
Frustrated by your child’s attention issues? Dream about getting a half-hour’s worth of homework done in half an hour? Find yourself repeating instructions to your child over and over and over? Perhaps you’ve been told your child has ADD, ADHD or LD. Such problems may be caused by underdeveloped cognitive skills, sensory integration issues or nutritional deficiencies. Spark Development Centers can help improve your child’s attention, behavior and learning skills through safe, fun and effective programs—all without resorting to medication. Our multidiscipline approach of skill assessment, sensory integration development, cognitive processing enhancement, advanced learning technique training and nutrition counseling strengthens the core physical and mental abilities necessary to achieve academic—and personal—success. Isn’t it time to enjoy more of the time you spend with your child? Call Spark Development today and Unlock Your Child’s Potential.
The Cody Center for
Autism and Developmental
Disabilities
Stony Brook University
631-632-3070
www.codycenter.org
The Cody Center provides a variety of services to children and adults on Long Island affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and related developmental disabilities. The Center’s clinical facility in Port Jefferson Station offers diagnostic evaluations, psychiatric treatment, neuropsychological testing, therapy and consultation in developmental pediatrics and child neurology. Many private insurance plans as well as Medicaid, Medicare and school district payments are accepted. A Resource Center provides information and referrals, support groups and family workshops. The Center has social skills training programs and specialized reproductive health care and sexuality education for individuals with disabilities. Autism consultation services are provided to more than 20 school districts. The Cody Center offers graduate level programs for teachers, psychologists and other professionals and also conducts research into autism.
Blake LeVine,LMSW
Plainview
646-496-7183
www.blakelevine.com
Blake LeVine, LMSW, is a licensed social worker available to help your family. His techniques are featured in his published parenting book and will help your child to overcome ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, fighting with peers, trouble in school and behavior problems. He can also offer career advice in light of a person’s struggle with any of these issues. Blake has been featured on Fox News for his innovative techniques to help young people. If you would like help for your family, contact him. Many insurances accepted; convenient office location.
Dr. Joan Dorfman
Cohen
350 Northern Blvd., Ste. 310, Great Neck
516-482-3312
Stimulant medications aren’t necessarily the answer to treating ADD/ADHD/LD/PDD or Autistic Spectrum Disorders in children. An alternative to treatment with medication is offered by Dr. Joan Dorfman Cohen, a board-certified neurofeedback specialist and expert in the treatment of attention and learning problems and related syndromes. Dr. Cohen specializes in using EEG biofeedback (neurotherapy), a proven, non-medication treatment providing permanent results. Many behavior problems associated with these disorders disappear as well. Dr. Cohen and special education professionals work directly with you, your child and teachers as part of an individualized program for ages five to adult. The program includes neurotherapy, parenting strategies, family counseling, individual therapy, educational planning and tutoring. Her general practice is comprised of psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, family and marriage counseling. Dr. Cohen has cared for children and adults for over 30 years.
Epilepsy Foundation of
Long Island
506 Stewart Ave., Garden City
516-739-7733
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/longisland
Epilepsy affects all aspects of a person’s life. The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island has programs designed to assist children in school, help adults cope in the workplace and help families and friends. Through cooperation and coordinated efforts, family, teachers and managers are taught about epilepsy and how best to cope with its effects. The Community Education Department offers speakers to middle and high school students to help them understand what effect epilepsy has on their peers. Younger children in the third and fourth grade are taught with a well developed puppet show. A member of the Foundation is available to attend CSE meetings to act as an advocate for students with epilepsy. For information contact Janet Romeo, Community Educator for the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island at 516-739-7733, Ext. 145.
The Glenholme School
81 Sabbaday Ln., Washington, CT
860-868-7377
www.theglenholmeschool.org
For 40 years, The Glenholme School, a therapeutic boarding school in Connecticut, has recognized that every student has a different way of learning. For students aged 9-18 with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and behavioral and learning difficulties, the curriculum focuses on academic and social development. Glenholme offers a post-graduate program for students who have completed a treatment program but still need a supportive academic setting while pursuing higher education. The Glenholme School has great success with its specialized programs in the arts, equestrian studies and culinary arts. Sometimes the best way to understand a math concept is through music. The path to improved social relationships may be through learning how to work successfully with a horse.
H.E.A.R.S. Audiology,
P.C. (HearingEducation,
Assessment
& Related Services)
732 Smithtown Bypass, Ste. 301,
Smithtown
631-360-4327
www.hearsny.com
Voted “Best of Long Island.” Is your child experiencing speech or language problems, chronic ear infections or learning difficulties? Has he/she been diagnosed with ADHD? Often, attention deficit and other learning disorders are confused with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), which involves the brain’s ability to make sense of sound. At H.E.A.R.S. Audiology, owner Kathleen Page, a board certified audiologist specializing in pediatrics and APD, offers APD assessments with detailed recommendations. Ms. Page emphasizes that early identification and treatment are key to preventing unnecessary developmental delays and learning-related problems. Audiological evaluations, ear protection such as custom-fitted swim plugs (which are also useful in blocking out distracting noise that hinders children with APD), and educational workshops are services offered at H.E.A.R.S. Preschool directors should checkout H.E.A.R.S.’ comprehensive hearing and speech screening program, unsurpassed on Long Island.
Island Therapies of
Suffolk, L.L.P.
1 Brandywine Dr., Deer Park
631-392-0081
www.islandtherapies.org
Island Therapies is dedicated to providing quality, state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment for children from birth to adolescence requiring occupational, speech or physical therapy. In a family- friendly environment using a team approach, the highly-trained and licensed staff develops personalized treatment plans relying on more than 20 years of experience. Programs include sensory integration, handwriting development, auditory interventions, the Alert Program for Self Regulation, the Brain Train Program, a Food Repertoire Expansion Program (F.R.E.), PROMPT therapy, Bal-A-Vis-X and Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT). Weekly “Baby and Me” groups enhance socialization, language, motor skills and development. Island Therapies is also proud to be offering a Saturday Sensory Gym Program, yoga classes for parents and children (separate or together) and tutoring services for students in grades K-6. Island Therapies makes “learning fun for everyone.”
Long Island Parent Center
887 Kellum St., Lindenhurst; 178 S.
Ocean Ave. Freeport; 44 S. Elmwood
Ave., Montauk
631-603-3300
www.liparentcenter.com
www.liparentcenter.org
www.liparentcenter.net
The Long Island Parent Technical Assistance Center (LIPC) provides information, support and training for parents, professionals and school districts in order to promote appropriate services for all children with disabilities, birth to 21 years regardless of functional level. Flexible scheduling is emphasized with evening and weekend availability as well as services at community locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Services are free and available in Spanish. LIPC is funded by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) through the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) and hosted by Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center. LIPC acts as a parent information center and clearinghouse that links parents to the vast network of currently available programs in the area of special needs.
Marion K. Salomon &
Associates, Inc
125 E. Bethpage Rd., Ste. 5, Plainview
516-731-5588
1650 Sycamore Ave., Ste. 31, Bohemia
631-567-3400
www.mksalomon.com
Because we believe early diagnosis and treatment improve children’s confidence and competence, we provide timely, accurate evaluation, effective treatment and family support for children of all ages. We offer speech therapy, PROMPT, special education, ABA, physical and occupational therapies and psychological and social work services at no out-of-pocket cost to families. Services are provided throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Our evaluators and treatment professionals work a variety of days and times. Our new clinic provides evaluations, individual therapies and groups for children, parents and children with their parents. Each group is designed to achieve specific goals. We can also provide school consultation, training, lectures and in-service presentations. We frequently have new offerings. Please check our Web site for more information. November is Special Needs Month, but here at Marion K. Salomon & Associates, Inc., we help children to do their best every month of the year. Evaluation and treatment at home, in daycare or in our new clinic.
The K.I.S.S. Center
(Kids in Special Services)
Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center
45 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview
516-822-3535, Ext. 332
www.miyjcc.org
Does your child need social, recreational and educational support services? The Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center’s K.I.S.S. Center (Kids in Special Services) provides services to high-functioning children with developmental disabilities including, but not limited to, those with learning disabilities, language delay, ADHD, Aspergers Syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and other special needs. The K.I.S.S. Center offers a comprehensive range of programs in a caring and supportive environment for children, teens and young adults. Gym, swim, art, music, movement/dance, science and leadership skill-building classes, before- and afterschool programs, vacation programs and parent support groups. The K.I.S.S. Center is supported by a grant from the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation, Inc. For additional information, please call Kristen Nelson, K.I.S.S. Center coordinator, at 516-822-3535, Ext. 332.
Mill Neck Manor
40 Frost Mill Rd., Mill Neck
516-922-4100 (voice, TDD)
516-922-4172 (fax)
www.millneck.org
The Mill Neck Family of Organizations is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people who are deaf or who have other special needs, through excellence in individually designed educational, vocational or spiritual programs and services. The organizations include Mill Manor School for the Deaf, established in 1951 to help deaf children unlock their potential through quality education; the Mill Neck Manor Early Childhood Center, which provides early and intensive assistance to children, ages 3 and 4, with deficits in speech, language/communication, cognitive and gross motor development; Mill Neck Foundation for Deaf Ministry; Mill Neck Services for Deaf Adults; Mill Neck Audiology and Mill Neck Interpreter Service. For more information about any of these programs, please call 516-922-4100 or visit www.millneck.org.
Millennium Children’s Therapy
132 Wall St., Huntington
631-421-3949
www.mmctherapy.com
Millennium Children’s Therapy has a passion for what it does. They’re dedicated to providing effective – and fun – speech, occupational and physical therapies to children in a clean and pleasant environment. Surround children with a stellar and professional staff, supply the most effective equipment at their facility, educate the family in the process and produce incredible results – this is Millennium’s philosophy and goal, day in and day out. Every therapist in the office attends seminars and classes to learn new and better techniques as they arise. Each child is matched with the staff member that best meets their needs. Founded in 1999, Millennium has rapidly grown into one of the area’s most trusted pediatric therapy centers. Find out why, and learn how they can help your family.
Once Upon a Time
6096 Jericho Tpke., Commack
631-486-4327
www.OnceUponATimeLI.com
Once Upon a Time is now offering social skills training. Social skills is a form of behavior therapy with several goals: Changing poor social behavior patterns that may negatively be impacting a child’s academic experience. To teach children about the verbal as well as nonverbal behaviors involved in social interactions. To help accurately interpret social signals so children can determine how to act appropriately in the company of others. To improve a child’s ability to function in everyday social situations such as starting or ending a conversation with peers. And dealing with minor and major disappointments. This class is appropriate for children receiving services for OCD, ADD, ADHD, autistic spectrum, Asperger’s and social functioning and will benefit academic achievement, social development, physical development and emotional/behavioral development.
Karen Horowitz
ParentingResource
NetworkCoordinator
Friedberg JCC
15 Neil Ct., Oceanside
516-766-4341, Ext. 162
www.ParentingResourceNetwork.org
We build community... one member at a time. Parents: Got questions? Get answers! Parents of children birth to five can access basic resources for everyday questions and concerns through the Parenting Resource Network. Housed at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, the Parenting Resource Network is composed of 14 area organizations who serve parents of young children and is designed to be a comprehensive information and referral service. Staffed by early childhood professionals it features a “Warm Line” (516-240-6018) and Web site (www.ParentingResourceNetwork. org where parents can receive information or referral to community resources to have their questions or concerns addressed. Parents need to know that they’re not alone in trying to do what is, at once, the most important job in the world and the one that comes with no preparation. Free and confidential.
Sound Therapeutics
691 Rte. 25A, Miller Place
631-821-7337
www.soundtherapeutics.com
Sound Therapeutics is an agency that provides therapeutic services to children from birth to age 21. We’re an approved New York State evaluator and provider of early intervention services and work in conjunction with Suffolk County’s Early Intervention Program. We provide physical, occupational and speech therapy and special education services to children in Eastern and Western Suffolk in your home or at our treatment facilities in Miller Place and East Quogue. Audiological evaluations, including central auditory processing evaluations, are also provided. Parent-child groups are also offered at each of our facilities for all children ages 18 months-3 years. These include Sound TheraPlay (a parent-child group that stimulates learning across all developmental domains), Alpha TheraPlay (a language-based parent-child group) and TheraSize (a movement-based parent-child group).
South Oaks
Career & Educational Counseling Center
400 Sunrise Hwy., Amityville
631-608-5052
www.south-oaks.org
Young people face many challenges when leaving high school, which include deciding on what college/training to attend, what profession to pursue, finding and maintaining a job, as well as where they’ll live when they finish school. Young people face even more challenges if they have special needs. The Career and Educational Counseling Center has partnered with several school districts on Long Island to assist with transition planning for students with special needs. These services include vocational assessments, community work experience placements, attendance at annual CSE (Committee on Special Education) meetings and life skills programming. Together we can prepare our youth to be independent members of the adult world. For more information, contact 631-608- 5052 or visit our Web site at www.southoaks.org.
The Brownstein
Special Education Hebrew School
Brookville
Rabbi Mendy Heber, 516-671-6620
Every child should have the opportunity to pursue a Hebrew education, but for those with special needs, it’s not always so easy. Now, children from all over the Island come to The Brownstein Special Education Hebrew School, one of the first of its kind. Highly specialized, trained special education teachers, who also have knowledge of Hebrew education, work with small groups of children up to bar/bat mitzvah age. By making learning less textual and more visual, by breaking up the amount of time students are expected to sit quietly . . . all of these small changes add up to success. Children make progress at their own pace, feel proud rather than frustrated, and experience the joys of learning about their heritage.
Sulam-li
111 Irving Pl,. Woodmere
516-474-1500
Sulam-LI is dedicated to broadening educational opportunities for Jewish children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. The word “sulam” means “ladder,” expressing the hope that students in our program will reach heights that they couldn’t reach alone. Sulam-LI’s mission is to provide a warm and nurturing environment where learning needs can be accommodated. Emphasizing developmentally appropriate experiential learning, the Sulam-LI staff uses storytelling, music, crafts and cooking to teach lessons about Jewish holidays, customs, prayer and Hebrew language. Parent support groups and additional socialization classes are also available. For information call Libby Adler, 516-474-1500.
The Rebecca Center
for Music Therapy
Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave.,
Rockville Centre
516-678-5000, Ext. 6643
www.therebeccacenter.org
The Rebecca Center serves children ages 4-18 throughout New York diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, developmental delays, neurological impairments, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities and emotional difficulties. The Center for Music and Child Development at The Rebecca Center has recently launched “Music and Early Intervention,” a supportive, interactive, developmentallybased program designed to bridge music learning and therapeutic interventions for infants to elementary age. Music activities shared with the “DIR/Floortime” model developed by Dr. Stanley I. Greenspan create spontaneous and interactive music-making experiences explored by both child and parent to support the needs of the child. The Rebecca Center employs some of the finest clinicians, researchers and educators in the field. The staff is made up of fully-trained, professionally-credentialed music therapists with a minimum of a master’s degree in music therapy.
Things2do
Stony Brook
631-747-8464
things2doprogram@gmail.com
Things2Do is a program that allows students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to participate in activities within the community. Every child should have an opportunity to attend a class where they can have fun while learning in a cooperative environment. Every parent should know that there is a supportive environment where their child can work to his or her potential with professionals that have the necessary knowledge and training. Programs are developed by Laurance Raio, M.S. Psychology, and Tammy Oestreicher, M.S. Special Education, who have both worked with students with ASD for the past 17 years. After-school program on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:15-5:45pm. Holiday program is 2 1/2 hours (upcoming holiday dates are Nov. 11 and 12 as well as Dec. 27 and 28). Call for more information.
Vincent Smith School
322 Port Washington Blvd.,
Port Washington
516-365-4900
516-627-5648 (fax)
www.vincentsmithschool.org
The Vincent Smith School is wellknown for its individualized program for reluctant learners and learning disabled students in grades 5-12. Located on four-and-a-half acres in suburban Port Washington, Vincent Smith School is a private day school, serving students in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties since 1924. We offer students differentiated instruction in small supportive classes. Students experience academic success, emotional growth and social acceptance. More than 80 percent of our graduates go on to college. VSS is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents as an independent, non-profit institution and is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. We take pride in being a school where it’s okay to learn differently. Call 516-365-4900 or visit www.vincentsmithschool.org for additional information.