Discover the top special needs articles to help you navigate the needs of your special needs child in the New York Area.
Special Needs Articles
The Special Child Fall/Winter Edition: Special Needs
Whether it is understanding Occupational Therapy, Myths about Autism or connecting you with a resour...
Read the 2022 Special Child Issue Today!
The 2022 issues of Special Parent are full of advice and resources for special needs parents....
22 Charity Walks in the NYC Area That Raise Money for Good Causes
Teach your kids compassion and the value of volunteerism. There are many annual fundraising walks in...
Sesame Workshop Creates New Resources Help Children with Autism
Sesame Workshop's new resources help children with autism and special needs create new routines, bui...
The Independence Café Sells Items Handcrafted by Individuals with Disabilities & Veterans
The Independence Café – A Unique Boutique, which sells items handcrafted by individuals with disabil...
New Website Rates Accessibility of Rockland County Public Spaces
UAccessLife.org rates stores, malls, restaurants, doctor's offices, and more in Rockland County base...
7 Ways Having a Pet Benefits a Child with Special Needs
Having a family pet can help children with special needs gain skills, learn responsibility, reduce a...
How to Avoid Comparing Your Child with Special Needs to Other Children
It's important to try to avoid comparing your child with special needs to other children, but it's a...
8 Special Needs Parent Self Care Tips
Eight ideas for parent self care and me time for parents of children with special needs. ...
6 Ways to Support Siblings of Kids with Special Needs
Supporting special needs siblings starts with acknowledging that its hard. Use these helpful tips to...
Study Finds Understanding of Autism Can Boost Social Inclusion
A new study from researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas has discovered that an increased u...
The Best Apps and Online Resources for Kids with ADHD
Help your child with ADHD gain new skills, learn to focus, and thrive in school with these apps, gam...
Accessible, ADA-Compliant Playgrounds in the NY Metro Area
These are the accessible, ADA-compliant playgrounds in the New York City, Long Island, Westchester, ...
How to Celebrate Halloween with a Child with Special Needs
Helpful tips for how to celebrate Halloween for parents of children on the autism spectrum or with o...
Here’s How Students with Disabilities and Their Parents Adjusted to Remote Learning
Four families share how their students with disabilities have dealt with remote learning challenges....
New York Rules Visitation is Now Allowed at Certified Residential Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
New Yorkers can now visit their loved ones living in certified residential facilities for individual...
LGBTQ+ Support and Community Centers for Families in the New York Area
Finding support and community can seem difficult for young people trying to figure out their identit...
Special Education Classes Can Be Held In-Person this Summer
Though remote learning in New York will continue with summer school, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced...
How to Navigate the Turning 5 Process for Your Child with Special Needs
The transition from preschool to kindergarten for kids with special needs in NYC is complicated. Her...
How to Ease Anxiety for Kids With and Without Special Needs During Coronavirus Isolation
Life is a little harder for every parent these days, now that schools are closed and kids are home. ...
How to Navigate Coronavirus Hospitalization for Your Child with Special Needs
The Self-Advocacy Association of New York's new guidebook will help you understand your child with s...
Does My Child Have a Learning Disability?
Although many kids may struggle with schoolwork throughout their academic careers, it’s often hard t...
Here’s How Proposed Medicaid Cuts Will Affect Your Child with Special Needs
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team II has proposed $2.5 billion in cuts to the state’s M...
What Do You Wish People Knew About Autism?
Many misconceptions still exist around autism spectrum disorder. So, in honor of Autism Awareness Mo...
Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs in New York
Raising a child with a unique set of special needs can have you feeling isolated and unsure of how t...
American Girl and Hearing Loss Association of America Team Up to Raise Awareness of Hearing Loss
American Girl and Hearing Loss Association of America announced they are teaming up in honor of new ...
747 Sensory-Friendly 'Santa Cares' Events Happening Across the Country This Season
This year, Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill Programs have partnered to offer 747 sensory-friendly “Sant...
Raising My Twins on Opposite Ends of the Spectrum
My twins were never in the same play group, class, or even grade. They were together only in the wom...
The Challenges of Being a Mother with Hearing Loss
“Is this the year we can finally get earbuds?” It’s a question my teenagers ask me every year on the...
Do You Need a Special Education Attorney?
You know when your child with special needs isn’t receiving the education that is right for him. May...
10 Kids' Books That Star Protagonists with Special Needs
Special needs books for kids about special needs protagonists are few and far between. So we’ve roun...
Back-to-School Tips for Special Needs Families
It’s never too late to make sure your child is succeeding in school—especially if your child has spe...
Groups Launch #SaveCDPA Coalition to Preserve Program for New Yorkers with Special Needs
More than a dozen New York organizations committed to preserving the Consumer Directed Personal Assi...
UNO® Braille Now Available for Kids With Visual Impairments
Mattel announced the debut of UNO® Braille, the first UNO card deck that would be accessible for pla...
Speech Therapy Clinic in Stony Point Expands Mommy and Me Classes
Now You're Talking Speech Therapy Comprehensive Services is a practice launched in Stony Point by lo...
Studio Jacked in Nanuet is Offering a Hip Hop Program for Students with Special Needs
Owner of Studio Jacked Dance Company in Nanuet Jackie Galgano created a hip hop dance program for st...
How to Help Your Differently-Abled Child Succeed in the Classroom
Good parent-teacher communication is crucial for any successful school year, but being on the same p...
Check Out These 6 Accessible Clothing Lines for Teens and Young Adults with Special Needs
Once your child with special needs gets bigger, it can be even harder to find clothing that ensures ...
Check Out These 11 Adaptive Clothing Lines for Kids with Disabilities
These brands are making fashionable styles just as accessible for kids with disabilities through ada...
Kids Can Enjoy Sensory-Friendly “My Way Matinees” at Regal Cinemas All Summer
This summer Regal Cinemas is offering “My Way Matinees” for viewers of all ages who want to enjoy mo...
Making a Plan for Your Child with Special Needs' Life
In Susan Platkin’s eyes, self-direction has always been the only acceptable path for her daughter Ru...
The Benefits of Summer Camp for Children with Special Needs
For any parent, thinking of summer camp for your child can bring feelings of excitement and fear. Ad...
CDPAP Helps Parents Receive Financial Benefits for Assisting Their Children with Special Needs
Between coordinating education, enrichment activities, and future plans, raising a child with specia...
Students with Disabilities and Professional Dancers Will Share the Stage During “Superheroes” in New Jersey
This May, students from the A. Harry Moore School will dance with professional Nai-Ni Chen company d...
According to a Rutgers Study, New Jersey’s Autism Rate Has Risen 43 Percent
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently released a study in which research from Rutgers Univer...
How to Sue Your Child With Special Need's School District for Tuition
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school districts to provide all stud...
Chapin Sisters Headline Otto Specht School Spring Farm Faire
On Saturday, April 13th, the Chapin Sisters, known for their "enchanting harmonies and lyrics that a...
Sesame Street Unveils Julia’s Family in Honor of Autism Awareness Month
Julia, Sesame Street’s first character with autism, debuted in 2015. Now she’s back with the whole f...
How to Plan For Your Child With Special Need's Future
Parenting is challenging no matter what. But as Nicole Johnson of Port Washington in Nassau County p...
Creating a Future for My Son with Special Needs
When people ask what it’s like to have a child with special needs, my response is: It’s like dark ch...
New Study Shows a Correlation Between Media Use and ADHD
As if there wasn't enough to worry about when it comes to the media and your child's wellbeing, ther...
First Words Project Launches Free Online Resources for Parents of Young Children
Raising a young child is an exciting, and stressful, time for parents. From toddler-proofing your ho...
Can Your Baby's Teeth Predict Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an extremely common developmental disability with approximately on...
What Happens If My Child Was Denied Early Intervention Services?
Young children who have developmental delays may be eligible for early intervention services, includ...
Land's End Launches Adaptive School Uniforms for Children With Special Needs
When you think of school uniforms, you might think of private schools, but a surprising 21 percent o...
4 Sensory-Friendly Amusement Parks in the NY Metro Area
“I’m bored.” It’s the most common two words any parent hears during the summer months. And to stay a...
Sesame Place is the Nation's First Theme Park to Become Autism-Certified
April is Autism Awareness Month and to celebrate, Sesame Place in Langhorn, PA just announced some p...
How to Have a Strong Marriage when Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Maintaining a strong, healthy, happy marriage when raising kids can be a challenge. But maintaining ...
5 Common Myths About Autism Spectrum Disorder You Should Ignore
While the awareness of autism spectrum disorder has grown due to social media, increased research, A...
Coupé Theatre Studio Offers Dance Program for Children with Special Needs
Coupé Theatre Studio, located in Nanuet, introduced an integrative dance program called Rhythm Works...
The 2018 Gerber Baby Announced
The 2018 Gerber baby is Lucas Warren, a 1-year-old from Georgia who is the first child with Down syn...
Lincoln Center Launches Program Geared Toward Young Audiences on Autism Spectrum
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts announced today the lineup for the Big Umbrella Festival, an ...
San Antonio, Texas: An Accessible, Family-Friendly Destination
San Antonio’s array of attractions and historic sites, partnered with its dedication to accessibilit...
What to Consider When Choosing a Guardian for Your Child
Take these steps to make sure your child is always cared for, now and in the future....
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Center Opens Orangeburg Location
SPOTS, Special Programs in Occupational Therapy Services, opened a location in Orangeburg in Septemb...
Helping Kids with Special Needs Focus on Abilities
When your child with special needs starts to feel discouraged in school, let him read this, or use t...
Growing Up with a Brother with Special Needs
The important life lessons I learned from my brother—and why I wouldn’t change a thing....
The Lesson of the Pizza Bowl Fail
Accustomed to doing so much for her son, who has cerebral palsy, a mom realizes he’s old enough to s...
Putting a Stop to the 'R-Word'
Parents of kids with special needs join other advocates to push for an end to the ‘R-word.’ ...
Chief Medical Officer Comments on Recent Autism Research
MitoMedical’s chief medical officer, Suzanne Goh, M.D., M.B.A., shares her thoughts on new research ...
Cooking Classes for Kids with Special Needs in Rockland and Bergen
A roundup of cooking classes for kids with special needs in Rockland and Bergen counties...
Chuck E. Cheese’s Adds Program for Children with Special Needs
Chuck E. Cheese’s is introducing a Sensory Sensitive Sundays program this April for children with sp...
Meet Chase, a 15-Year-Old Chef with Autism
Meet Chase Bailey, a 15-year-old chef with autism who has a cooking show on YouTube.com and recently...
'Sesame Street' Introduces Julia, a Muppet with Autism
‘Sesame Street’ is introducing a new character named Julia: a muppet with autism....
Self-Direction Services for Kids With Special Needs in New York: What You Need to Know
Self-Direction Services (SDS), a New York State-funded program for children with special needs, offe...
Five Tips for a Successful IEP Meeting
Annual Individualized Education Program meetings can be stressful, but there are ways to help make t...
Temple Beth Sholom Welcomes Adults with Special Needs for Havdalah Celebration
On Thursday, April 27 at 7:30pm, Temple Beth Sholom in New City will welcome 80-plus adult guests fr...
15 Questions to Ask When Looking For a Special Needs Tutor
There are a lot of things to consider when looking for a tutor for your child with special needs. Ea...
How Music Lessons Helped My Child With Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
The story of how one child with special needs went from fearing music to celebrating it....
Spending the Holidays with a Child with Autism
When you have a child with special needs, this time of year can be challenging. A mother shares her ...
Dining Out with a Child with Autism
Going out to dinner with a child who has autism can be very stressful. These are five tips from a mo...
What Parents Need to Know When a Child with Special Needs Turns 21
What to consider when your child with special needs turns 21—and is no longer a child....
Taking a Child with Autism to the Movies: 5 Tips From a Mom Who's Been There
Going to the movies with a child who has autism can be a challenge, but here are our top tips for a ...
When Back-to-School Stress Isn't Just Stress
Many kids refuse to go to school when the first day comes around, but for some, it may be more than ...
Autism Study Seeks Participants
A study that aims to research whether specific genes are linked to autism is looking for participant...
Transitioning Your Child with Special Needs to a New School
A mother shares her tips to help her son with special needs transition to a new school this fall....
Sesame Workshop Aims to Help Kids Understand Autism
Sesame Workshop's Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative aims to help all ...
How To Choose a Babysitter for Your Child with Special Needs
Choosing a babysitter for a child with special needs poses challenges to parents. Here are tips for ...
Touring a School for a Child with Special Needs
What parents need to know about touring a preschool for their child with special needs, from safety ...
Being the Sibling of a Child with Special Needs
Their brothers and sisters have special needs, but these children face their own unique challenges—a...
Twin with Autism Seeks Someone to Love
I strived for years to help my daughter form meaningful relationships—from her own twin brother to f...
How Children with Autism May Show Feelings
Though it may sometimes not seem like it, children with autism have and show feelings in their own w...
Is There a Connection Between ADHD and ODD?
A mental health counselor and board-certified ADHD coach explains the correlation between attention-...
Tommy Hilfiger and Runway of Dreams Launch Adaptive Clothing Line
Runway of Dreams, a nonprofit that collaborates with fashion designers to adapt mainstream clothing ...
Shopping Cart for Special Needs Families Coming to Target
Caroline’s Carts are coming to Target and they will help families with children with special needs s...
Expert Advice for Parents on Children and Psychotherapy
Mental health professionals Michael O. Weiner, LCSW, and Les Paul Gallo-Silver, LCSW-R, BC-HSP, set ...
NYC To Pay Bullied Girl’s Private School Tuition
In a landmark decision by the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, New York City will pay for...
Does Advocating for Your Child With Special Needs Make You a Bully?
Is a mom who ceaselessly pushes for her child, who hounds the school with emails and questions a bul...
How Can I Help My ADHD Child Succeed in School?
Help your ADHD child thrive academically with these strategies. ...
Mother Receives a Flood of Support Following Her Request of Primrose Markers Donations for Her Son with Autism
Stacey Haley lives in Bowmanville, Ontario in Canada and wrote a Facebook post asking for Primrose m...
