mend
Planning for the future of a child with special needs might feel overwhelming. But there’s nothing more important than to build a foundation so that your child thrives in the years to come. NJ Kids is here to help.
This handy digest guide is chock full of valuable programs, resources and activities to help support your family and your child. Our goal is to connect you to as many wonderful resources that NJ has to offer. We welcome Hand over Hand featured on our cover; they specialize in ABA (ad on pg 7), therapeutic riding (pg 3), transportation (pg 5), summer camps (pg 10-11), and schools and enrichment throughout this issue. Enroll them in art, STEM, and sports, or try out Special Olympics (pg 16) where you can meet young athletes and their families. We also welcome financial planners for special situations because everyone especially special needs families need a financial plan so that you can achieve what you want out of life (pg 21). Ask for a complementary consultation!
In addition, we’ve gathered sensory fun things to do (pg 12) to keep your family entertained. From theaters, museums, planetariums, zoos, themed playgrounds to special days, these are all wonderful outlets. Search our online calendars for suitable events. Thank you for picking up the latest Special Needs edition. Enjoy this issue and please share!
Sandra Leu & the NJ KIDS Team
Center Services:
• Full or Partial Inclusion Pre-School
• Play-Based Teaching
• Fully Supported Classrooms
• Related Services
• Social Skills
• Extracurricular Activities
Home & School Based Services:
• ABA Therapy
• Parent Training
• District Consultation
• Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Our Centers are Located in the Following Pre-School Settings:
Big Hugs Childcare Center Piscataway
Celebree School Branchburg
Growing Seeds Learning Academy
Kearny | Somerset
Holy Family School Florham Park
Kids Interactive Day School Oakland
Little Graduates Preschool Manahawkin
Little Hugs Bound Brook
Little Learner Academy
Denville | Lake Hopatcong | Morristown
Old York School Branchburg
handoverhandllc.com (973) 722-9693 | hohinfo@handoverhandllc.com
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autoimmune Encephalitis
Autonomic Disorders
Behavioral Disorders
Botox for Migraines
Brain & Spine Tumors
Brain Injuries
Cerebral Palsy
Chiari Malformation
Child Psychology
Concussion
Craniofacial Disorders
Developmental Delays
Epilepsy
Febrile seizures
Gait Disorders & Toe Walking
Hydrocephalus
Movement Disorders
Nutrition
Physical Therapy
Plagiocephaly
Scoliosis
Speech/Language Therapy
Spina Bifida
Syncope/Fainting
Tethered Spinal Cord
Tics/Tourette’s
Torticollis
Catherine Mazzola, MD-John Collins, MD-Jeffrey Kornitzer, MD-Janti Chabaan, MD-Sohum Trivedi, MD
Evelina Okouneva, DO-Amanda Ayala, MD-Nizar Souayah, MD-Michele Demarest, SLP-Tatiana, Sikorskyj, APN Yvelisse Ng, APN-Diane McClure, DNP-Heather Weiner, PNP-Sandra McGill, DNP-Susanne Ginart, APN
Heather Marretta, RDN-Dahlia Parsaud, PNP-Amanda Lyman, NP-Caroline Moran, NP-Leyda Sanchez-Ortiz, MD-Nirmala Kotha, FNP
Sasha Zephyr, DNP-Tzipora Lutsky, PharmD-Jhoanna Rae Marquez, PT, DAc-Giana Giorello, PT, DPT-Jililian Kirk, CGC-Tia S. Davis, LCSW
SENSORY FUN THINGS TO DO
1. GO TO A SENSORY OR AUTISM FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Buy your tickets in advance. Upcoming sensory friendly shows for families include:
• Hotel Transylvania Movie - Fri, Oct 24th @ UCPAC (ucpac.org)
• Christmas Spectacular starring Radio City Rockettes - Sun, Nov 9th, 10am @ Radio City Music Hall (tdf.org/rockettes)
• New Jersey Ballet The Nutcracker - Sun, Nov 30th @ UCPAC (ucpac.org)
• Happy Feet Movie - Fri, Dec 5th @ UCPAC (ucpac.org)
• Milk & Cookies: Rebbie Rye - Sat, Dec 6th, 12pm @ State Theatre NJ (stnj.org)
• Disney’s Frozen - Sat, Dec 13th, 1:30pm @ Papermill Playhouse (papermill.org)
• New Jersey Ballet The Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony - Fri, Dec 26th, 1pm @ Mayo PAC (mayoarts.org)
• George Balanchine’s The NutcrackerSun, Jan 4, 2026, 1pm @ New York City Ballet (nycballet.com)
• Stone Soup and Other Stories - Fri, Feb 27, 2026, 11am @ Papermill Playhouse (papermill.org)
• Curious George: The Golden Meatball -
Sun, Mar 1, 2026, 4:30pm @ Mayo PAC (mayoarts.org)
• MJ The Musical - Sun, Mar 8, 2026, 1pm @ Neil Simon Theatre in NYC (tdf.org)
Sensory Friendly Performances for Schools
• Hero The Boy from Troy: A New Musical about young John Lewis - Thurs, Jan 15, 2026, 12pm @ State Theatre NJ (stnj.org)
• Curious George: The Golden MeatballWed, Feb 4, 2025, 12pm @ State Theatre NJ (stnj.org)
• Secrets of Space - Thurs, Feb 12, 2026, 12pm @ State Theatre NJ (stnj.org)
• Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales - Tue, Mar 24, 2026, 12pm @ State Theatre NJ (stnj.org)
• Hare & Tortoise - Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 12pm @ State Theatre NJ (stnj.org)
2. PLANETARIUM FUN
The Raritan Valley College Planetarium features “The Sky Above”, a sensory-friendly show about planets, the moon, and constellations synced to music and laser lights. Doors are open, lights are dimmed, and audio is lowered. Saturday shows: Nov 1st and Dec 6th at 5PM. Branchburg, NJ, raritanval.edu/planetarium
3. EXPLORE AQUATIC LIFE
Adventure Aquarium is KultureCity certified and offers marine life accessible viewing areas, sensory bags, headphone zones, and designated quiet areas. Take your time to explore sea life, fish, and more! Sensory Sundays presented by Shriners take place on the third Sunday of every month from 9:30am-10:30am. Upcoming dates: Nov 16th, Dec 21st. During F.I.S.H. (Family Inclusive Sensory Hours) events, the music is low and crowds are reduced. Check website for more info. Buy tickets in advance. Camden, NJ, adventureaquarium.com
Jenkinson’s Aquarium offers Sensory Saturdays for guests with autism, sensory processing, and other cognitive challenges to have fun and explore the aquarium before it’s open to the public, with less crowds, less noise and less stimulation. Check website for any upcoming dates. Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. jenkinsons. com/aquarium
SEA LIFE Aquarium at American Dream Mall offers exhibits on fish, stingrays, sharks, Jellyfish, and more! Aquariums offer sensory experiences that can be calming and soothing for kids. Opening hours in the morning may be less crowded for a visit. East Rutherford, NJ. visitsealife.com/new-jersey
4. SPEND A DAY AT THE ZOO
The Bronx Zoo is home to an incredible 4,000 animals. It is certified sensory inclusive for visitors. Check online for Sensory Sensitive Mornings and other family programs. The zoo’s Accessibility Map contains information on zoo exhibits and grounds. The Zoo has quiet zones and headphone zones to help visitors with sensory processing needs. Sensory bags available to guests. bronxzoo.com
• Sensory Sensitive Morning: Spooktacular World of Darkness - Sun, Oct 19th, 9am-10:30am
• Sensory Sensitive Morning: Madagascar - Sun, Dec 21st, 9am-10:30am
• Sensory Sensitive Morning: Sea BirdsSun, Apr 12, 2026, 9am-10:30am
• Sensory Sensitive Morning: Children’s Zoo - Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 9am-10:30am
The Central Park Zoo in New York City lets you explore wildlife, snow leopards, sea lions, goats, sheep, and more! The sensory inclusive programs allows families to explore the Children’s Zoo before it’s open to the public.
• Access Mornings: Faboolous Access - Sun, Oct 26th, 9:30am-10:30am
• Access Mornings: Barnyard Friends - Sat, Apr 4, 2026, 9:30am-10:30am
• Access Mornings: Mother’s Day - Sun, May 10, 2026, 9:30am-10:30am
Turtle Back Zoo is designated certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity. Explore animals and zoo attractions on your own schedule. Sensory bags, accessibility map, quiet zones and headphone zones help guests with special needs. Sensory friendly morning offers visitors an opportunity to visit without crowds. Sensory friendly evening events also offered during the year. Check website turtlebackzoo.com for details.
Other zoos to visit: Bergen County Zoo, Cape May County Zoo
5. VISIT A STEM MUSEUM
Museums are open and welcoming to the special needs community. Check venues for ticket information.
Liberty Science Center - Learn about science and STEM with interactive activities. LSC’s comprehensive sensory map lets you plan your experience accordingly. On sensory days, LSC offers an entire day of science learning for children with Autism and sensory sensitivities. Upcoming Sensory Day: Mon, Nov 10th. lsc.org
Intrepid Museum in NYC - Visit and see ships, planes, space shuttle and more! The Intrepid offers Access Family Programs where children can experience the Museum in a sensory-friendly environment. Upcoming Special Access Program: Astronauts Aboard on Sun, Feb 8, 2026, 11am-1pm. intrepidmuseum.org
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Leucovorin*
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The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia - Enjoy hands on exhibits and experiences related to science, the brain, sports, space, the human body and more! The museum Sensory Guide provides guidance and helpful tips on certain experiences that may have high levels of stimulation. Sensory backpacks are stocked with helpful tools like noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, and sensory guide alerts to help reduce sensory stimulation. fi.edu
Museum of Natural History in New York CityCome see exhibits on Dinosaurs, fossils, space, planets, insects, oceans, butterflies, and so much more! Discovery Squad events are for children ages 5-12 with Autism and developmental disabilities. Held the third Saturday of each month. Includes tour of select halls before opening to the public, followed by free play in the Discovery Room. FREE, advanced registration required. Upcoming Discovery Squad dates: Sat, Oct 18th, 9am-10:30am for Mammals, Sat Nov 15th, 9am-10:30am for Ocean Life. amnh.org or call 212.769.5200
6. GET CREATIVE WITH ART
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC offers art workshops for individuals with Autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Register online for FREE Discoveries art workshops for children ages 5-13, ages 14-22, and ages 23+ for the following dates: Oct 19th, Nov 16th. metmuseum.org
Museum of Modern Art Monthly Create Ability Program, MoMA provides Create Ability and Access Programs for creative art experiences for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Upcoming Create Ability events (preregistration required): In Motion on Sun, Nov 9th, 11am-1pm or 2pm4pm; Drawn Out on Sun, Dec 7th, 11am-1pm for ages 5-17 or 2pm-4pm for 18+. moma.org
Crayola Experience offers dozens of hands-on creative art activities. They serve guests with special needs and is designed for everyone to enjoy. Upcoming date: Sensory Night Halloween Edition - Fri, Oct 24th, 5pm-8pm. Visitors can
enjoy all the attractions in a sensory friendly environment where lights are dimmed, music will be off, quiet room available, costume parade, and trick or treat stations. Tickets online. Easton, PA. crayolaexperience.com
New York City Ballet Autism Friendly Access Workshops are for children ages 4-12 with Autism and other sensory needs. NYC Ballet dance instructors will guide children in ballet movement warm up and choreography. No dance experience necessary. Buy tickets online. Upcoming dates: Sun Dec 7th at 10am, Sat, Dec 13th at 1pm, Sat Jan 24, 2026 at 1pm, Sat Jan 31, 2026 at 1pm, Sat Apr 25, 2026 at 1pm. nycballet.com
7. CATCH A MOVIE
AMC Theaters in partnership with the Autism Society offer sensory friendly movies every month, scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays for family friendly films and on Wednesday evenings for mature films. The lights are up and the sound is down. Audience members can get up, dance, walk, or sing. Check your local NJ AMC theater in Cherry Hill, Clifton, Freehold, Jersey Gardens, New Brunswick, and Rockaway. amctheatres.com
8. SKI OR SNOW BOARD
Many ski resorts offer adaptive sports programs for kids and individuals with disabilities. The special needs community can experience outdoor fun with skiing and snowboarding. At Mountain Creek (mountaincreek.com) in Vernon NJ, you can book an adaptive program with lift ticket, lesson, and rentals. Campgaw Mountain (skicampgaw.com) in Mahwah offers learn how to ski or snowboard adaptive lessons for children ages 7+. Pennsylvania Adaptive Programs offered at Camelback Resort, Jack Frost Big Boulder (jfbb.com), Liberty Mountain Resort, Spring Mountain Adventures, Whitetail Resort. New York State Adaptive Programs offered at Catamount Ski Area, Gore Mountain, Whiteface, and Windham Mountain.
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Let’s make a plan together
We’ll look at where you are today and where you wan t to go, tailoring your plan from a range of financial options designed to reinforce each other to get you there. That way, you’ll have the confidence to live the life you see for your family — including your loved one with special needs — and have a plan to retire when and how you’ve alway s dreamed. Your Northwestern Mutual financial advisor will guide you along the way:
1. Build a personalized financial plan
It starts with understanding you and what you want out of life for your family and your child with special needs. Then we’ll help you design a plan to make it happen.
2. Where you are now
No matter where you’re starting from, we’ll give you a clear view of your financial picture so you can see exactly where you stand today.
3.
Where you’re going
From saving for a new home to making a plan for your loved one’s future — we’ll show you how close you are to your goals, any gaps you have, and opportunities we find.
4. A range of options to get you there
Get personalized strategies to help grow your money while making sure your loved one is protected. You will learn the right strategies to ease your mind and create financial confidence for everyone in your family.
9. HORSE BACK RIDING THERAPY
Try equine therapy to help children with special needs. Benefits can help balance, coordination, muscle movement, self esteem, confidence, focus, and motor skills. Therapeutic horseback riding programs are offered at Seaton Hackney Stables. They work with riders of all abilities and have all types of horses to accommodate riders’ needs. Morristown, NJ seatonhackney.com
10. ENJOY INDOOR WATER FUN
Island Resort Waterpark at the Showboat in Atlantic City NJ. Relax in tropical waters heated over 80 degrees year round. Attractions include Adventure Pool, Blue Water Cascade, Kids Cove for little ones, water slides, lazy river, and more! islandwaterparkac.com
11.
GET ACTIVE WITH SPORTS
Special Olympics NJ offers many opportunities for children and young athletes with different abilities to get involved in a sports play program. Walking, running, jumping, throwing, kicking, and competition in all types of sports! Find a local NJ program near you. sonj.org
12.
GO PLAY!
Imagine That!!! offers fun indoor play for preschoolers and young children. Family friendly exhibits and activities where kids can play, touch, and imagine. Try visiting in the mornings for a more comfortable experience. Located in Florham Park, NJ. imaginethatmuseum.com
Monster Mini Golf lets you be among monsters as you glow in the dark. Play the arcade, laser tag, mini golf, games and prizes. Welcoming special needs families in Edison, Paramus, and Fairfield, NJ. monsterminigolf.com
13. VISIT A SEASONAL THEME PARK
Escape to a magical forest at Fairy Tale Forest which offers a sensory friendly park where you can explore life-size cottages depicting classic fairy tales! The entire forest is an exhibit of classic stories. Among many attractions, find Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Seven Dwarfs, The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks & The Three Bears and more. Oak Ridge, NJ. fairytaleforest.com
Storybook Land offers family friendly park rides and attractions for young children. Visit this Fall and during Christmas time for fun. The Assisted Access Pass is for guests who have difficulty waiting and can ride the next ride cycle. Sensory friendly designated quiet zones available. Egg Harbor Township, NJ. storybookland.com
Sesame Place is the first theme park designated as a Certified Autism Center. Extensive sensory guide of services, rides, shows, low sensory area, low sensory parade viewing, quiet dining and more! Meet & take photo with Julia, a 4 year old muppet with Autism. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a wristband is provided for guests with non-visible disabilities who require a little extra time and patience. Langhorne, PA, sesameplace.com
14. DISCOVER NATURE AND PARKS
Nature trails are full of sensory activities. Enjoy nature at local county parks and New Jersey state parks. www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests
The Watchung Reservation Sensory Friendly Trail is located within the park’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Union County. The walking path has a gazebo, talking stations, hands-on sensory play, and more! It’s accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities and special needs. ucnj.org/ trailside-nature-and-science-center
Go on a Bird ID Trail @ Tenafly Nature Center. See their newest exhibit, located within the TNC forest. Enjoy a gradual pace down the path and search for each of 11 artistic avian elements that represent 9 native species. Follow bird feeders to find out which trail the rest of the birds are located. Tenafly, NJ. tenaflynaturecenter.org
Explore the Children’s Adventure Garden inside the New York Botanical Garden. Pique their interest in plants at our new pop-up across from the Native Plant Garden, where the Garden’s Teen Explainers are eager to share seasonal activities, hands-on programs like crafts and potting up plant seedlings, and other family-friendly events throughout the year. New York Botanical Garden
