Are you looking for the most comprehensive guide to special needs resources in the Westchester area? Our guide has listings for therapists, special needs camps, medical experts, advocates, and special needs support groups for families in Larchmont, Scarsdale, White Plains, Valhalla and all of Westchester County, NY.
ADVOCACY
SANDI ROSENBAUM
914-552-0314
Email sandi.rosenbaum@gmail.com
Sandi Rosenbaum, an independent non-attorney educational advocate based in lower Westchester, has worked constructively and collaboratively with her home district for 15 years as a parent and CPSE/CSE parent member. Believing that high quality communication is key to a successful home/school relationship, Sandi works with parents to understand their children’s needs, to translate their concerns into the language spoken by schools, and to advocate for appropriate programs and services within the special education system.
TOURETTE SYNDROME ASSOCIATION - NEW YORK HUDSON VALLEY CHAPTER
P.O. Box 517, Ardsley
914-378-5025
Email info@tsa-nyhv.org
The mission of the NY Hudson Valley Chapter of the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA-NYHV) is to provide service, information, and support to people with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and their families, to educate medical and educational professionals in order to increase their understanding of TS, and to promote greater understanding of TS in the community at large. The Chapter runs programs including support groups, informational meetings, in-service programs for educators, youth programs, and family-oriented activities.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT/APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS
CHILD EDUCATION OF WESTCHESTER, LLC
234 N. Central Park Ave., Suite 102, Hartsdale
914-722-6030
Email childtherapy@optonline.net
Child Education of Westchester offers pediatric Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies. We specialize in educational services and ABA. All therapies are in a sensory integration gym with rock-climbing wall or private room. Our gentle intervention is provided by experienced, nurturing, and caring therapists. We evaluate and prescribe a specific treatment program that addresses your child’s individual needs. We offer play groups, social groups, handwriting, and shoe-tying clinics. Neurofeedback available.
SOCIABLE KIDZ®
1600 Harrison Ave., Suite 105, Mamaroneck
914-502-3295
Is your child having trouble making friends? Sociable Kidz® provides social skills groups for children ages 4-15 who are on and off the spectrum. The small groups (3-6 children per group) ensure that your child receives individualized attention including problem-solving, sharing, taking turns, play skills with Legos, coping mechanisms, bullying techniques, etc., using hands-on activities, games, and role playing, while focusing on positive self-esteem. We write our own curriculum to meet the needs of your child.
CAMPS
SUMMIT CAMP AND TRAVEL
168 Duck Harbor Road, Honesdale
973-732-3230
Email info@summitcamp.com
Summit serves boys and girls ages 8-19 with AD/HD, Asperger's syndrome, NVLD, HFA, and/or mild social concerns. Campers find program success, social skills improvement, and emotional growth. Teens, ages 16-19, may travel on one of three tours: Vancouver and Alaska (19 days), Historic Williamsburg and Charleston and the theme parks of Orlando, FL (14 days), or Spain and Morocco (19 days). Since 1969 Summit has been known for positive camper outcomes, sensitive and professional supervision, and exciting and fun experiences.
CHILD CARE
ABBOTT HOUSE
100 N. Broadway, Irvington
914-591-7300 x 3142 or 3165
Claude B. Meyers
Executive Director and CEO
100 N. Broadway, Irvington
914-591-7300
Abbott House is looking for mentors, foster parents, volunteers and supporters in Westchester, Rockland and the Bronx for children in foster care and people with developmental disabilities. Can you help? Contact us today to learn how you can become involved.
ROSENTHAL JCC OF NORTHERN WESTCHESTER
Main Branch - 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville
914-741-0333
Yorktown Branch - 2966 Crompond Road (Route 202), Yorktown Heights
914-962-8430
JCC Camp Discovery - 500 Yorktown Road, Croton-on-Hudson
914-741-0333
The Rosenthal JCC (RJCC) is proud to launch its new Program for Enhancing Potential (PEP) initiative, which offers comprehensive support for families of children with special needs. New programs include Trailblazers at the RJCC – an after-school wrap-around program, social skills classes, and Saturday night programs for tweens and teens. The RJCC continues to offer pediatric occupational and physical therapy services at its state-of-the-art OT/PT Center.
CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIES
MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF WESTCHESTER
216 Central Park Ave., White Plains
914-761-3900
For over 25 years, the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s Music Therapy Institute has been the largest provider of professional music therapy services in the greater Westchester region, working individually and in small groups with over 2,000 children and adults each year. The Institute provides services onsite at the Music Conservatory of Westchester as well as throughout the county through the Institute’s Outreach program.
STEFFI NOSSEN SCHOOL OF DANCE
216 Central Park Ave., White Plains
914-328-1900
Email info@steffinossen.org
Since 1937, Westchester’s dance destination! Westchester Magazine’s 2011 “Best Kids Dance Classes”. Experience the joy of dance with our warm and enthusiastic faculty. Adaptive dance encourages children and adults to dance, experience creative movement activities in a safe/supportive environment to live music. Improve range of motion, gain strength and focus, make new friends and have fun. Classes for children and adults, Mondays, White Plains studios. Special Needs Summer Dance Camp June 24–26.
WESTCHESTER CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY SERVICES
1291 Saw Mill River Road, Yonkers
914-476-7662
Westchester Creative Arts Therapy Services is a new source for high quality music and art therapy services. Westchester CATS provides Saturday group sessions at their location in Yonkers as well as art and music therapy for interested agencies and schools in Westchester and neighboring areas.
YOGASHINE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
7-11 Legion Drive, Valhalla
914-769-8745
Top quality for 22 years, specializing in autistic spectrum disorders, PDD, ADD/ADHD, and for children of all ages with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. Kids enjoy playful movement, learn and create postures, build strength, mental focus, and develop skills in self-calming and cooperation. Vitalah Simon, yoga teacher and dance-movement therapist, offers: Child with Parent sessions, tailored to your child's needs and enriching your relationship, individual yoga/movement therapy, family yoga, group classes and parent support services.
DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS
BRIARCLIFF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
325 S. Highland Ave., Briarcliff Manor
914-762-4151
We are so excited to announce that we have upgraded to the very latest technology in laser dentistry—we are now using the Waterlase MD Turbo Laser. This most up-to-date technology provides painless fixing of cavities without local anesthetic shots, or vibrations from the drill. No more long painful procedures or uncomfortable numbness!! The laser also treats soft tissue lesions, releases tongue-ties—even in infants and newborns—without any shots. Please call for more information!
DEBORAH SCHUESSLER, PHD
297 Knollwood Road, Suite 208, White Plains
845-729 0241
Email dbh12@coumbia.edu
If your child is struggling with ADD, an autistic spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, or behavior problems, neurofeedback can help without the use of medication. Neurofeedback, a type of biofeedback, helps the brain function with greater control and stability, leading to positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and improved school performance. Deborah Schuessler, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in neurofeedback training. In addition, Dr. Schuessler offers personal neurofeeback system rentals for home use.
DR. PENNY RESNICK-GRAULICH
115 Main St., Suite 302, Tuckahoe
914-633-4440
Dr. Penny and her staff have been trained in a variety of methods to help your child feel comfortable with dental treatment and the responsibilities associated with taking care of their oral hygiene. Children with medical, physical, emotional and mental disabilities deserve special attention and find our dental experience particularly wonderful. The dental visit should be an education for your child, giving them the tools and reinforcement necessary to continue to care for their health.
PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER, PC
145 Huguenot St., Suite 200, New Rochelle
914-235-1400
Pediatric Associates of Southern Westchester is committed to providing quality, comprehensive healthcare from birth to age 21. Drs. Meisler, Smith, and Mandelker proudly announce the expansion of our preventive medical care services by offering the Enfant Pediatric Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) Vision Testing System, a child-friendly, non-invasive medical device used to test for visual defects in children 6 months of age and older. We accommodate same-day sick visits and welcome new patient consultations.
STEPHANIE L. WOLMAN, OD, FCOVD
550 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 200, Harrison
914-777-5767
Dr. Stephanie L. Wolman, is a board-certified developmental optometrist, who provides comprehensive eye examinations and specialized testing for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with learning disabilities, developmental delays, autism, and other special needs. Her office is outfitted with specialized equipment to accommodate all ages and abilities. Vision therapy is provided for patients with visual processing difficulties, reduced spatial awareness, poor tracking skills, strabismus, and amblyopia.
VASILIKIE S. PARIS, MA, CCC-SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
369 Ashford Ave., Suite 1E, Dobbs Ferry
914-772-0111
Email paris.vasilikie@gmail.com
V.S. Paris is a dynamic, experienced, bilingual (Greek/English) speech-language pathologist with 25+ years in the field, trained in psychosocial development of the child. She has been in private practice for over 10 years working with children (all ages) and adults. She provides therapy for speech (phonological childhood apraxia, etc.) and language delays/disorders. She works closely with her clients and families to achieve successful outcomes in a creative and rewarding setting.
WESTCHESTER THERAPY SOLUTIONS - OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPEECH THERAPY, PLLC
690 N. Broadway, White Plains
914-686-3116 x6
Email dklein@wtstherapy.com
Donna Klein & Associates, Inc. has recently expanded to become Westchester Therapy Solutions – Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy, PLLC. Servicing children from birth through young adulthood throughout Westchester since 1990 they provide the highest quality therapy in their new, state-of-the-art fully outfitted gym or the convenience of a child’s home, pre-school, daycare center, or school district. If you have not gotten answers or not gotten approved for services call for a free consultation.
ENTERTAINMENT/BIRTHDAY PARTIES
SPORTIME USA
380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford
914-592-2111
Sportime USA is the ideal place to visit after a long day at school! With a restaurant on the premises, we have activities for all ages including: a 4D Motion Theater, Laser Tag, rock climbing wall, 18-ft. Spider Climb, batting cages, bumper cars, kiddie rides, 200 video/redemption games, BRAND NEW Ballocity Ball Blaster Arena and soft-adventure play zone. We are ADA compliant and able to help everyone with any special needs enjoy all the attractions. Birthday parties are our specialty, so come give us a try.
LEGAL/FINANCIAL/FUTURE PLANNING
ASHER, GAUGHRAN, LLP
4 MacDonald Ave., Armonk
914-273-3187
Our attorneys help parents and children in the fields of general and special education law, and where school or institutional abuse has occurred. We advocate for children with disabilities who are ill-served by their schools, on a wide range of issues such as obtaining the services a child needs, securing testing accommodations on SAT and ACT exams and litigating for tuition reimbursement in cases where parents must place their children in private schools.
MENTAL HEALTH
DEBORAH SCHUESSLER, PHD
297 Knollwood Road, Suite 208, White Plains
845-729 0241
Email dbh12@coumbia.edu
If your child is struggling with ADD, an autistic spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, or behavior problems, neurofeedback can help without the use of medication. Neurofeedback, a type of biofeedback, helps the brain function with greater control and stability, leading to positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and improved school performance. Deborah Schuessler, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in neurofeedback training. In addition, Dr. Schuessler offers personal neurofeeback system rentals for home use.
YOGASHINE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
7-11 Legion Drive , Valhalla
914-769-8745
Top quality for 22 years, specializing in autistic spectrum disorders, PDD, ADD/ADHD, and for children of all ages with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. Kids enjoy playful movement, learn and create postures, build strength, mental focus, and develop skills in self-calming and cooperation. Vitalah Simon, yoga teacher and dance-movement therapist, offers: Child with Parent sessions, tailored to your child's needs and enriching your relationship, individual yoga/movement therapy, family yoga, group classes and parent support services.
OCCUPATIONAL/PHYSICAL THERAPY
CHILD EDUCATION OF WESTCHESTER, LLC
234 N. Central Park Ave., Suite 102, Hartsdale
914-722-6030
Email childtherapy@optonline.net
Child Education of Westchester offers pediatric Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapies. We specialize in educational services and ABA. All therapies are in a sensory integration gym with rock-climbing wall or private room. Our gentle intervention is provided by experienced, nurturing, and caring therapists. We evaluate and prescribe a specific treatment program that addresses your child’s individual needs. We offer play groups, social groups, handwriting, and shoe-tying clinics. Neurofeedback available.
DYNAMIC KIDS
297 Knollwood Road, White Plains
914-428-5151
Email admin@dynamickidsny.com
Dynamic Kids, a premier pediatric therapy center with a long standing reputation of exemplary services for children and families. Offers occupational, physical and speech therapy for children birth thru teens in our office (including sensory gym), schools and homes throughout Westchester. We specialize in improving sensory processing, gross motor, fine motor, coordination, language, social and handwriting skills. Through play and one-on-one therapy, children can build the foundations necessary to reach their potential. Enrichment programs available.
KIDABILITIES
1 Skyline Drive, Suite 298, Hawthorne
914-347-5990
KidAbilities is a group of occupational, physical, and speech therapists dedicated to helping children develop physical, sensory, verbal, and social skills. Our unique approach includes cutting-edge treatment (NDT, Sensory Integration, listening therapies, eating therapy, PROMPT, sensory diets) conducted in state-of-the-art sensory gyms and treatment areas. Skills develop and positive self-images emerge while children have fun. KidAbilities group offerings: Play Partners a social-skills group, ‘Write, on’ develops writing skills, starting this spring Parent Infant Massage classes.
WESTCHESTER THERAPY SOLUTIONS - OCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPEECH THERAPY, PLLC
690 N. Broadway, White Plains
914-686-3116 x6
Email dklein@wtstherapy.com
Donna Klein & Associates, Inc. has recently expanded to become Westchester Therapy Solutions – Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy, PLLC. Servicing children from birth through young adulthood throughout Westchester since 1990 they provide the highest quality therapy in their new, state-of-the-art fully outfitted gym or the convenience of a child’s home, pre-school, daycare center, or school district. If you have not gotten answers or not gotten approved for services call for a free consultation.
PARENT SUPPORT
HOME BEHAVIOR THERAPY PROGRAM
914-376-4300, x805
Email cdodge@westchesterschool.org
The Home BehaviorTherapy Program serves families in Westchester County who have a developmentally disabled member of any age living at home. We address problems that interfere with successful integration into the community including noncompliance, aggressive behaviors, tantrums, and toilet training. We work closely with schools, adult day programs, after-school programs, and caregivers to ensure consistency. We are funded through a Family Support Services grant from the OPWDD. There is no cost to families for most services.
RECREATION/SOCIALIZATION PROGRAMS
CONFIDENT KID CLUB
At Huguenot Memorial Church 901 Pelhamdale Ave., Pelham
914-523-2328
Confident Kid Club is an educational program, offering social skills groups for children ages 3-8 in Pelham. Facilitators, Katharine Page/Carmella Crowley are certified special education teachers, with over 20 years teaching experience. This multi-sensory program allows children to participate in activities to enhance social/emotional concepts. Play/language skills are developed through art, music and games. Includes weekly handouts, conferences, and resources. We collaborate with classroom teachers/related service providers, and offer private SEIT, and consultant services.
SOCIABLE KIDZ®
1600 Harrison Ave., Suite 105, Mamaroneck
914-502-3295
Is your child having trouble making friends? Sociable Kidz® provides social skills groups for children ages 4-15 who are on and off the spectrum. The small groups (3-6 children per group) ensure that your child receives individualized attention including problem-solving, sharing, taking turns, play skills with Legos, coping mechanisms, bullying techniques, etc., using hands-on activities, games, and role playing, while focusing on positive self-esteem. We write our own curriculum to meet the needs of your child.
SPORTIME USA
380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford
914-592-2111
Sportime USA is the ideal place to visit after a long day at school! With a restaurant on the premises, we have activities for all ages including: a 4D Motion Theater, Laser Tag, rock climbing wall, 18-ft. Spider Climb, batting cages, bumper cars, kiddie rides, 200 video/redemption games, BRAND NEW Ballocity Ball Blaster Arena and soft-adventure play zone. We are ADA compliant and able to help everyone with any special needs enjoy all the attractions. Birthday parties are our specialty, so come give us a try.
STEFFI NOSSEN SCHOOL OF DANCE
216 Central Park Ave., White Plains
914-328-1900
Email info@steffinossen.org
Since 1937, Westchester’s dance destination! Westchester Magazine’s 2011 “Best Kids Dance Classes”. Experience the joy of dance with our warm and enthusiastic faculty. Adaptive dance encourages children and adults to dance, experience creative movement activities in a safe/supportive environment to live music. Improve range of motion, gain strength and focus, make new friends and have fun. Classes for children and adults, Mondays, White Plains studios. Special Needs Summer Dance Camp June 24–26.
THE MIRACLE LEAGUE OF WESTCHESTER
30 Glenn St., Suite 307, White Plains
914-960-6391
The Miracle League of Westchester, established in 2006, provides opportunities for special needs children to participate in sports and social activities in a safe, barrier-free environment. Sports programming takes place at the League’s specially designed field located at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale. Children are partnered with typical peers, who assist them in enjoying the games. The League provides social activities such as holiday parties and outdoor movie nights. Programs for children are free.
SCHOOLS
ALCOTT SCHOOL
46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale
914-595-7551
535 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
914-693-4443
27 Crane Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-472-4404
Alcott School offers a range of special education services for 2-5 year old children with special needs. Available services include: Early Intervention and preschool evaluations; Early Intervention services for two year olds including service coordination, itinerant speech therapy, occupational therapy, parent training, Toddler Inclusion Groups and Toddler Developmental Groups; preschool self contained special education classes; full and half day integrated classes; Special Education Itinerant Services (SEIT) and related services provided in typical preschool programs.
THE CENTER FOR LITERACY ENRICHMENT AT PACE UNIVERSITY (THE)
78 N. Broadway, White Plains
914-422-4135
Email mdelany@pace.edu
The Center for Literacy Enrighment at Pace University offers tutoring in reading, writing and math to children from the age of 5 through middle school. The program is offered Monday through Friday after school and on Saturday mornings between nine and one. The Center also services children with special needs. The summer program is offered during the month of July four days a week from nine to three with a combination of the academics and literacy related activities.
CONCORDIA COLLEGE - MASTERS DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
171 White Plains Road, Bronxville
914-337-9300 x2142
Concordia College offers a two-year, part-time Master’s Degree program in Childhood Special Education. Career-changers holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education are eligible for a 44-credit program in General/Childhood Special Education. Certified teachers seeking certification in Special Education for Grades 1-6 are eligible for a 35-credit program. These programs are offered in the late afternoon and early evenings, along with hybrid summer courses. All enrolled students receive an iPad.
GREEN CHIMNEYS
400 Doansburg Road, Brewster
845-279-2995
Green Chimneys School is designed for students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional educational environment and require a highly structured and supportive setting. An enriched curriculum on two campuses (Brewster and Carmel, NY) incorporates innovative and therapeutic programming in an experiential learning environment to promote academic, social and emotional success. Serving grades K-12. School district and private referrals accepted.
JCC OF MID-WESTCHESTER
999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale
914-472-3300 x228
Email kaplann@jccmw.org
Offerings include specialized preschool programs, special education teacher (SEIT) in the classroom, preschool evaluations and attendance at CPSE meetings. Our highly experienced, professional staff includes speech and language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers and registered nurses. Therapy services available to children enrolled in JCC preschool, or other nursery schools. OT and PT are delivered in our state of the art sensory-motor gym. Weekend and after-school enrichment programs for ages 3-19. Contact special education director, Nancy Kaplan, at kaplann@jccmw.org.
JOHN CARDINAL O'CONNOR SCHOOL
16 N. Broadway, Irvington
914-591-9330
Email jcoconnor@adnyeducation.org
The John Cardinal O’Connor School is a private Catholic school welcoming learning disabled children of all faiths in grades 2-8. JCOS follows the NYS Standards while meeting each student's individual education plan. Our classrooms center around a language-based curriculum with a small student to teacher ratio. All teachers are certified in special education.
WESTFIELD DAY SCHOOL
23 Purdy Ave., Rye
914-967-2530
Email wdsinfo@optonline.net
Since 2000, The Westfield Day School is a therapeutic school for grades 6-12. The school is designed to help students overcome academic and emotional issues. The academic program at Westfield is unique in its ability to link emotional and learning support for its students. The recently added, college level courses, offers students the ability to ease into college studies by taking a few courses in a supportive environment with very small classes.
CONTINUE TO PART 2
