Brooklyn Family - November 2026 by Schneps Media Digital Editions

NOVEMBER 2026

NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

A Baby, a Business & a Whole Lot of Bark Meet Gabriella Desposito-Carlson, mom and founder of Barkhouse, who turned her love of dogs into a dream business

SPECIAL NEEDS

Resources and support to help your family thrive

Celebrate Fall with Local

HAYRIDES

The BEST Birthday Party Places

Powering Possibility of Powering Possibility of Our Students and Our Future Our Students and Our Future WHY CHOOSE BUGS? WHY CHOOSE BUGS?

THE BUGS DIFFERENCE THE BUGS TWO DIFFERENCE TEACHERS IN EVERY CLASSROOM TWO TEACHERS IN EVERY CLASSROOM

REAL WORLD PROBLEM SOLVING

ENRICHMENT CLASSES & LUNCH CLUBS

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION

FREE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM with sports, STEM, arts, and more.

FREE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM admissions@BUGSbrooklyn.org 929-487-9927 with sports, STEM, arts, and more.

BUGS is easy to get to by B67, B68, B69, B61 & F/G subway admissions@BUGSbrooklyn.org 929-487-9927 500 19th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 BUGS is easy to get to by B67, B68, B69, B61 & F/G subway SCAN TO APPLY ORBrooklyn, SIGN UP 500 19th Street, NY FOR 11215 AN OPEN HOUSE

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DISTINGUISHED

Meet us in NYC for an Open House at the historic Union League Club November 19 at 7:00 PM RSVP by emailing admissions@harrownewyork.com

HISTORY, THINKING

MODERN

A forward-thinking private school built on centuries of success M A K E YO U R H I S TO R Y Harrow New York welcomes girls and boys in Grades 6 through 12. Co-Ed | Grades 6-12 | Day School | 5-Day Boarding | 7-Day Boarding Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming academic year. Scholarships and ﬁnancial aid may be available.

500 Montauk Highway, Oakdale, NY harrownewyork.com

November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2026 NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 36

pg. 20 pg.38

pg. 34

FEATURES

STORIES & COLUMNS

16 | Special Needs Dyslexia Early Intervention

6 | Editor’s Letter

22 | Special Needs Roundtable Making sense of uneven development profiles 26 | Party Best Birthday Party Places 32 | Baby Strollers on the subway 34 | Cover: Gabriella DespositoCarlson The mom behind the pack and founder of Barkhouse

8 | Spotlight Daniella Rabbani brings Klezmerette to life 12 | Family Day Out Hayrides to enjoy this November

FAMILY FUN 36 | Calendar The month's best family-friendly events

DIRECTORIES 24 | Special Needs Guide

20 | Special Needs - Mom Stories There’s room for everyone 28 | Shopping Lapland’s first US Christmas shop is here 30 | Spotlight The duo behind Cantinery 38 | Tech ChatGPT for teens

4 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

pg. 38

ON THE COVER Photo: Jesse Dittmar | @jessedittmar | jessedittmar.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Dog leashes: 1ER, available at barhouse.com

A nurturing & rigorous PreK-5th grade elementary school in Fort Greene

We engage students Pre-K-5th grade with an innovative and hands-on curriculum that honors the individuality of each learner.

Limited Spots Available for 2026-2027 Apply Today!

What We Offer • Busing for qualified K-5 students

PL Y T O D A Y

What Makes Our School Different?

• On-site afterschool programming

• 2 teachers per classroom

• Free breakfast, snack, and lunch

• Hands-on learning, focused on science, social justice, and the arts

• ICT Classes • Speech, occupational and physical therapy, counseling, and paraprofessionals

• We prioritize play! We’re outside for recess, gardening, Forest School, Shore School or field visits

• Mutual Aid Fund to support families with rent, food, and utility costs

• Active learning through projects, discussions, and field trips

• Dedicated ELL Specialist and Learning Specialists to provide services for ELL students

• Studio program with music, visual art, sustainability, and physical education

• Multilingual communication with families through Parent Square

• Onsite library for students to borrow books

Middle School Expansion in Progress! 300 Adelphi St, Brooklyn NY brooklyncompass.org • (718) 310-3588 November 2026 | Brooklyn Family 5

EDITOR’S NOTE

PUBLISHER: Clifford Luster EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Donna Duarte-Ladd ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Erin Brof ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Stacie Goldberg EDITORIAL LEAD: Jeannine Cintron DEPUTY EDITOR: Danielle Ramos EVENTS EDITOR: Shara Levine ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR: Soe Kabbabe EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Alexa Lutter PARTNERSHIP MANAGERS: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Mary Cassidy, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Nina Spiegelman, Terah Stone, Gwen Tomaselli MARKETING & STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Rosalia Bobé MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Ashley Rivera MARKETING ASSISTANT: Lorens Morris MEDIA SALES ASSISTANT: Ruston Ropac ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch WEB DEVELOPER: Sylvan Migdal GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Soe Kabbabe

CONTACT INFORMATION

Fall’s Paws-sibilities! Ready to make the most of fall? We’ve rounded up hayrides (page 12) and adventures, plus the best birthday party spots (page 26), to make your little one’s big day extra special. We’re also diving into the resources and support families need when navigating special needs, from why early intervention matters for dyslexia (page 16) to understanding uneven development in kids (page 22) and finding the right resources (page 24) to help your family thrive. Our cover star is Gabriella Desposito-

Carlson (page 34), a mom who turned her love of dogs into a dream business. With her husband, she founded Barkhouse, proving that motherhood doesn’t just change your life; it can inspire a whole new adventure! And as our kids grow up in an increasingly digital world, we’re taking a closer look at ChatGPT (page 38) and teens, and what parents need to know to help them navigate it all. Here’s to a November filled with connection, fall fun, and plenty of reasons to bark with joy!

GET IN TOUCH Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

6 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

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PRESIDENT: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps COO: Clifford Luster

New York Family is the recipient of 7 Parenting Media Awards for 2025, including Gold awards for both Design and Editorial for our monthly print publication. New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC. Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2026 Queens Family Media, LLC

November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SPOTLIGHT

Daniella Rabbani Brings Klezmerette to life BY DONNA DUARTE- LADD

met Daniella Rabbani some years ago through a group of mutual mom friends, a collection of the kind of moms who somehow become the moms you love hanging out with. When I think of Daniella, I think energy. And not just physical, although you can easily catch on when you hear her sing or dance; she has a lot of it. Her energy is everything. She is completely herself while also carrying so much with her: her family history, her love of Jewish culture, her deep connection to Yiddish, and a genuine desire to share that history matters, and the stories, the music, and the future of this culture is here. All of this is especially deep right now, at a time when being Jewish is questioned in many layered ways. From what I know of Daniella, she doesn’t place Jewish identity as something that belongs only in the past, although the past is important to know and teach. She talks about it openly, and it’s incorporated in the many threads of creativity she weaves, be it her must-listen podcast, Mom Curious, or her acting; she teaches it, celebrates it, and, through her work, keeps finding new ways to bring it into the present. Now, this mom of two and longtime Yiddish performer is sharing her love for her culture with Klezmerette, her new album released last month, which is of Yiddish songs deeply connected to her family history and heritage, while also looking ahead and asking what it means to carry a culture into the next generation. I chatted with Daniella not just about the music, but about motherhood, heritage, raising Jewish children in New York City, and what it means to hold onto your history while still making it your own. You’ve spent much of your career moving between acting, music, filmmaking, your podcast, and other creative projects. What is it about Yiddish music that keeps pulling

8 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

Photo by Michelle Rose Photography

you back? We’re in a great time for artists to keep a close eye on what our audiences are asking of us. I’m active on Instagram @ daniellarabbani, and when I teach a Yiddish word or sing a Yiddish song, people go nuts! You’ve described Yiddish as something your soul remembered when you learned the language. What does Yiddish mean to you now, after all these years of performing and living with it? I think we all have soul callings, and singing in Yiddish is one of mine. The musical genre is called klezmer, which is

actually two Hebrew words together, “kle” and “zemer,” that mean “an instrument of song.” That’s what I am – an instrument, a klezmer. An instrument through which the song is expressed. And I’ll express it for as long as there is an appetite for these songs. You’ve been performing Yiddish music for nearly two decades. What made now feel like the right time to make Klezmerette? It’s always a good time for good music but also: WE NEED SOME GOOD NEWS, dontcha think? A reason to celebrate and

At Achievement First Public Charter Schools in in Brooklyn, every child is is welcomed into Achievement First Public Charter Schools Brooklyn, every child into AtAt Achievement First Public Charter Schools in Brooklyn, every child iswelcomed welcomed into A At Achievement First Public Charter Schools in in Brooklyn, every child is is welcomed into Achievement First Public Charter Brooklyn, every child into AtAt Achievement First Public Charter Schools in Brooklyn, every child iswelcomed welcomed into A aajoyful, supportive community that believes deeply inevery their brilliance. From aAchievement joyful, supportive community that believes deeply in brilliance. From At First Public Charter Schools Brooklyn, child welcomed into At Achievement First Public Charter Schools in in Brooklyn, every child isisis welcomed into Achievement First Public Charter Schools Brooklyn, every child into joyful, supportive community that believes deeply intheir their brilliance. From AtAt Achievement First Public Charter Schools in Brooklyn, every child iswelcomed welcomed into A aajoyful, supportive community that believes deeply in their brilliance. From ajoyful, joyful, supportive community that believes deeply in their brilliance. From supportive community that believes deeply intheir their brilliance. From kindergarten through high school, students areare nurtured by caring teachers who kindergarten through high school, students nurtured caring teachers who a joyful, supportive community that believes deeply brilliance. From aajoyful, supportive community that believes deeply ininin their brilliance. From ajoyful, joyful, supportive community that believes deeply their brilliance. From kindergarten through high school, students are nurtured by caring teachers who supportive community that believes deeply inby their brilliance. 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Beyond the classroom, our classrooms, learning engaging and rooted love. Beyond the classroom, InIn our classrooms, learning engaging and rooted inlove. love. Beyond the classroom, In our classrooms, learning isisis engaging and rooted inin love. Beyond the classroom, our classrooms, learning engaging and rooted in Beyond the classroom, In our classrooms, learning isengaging engaging and rooted love. Beyond the classroom, In our classrooms, learning is rooted in love. Beyond the classroom, students explore their talents through arts, sports, leadership, and enrichment students explore their talents through arts, sports, leadership, and enrichment In our classrooms, learning is engaging and rooted in love. Beyond the classroom, In our classrooms, learning is engaging and rooted in love. Beyond the classroom, ul, community that believes deeply in in their brilliance. From yful, supportive community that believes deeply their brilliance. 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November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SPOTLIGHT

remember who we are outside of what anyone says or thinks of us. This music is a visceral, sensual reminder to prioritize humor, resilience and expression. Your family history is such an important part of your connection to Yiddish, especially your grandparents. How does that history find its way into the music you make? I had the honor of growing up with two grandparents who survived the Holocaust. They weren’t people from books or documentaries. They were just people. I am so grateful for the amount of Holocaust education out there. It’s important. I also know that my grandparents were not defined by the Holocaust. I love that Yiddish reflects that: songs about love and longing, songs about food and delinquents, songs about how much we love our moms and, yes, songs about the darkest moments in history. Yiddish music expresses all the keys on the humanity piano. And a tremendous amount of life before during and after the Holocaust.

There’s so much joy, humor, and playfulness in Klezmerette, alongside the history and heavier emotions behind it. Was that balance important to you? It’s important to me as an artist to be able to keep your attention. If it’s too much of one or the other, the listener will turn away, especially because you likely don’t understand every word. None of us are just one thing, so I hope the music reflects that.

Curious, because I need to be in the driver’s seat of my creativity at least part of the time. And I’m so grateful for that!!

You’re a mom of two now. Has motherhood changed the way you think about your own family history, traditions, and what you want to pass down to your kids? Yes! Motherhood has changed everything for me. Before kids, I could drop anything at a moment’s notice and run to an audition or booking. I was available for any and everything- I didn’t need to plan in advance or consider who would be home when. Motherhood forced me to take more agency in my life and career. I still act and love it so much, but I’ve created Klezmerette from the ground up as well as my podcast Mom

“Oyfn Pripitchek” is your new single. What makes your rendition of this song special, and why was now the time to release it? It’s probably the most popular Yiddish song, and it’s been recorded approximately one million times, so it was a negotiation with my producer. But I hope to reach the folks who have no idea this music exists, so I gotta start at the beginning, which is what the song is about. Michael did a great job with this arrangement, so we were able to create something new from a very old song. Kinda my thing.

What do you hope people, especially people who may not know much about Yiddish music, take away from listening to Klezmerette? I hope they smile! And dance! I hope they just like it for the sound and feeling it produces.

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November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

FAMILY DAY OUT

Hayrides!

Autumn fun in and around NYC BY AIDEN LEVIN

s the air turns crisp, the wind picks up and the leaves continue to fall, bundle up and get cozy on top of hay stacks in a tractor bed this season. Be on the look out for the perfect pumpkin to carve, the ripest apples and the most confusing corn maze. These hayrides, a few located within New York City, will leave families with comforting memories that will last a lifetime. NYC Green Meadows Farm 3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 718-470-0224 Between the Rockaways and South Brookly, Marine Park buffers against Rockaway Inlet. Nestled in this green space lies Green Meadows Farm. For a $14 admission (ages 2 and below are free) families can go on hayrides, kids can play in the corn kernel box, operate a bulldozer and then recuperate at the snack bar. Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 718-347-3276 Brushing up against the border of Queens and Long Island, this farm and museum offers tractor-pulled hayrides around their 47 acre farm in October and November during fall festivals, including the Children’s Halloween on the Farm, and the Annual Queen’s Agricultural Fair. Little ones will love getting lost in the only corn maze within NYC and pumpkin picking. Enjoy cider, donuts, apples and pies at their sweet shoppe. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; admission is free except on ticketed dates. Hayrides (weather permitting) run on weekdays from 1 to 4 pm and weekends from 11 am to 4 pm at $6 per person. Tickets can be bought inperson at their Farmstore. New Jersey Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Ln., Chester, NJ 908-946-2023 Head out west into north-central Jersey for

12 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

a fall family fun at Jersey’s Alstede Farms, where your family can enjoy the evening Harvest Moon Hayride. The ride guides you through a nighttime corn maze, pumpkin patch, ending with a campfire, and live music. The children can enjoy the seasonal apple cider donut and pumpkin ice cream, while the parents can get refreshed with Ironbound Hard Cider. Open from 6 to 10 pm Fridays through Sundays (last entry at 8:30 pm). Tickets are $20. Riamede Farm 122 Oakdale Rd., Chester, NJ 908-879-7762 Riamede Farm offers scenic hayrides out to their historic pumpkin patch. Besides standard general admission tickets, they have a variety of deals to choose from: the Season Pass offers a 10% discount on any purchase, while the Family Bundle offers 4 admissions, a bag of donuts and a bushel of apples. Hayrides run only on weekends, with the last entry at 4:30 pm. Please check the website for current hours and pricing. Westchester/Hudson Valley Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Ln., Poughquag 845-227-2306 Barton Orchards offers hayrides, apple and pumpkin picking, a creamery, a corn maze, a haunted house and a family “fun park,” which includes a mega slide, apple cannons,

mini golf and pedal carts. Kids will love the petting zoo and seasonal activities, while adults can enjoy craft beer, cider, and wine at the Taproom, Sound Garden bar and the Harvest Lounge. Check the website for current hours, pricing and special events. Fishkill Farms 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction, NY 845-897-4377 Fishkill Farms offers weekend hayrides for transportation around the farm, pick-yourown apples and pumpkins, and a corn maze. Families can eat delectable eats, such as jerk chicken and cider slushies at the Farmer’s Fork Food Stand. Families enjoy live music while munching on apple cider donuts. If you are thirsty after those donuts, head on over to their cider bar. Farm animals are on display (observation only), adding to the harvest charm. Hayrides and activities require tickets in advance. Open weekends; check the website for hours and seasonal events. Dr. Davies Farm 306 Rt. 304, Congers, NY 845-268-7020 The majestic rocky outcroppings that bank the Hudson River are visible from this farm. Pack up the family—and even your dog— and head a little over an hour from the city to enjoy hayrides, pick your own apples and pumpkins, and navigate the corn maze. Hayrides are available at $8 to get to select

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FAMILY DAY OUT

fall activity areas, such as the pumpkin patch and flower garden. Apple picking is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Pricing varies; cash only (ATM available). Please check the website for details. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard 130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem, NY 914-485-1210 Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard hosts a two month long Fall Festival on weekends, featuring hayrides, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and a corn maze. There will be live country music and barbecue on select weekends. Enjoy cider donuts and farm-fresh produce. Admission tickets are $27 for ages 4 and up, and must be purchased online in advance. Hayrides and picking your own fruit are an additional charge. The farm is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5pm on weekends. Muscoot Farm 51 Route 100, Katonah, NY 914-864-7286 Muscoot Farm is a farm and museum, located on a grand 777 acres. Offers range from hayrides to animal exhibits, hiking trails, and a farmers’ market on Sundays from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. The farm is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum is home to the Milk, Ice, Brooder and Carriage Houses. Hayrides are available for an additional fee; please check the website for current pricing and event details. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem, NY 914-277-3188 Outhouse Orchards offers a vibrant fall experience with apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and hayrides. The farm stand features fresh produce, homemade goods, as well as flower and pear picking. When dusk falls, stay from 6-9 pm for Fall Friday Nights and eat wood-fired pizza while live music fills the air. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission varies; please check the website for current pricing, hours and event details. Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Rd., Granite Springs, NY 914-245-2784 Stuart’s Fruit Farm is one of the oldest farms in Westchester County. It has been around since 1828. It offers apple, peach and pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a farm stand with pastries baked every day. The farm is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Hayrides are

14 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

available on weekends. Cash or check only; please check the website for current pricing, hours and event details. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 914-245-5111 Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm offers apple, peaches and pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, and a bakery with fresh pies and cider donuts, and a winery and vineyard on weekends. The farm is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, while the food market is open from 10 am to 5 pm. The farm is closed on Tuesday. No reservations or admissions fees are required to enter. Hayrides are available on weekends; please check the website for current pricing and event details. You can pick up a freshly-cut Christmas tree when winter arrives too. Apple Ridge Orchards 101 Jessup Rd., Warwick, NY 845-987-7717 Apple Ridge Orchards offers hayrides with stops along the way to pet and feed the animals. There are also pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. Enjoy scenic views of the Hudson Valley and Warwick Valley. Check out the Orchard BBQ on weekends and select holidays from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. The farm is open Thursday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Please check the website for current hours and pricing. Hurds Family Farm 2187 NY-32, Modena, NY 845-883-7825 Hurds Family Farm features hayrides, corn mazes, cow train rides, and seasonal pickyour-own apples and pumpkins on 125 acres of land. Kids can enjoy a bounce pillow, mini-zipline, and duck races. The farm offers a classic autumn outing for families. It is open Friday through Monday, with hayrides available on Saturdays, Sundays, or by group reservation. Multiple different price packages are offered, each with different amenities. Check the website for current pricing and seasonal events. Masker Orchards 45 Ball Rd., Warwick, NY 845-986-1058 For more than 100 years, Masker Orchards is a go-to family-friendly farm in the Hudson Valley. Drive right to the trees with your family and then get lost in the massive orchard. You can even bring your dog. On

weekends and holidays, there are pony rides, wagon rides for the kids, and apple maze. The country store has great cider and an assortment of apple jams, butters, pies, and other goodies. There is also a haunted house, live music, a country store, and more! What is more, there is no admission fee. It is open 9 am-5 pm, seven days a week, through November for the fruit-picking season. Long Island Albert H. Schmitt Family Farm 6 Bagatelle Rd., Dix Hills, NY 631-423-6343 Albert H. Schmitt Family Farm offers their very own “Fall Fun,” full of hayrides, and pumpkin patch. Kids can explore and have fun with duck races and the animal train ride. Food and beverages include apple cider donuts, roasted corn, fresh pies and hot caramel apple cider. There is a $10 admission fee. Families can wander the fields, enjoy fall décor, and explore farm activities. The farm is open daily from 12 pm to 5 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and 10 am to 6 pm on Fridays through Sundays; check the website for updated pricing and special event details. Brightwater Farms 1624 Manatuck Blvd., Bay Shore, NY 631-665-5410 Families can go on as many hayrides as they want at Brightwaters Farms on the weekends. Children under 2 years old are free. While the idea of unlimited hayrides is tempting, there is a $30 admission fee. Weekdays are free admission, with hayrides an added $10. The farm also features pumpkin picking, a corn maze, inflatables, and farm animals. Live entertainment and seasonal treats are available at the country store. Harbes Family Farm 715 Sound Ave., Mattituck, NY 631-482-7641 Resting upon Long Island’s North Fork, Harbes Family Farm features hayrides, a corn maze, apple and pumpkin picking, pig races, and a Barnyard Adventure area. Kids can meet the new animals on the farm — the cute highland cows Mocha and Maise. If one corn maze is not enough for you, no problem, Harbes also features their very own Spooky Night Maze. Open on weekends from 9 am to 6 pm. Hayrides $8; hayride + maze is $12; Barnyard Adventure $29 weekends and holidays. Combo ticket packages are also offered; for current prices and event details, check the website.

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November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SPECIAL NEEDS

Dyslexia Early Intervention Helpful tips from an expert BY KAITLYN RIGGIO

tatistics from the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity show that dyslexia affects 20 percent of the population and accounts for 80 to 90 percent of all those with learning disabilities, making it the most common neuro-cognitive disorder. While dyslexia is a chronic condition that’s rarely cured, early identification and intervention can help build essential skills for reading, writing and comprehension. Early signs of dyslexia and intervention practices may vary from person to person. We sat down with Dr. Rebecca Mannis, neuropsychology learning specialist and founder of Ivy Prep. Her practice has helped people on the Upper East Side and worldwide for over 30 years. We asked Dr. Mannis about signs of dyslexia that parents can look out for and what intervention may look like. What are some early signs of dyslexia that parents can watch out for? For Toddler/Preschool: • Delayed language development • Difficulty following multistep directions • Frustration in communicating – difficulty retrieving words or labels • Difficulty sitting and retaining the story at circle time • Meltdowns over communication and transitions For Preschool/Primary School: • Difficulty with rhyming (ex: Dr. Seuss books) or appreciate language nuance (ex: getting the joke in Amelia Bedelia books) • Lack of recall for reading common “sight words” they often see, such as “love” or “taxi” • Lack of interest in reading or writing • Contrast between strong interest in hearing stories (being read to) and interest in learning how letters fit together to make words • Difficulty with segmenting words into sounds (c-a-t) or syllabication (clapping out the syllables in their names “Ga-bri-el”) • Hesitation about attending school or academic performance • Difficulty “encoding” or writing short

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words that can be sounded out or remembering the spelling of “Dolch List,” high frequency (common) words like “love” or “mother” • Reversing letters • Skipping words when read aloud • Slowness at blending sounds of words or recalling what sight words “say” (lack of fluency/automaticity) • Dysgraphia, or difficulty in the motor planning of how to hand write letters What does early intervention for dyslexia look like? This depends on the individual child’s learning profile and what is being done on-site (or not provided) at the school. Some children require specialized schools for dyslexic students, where systematic, multisensory approaches are used on a daily basis and across the classes a child has each day. Other students can thrive with customized support outside school with learning specialists who are trained to interpret test findings and develop an intervention plan that speaks to the specific child and the specific school’s curriculum. This is where it is particularly important for parents to do their homework. Not all learning specialists have the same training or vantage point about support, and it is big business. There are different philosophies and approaches, and sometimes what is presented as “evidence based” is actually a cookie cutter approach – or the wrong pacing and sequence for your child’s particular needs. For example, if a student needs high repetition of information or to preview information in order to keep up with the class work, then it is important for a learning specialist to design sessions that balance the specific instruction for underdeveloped skills that are not course-related (for example, how to divide long words into syllables) while also using the child’s homework spelling list or the sight words in their science chapter to manage schoolwork and get that real-time reinforcement of reading strategies that speak to the daily experience in the classroom. Similarly, it is critical for parents to identify professionals who can balance traditional print tools, such as workbooks and games that reinforce the skills, with adaptive

technology. This is where parents can feel particularly frustrated, as neuropsychologists are not educators, and educators are not neuropsychologists. Approximately 80 percent of my clientele and I start with a consultation where I provide a chart review to demystify the test findings to help parents “connect the dots” between their observations, test findings, and working with schools or other stakeholders. There is a huge element of “caveat emptor,” since so much of this is not licensed and these high stakes serials can overwhelm kids and parents alike. Even when specialists have licenses, there is wide variability in skill set, how intervention sessions are constructed, and even attitudes about which support is needed. For example, at times language specialists or occupational therapists will feel there is more work to be done in grade 4 or 5 in shoring up underdeveloped language or fine motor skills, while other specialists may feel that the priority needs to shift toward teach-

ing students how to communicate better in writing or use adaptive tech, dong so with an eye toward ongoing challenges in processing speed, word finding or handwriting. How can parents and schools support a child with dyslexia? Support for dyslexic students is equal parts, art, science, and alchemy. It’s critical for there to be a systematic approach. Sometimes that means using very similar materials in both outside support and during the academic day or in reading intervention at school.At other times, it makes more sense to “divide and conquer.” For example, at school, a teacher may be focusing on how to write a paragraph with a topic sentence, three supporting details, and a conclusion using a “quick outline” that is very structured, streamlined, and predictable. In remediation, it can be very helpful for the outside specialist to use the same “quick outline” that the teacher uses in history class. And it may be important to work on writing

while using the History assignment if the child is fatigued or has other after-school activities that day. However, the outside learning specialist may also be incorporating instruction in how to use a predictive word processor, or in helping the child with expanding his vocabulary, so that he doesn’t rely on a narrow lexicon of words to communicate his point in the essay. Similarly, it may be that at school, the teacher is working on a particular spelling curriculum, where the focus is on spelling words with particular prefix patterns. In outside support, those words can be practiced, but it’s important to use particular methods that are aligned with the child specific type of dyslexia to ensure that appropriate visual cues or phonetic (sound-letter) patterns are reinforced. The truth is that this takes a great deal of expertise and time in order to identify ways that support can be integrated while also being realistic about what each individual can contribute to this process.

In the absence of this, it can be very timeconsuming and confusing, and also frustrating, not only for the children, but for their parents. In my practice, I am in frequent contact with other stakeholders, and typically serve as a case manager, who integrates that information, not only to demystify the process, but also to help parents identify signposts that they can be looking for both to monitor their children’s growth, and to determine the best investment of their resources and the child’s time, if they’re not satisfied with the child’s development. Another element of providing services to the child and family is helping parents truly understand the different philosophies and methodologies that are available to help children with disabilities. For example, many specialists will encourage a multisensory, phonics based approach that reinforces sound patterns for children since about 60 to 80% of children with dyslexia have difficulty with phonology, or linking letters to sounds. However, the research on these highly structured methods and their efficacy with children with more spatial difficulties, sometimes called “NVLD,” or nonverbal. Learning disorders are mixed. In that situation, a child may need a well developed, but more eclectic approach that helps them for example, to memorize and write sight words, words like “though” or “again,” words that cannot be sounded out phonetically. Similarly, there are some schools that believe strongly that in the lower school grades, adaptive technology should not be used with children, while other outside specialists or schools integrate technology as a literacy tool for children with developmental dyslexia from the get-go. Because there is such a wide wide range of approaches, and often neuropsychologists don’t know the nuts and bolts of how these programs are implemented for specific curricula, it is important for parents to understand that, just like learning to read is developmental. In the same way, learning how to line up your ducks in a row to best serve your child at a given time is an extended learning process – and process of collaboration and empowerment – for parents, as well. No one cares about a child more than a parent, so it is critical to take care of yourself so that you can manage the long haul, along with your spouse and child. What do accommodations typically look like for dyslexia, at home and in the classroom? What would workarounds look November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SPECIAL NEEDS

like in everyday life? Accommodations can look different for children, depending on their learning profile, their school, their grade level, and the situation in which accommodations are necessary. For a child with language-based dyslexia in the early grades, accommodations might take the form of an alternate method of assessing a child’s spelling, or having an extra set of workbooks to keep at home for use with the outside specialist. The child may be permitted to write fewer spelling sentences on his exam. That child might need access to a computer in grade 3 to write his weekly journal so that he can focus on expressing his ideas without being encumbered by dysgraphia, or handwriting difficulty. At grade 5 or 6, that might take the form of being able to have extended time on a test or to take a standardized test in a room over multiple days. Similarly, the child might require some adaptive technology or access to a textbook website, where the child can find PowerPoint slides to preview key terms or information that they will be studying in science class. Upper school or college, that might take the form of having an advisor, who is attuned to their learning issues, and who can guide them in managing multiple classrooms and teachers. Similarly, children may require the accommodation of being able to substitute the format of a “computer-delivered” standardized admissions or achievement test, instead taking the test in a traditional booklet format. That means that the child can write into a test booklet with a proctor. Copying his answers onto a Scantron or “bubble sheet,” rather than needing to visually track the paragraph on a computer monitor. This is a critical accommodation because many standardized tests are moving toward “computer- adaptive,” or mini computer tests, which are actually constraining for students who have a more gradual learning curve, visual deficits, or a slower processing speed. Similarly, a dyslexic child who has slow processing speed or working memory difficulty may need extra time to complete certain assignments, or may need assistance with laying out a plan for how to manage school and extracurricular activities in light of their slower processing speed or executive function difficulties. Students in high school or college may also need approval to tape record lectures, or have access to teacher notes or classmates notes if they’re not able to process as much detail as necessary in real time during the lecture. This is why it’s critical to identify special-

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“Any time that a person‘s own development takes a course that is not ‘typical,’ this places a stressor on the individual and the other people in their life.” ists who can mystify neuropsychic, test findings and help parents and students to work with the school around accommodations, curriculum, and intervention. Support from parents is important for children with dyslexia. How can parents show their emotional support for their dyslexic children? Any time that a person‘s own development takes a course that is not “typical,” this places a stressor on the individual and the other people in their life. Whether it’s learning how to tie your shoes, how to memorize the spelling words, or adapting to college textbooks and lectures as a gifted, “twice exceptional” dyslexic, ultimately developmental, learning problems are a lifelong process of learning, adaptation, and advocacy. The upshot is that over time, children can develop “metacognitive awareness,” or an understanding of themselves as learners, and why certain approaches can be particularly helpful for them. Over time and significant support and practice, this helps kids learn how to be their own “change agents.” However, this is a gradual process, and developmental learning problems, especially for bright kids, in demanding learning environments, is a gradual experience. It is important for parents to recognize this, so they can think tactically about how they can support their children while also taking care of themselves. Whether it’s having sufficient time to work out or finding a sounding board to talk about frustrations while also being there to help your child with extra homework, parents need to plan for the immediate and for the long run. That may be a matter of doing some careful looking at how you will fund outside support for your child for the long run, or how to give attention to siblings and their needs. This can be a difficult, disheartening, and stressful ex-

perience for even the most determined, loving, supportive and capable of parents. Aside from taking care of themselves and building a village of outside resources, whom they respect, parents can model for their children along the way. For example, just as children may require more time in order to research and write a term paper if they are dyslexic, parents can model for their children how they are breaking down the process of updating their resumes or planning of family trips by working in manageable chunks. In addition, it is important for parents to remember that their job is to be parents and not educators or interventionists. Otherwise, the task and frustration of helping kids manage learning issues for the long run can really interfere with a parent and child relationship and can be disheartening for everybody involved. Most importantly, parents can help their children, identify factors that contributed to their own success, or what it is that children feel need to be done differently in order for them to have a better experience in a similar situation in the future. For example, if a child is able to juggle the start of baseball season in his Little League team and preparing for the spelling bee, parents can encourage their children, self reflection, or metacognitive awareness, by asking them some open, ended questions. “What do you think made the difference when you were going to have a busy day of both Little League tryouts and reviewing all three vocabulary lists?” This opens the door for the child to then reflect and share so that you can plan. For example, he may say, “It was very helpful that my learning specialist and I wrote the words on flashcards last week. This meant that all I needed to do was practice spelling.” Or your child may feel that it was helpful when you and he use Scrabble letters for him to practice the spelling of the words or when you had located a website that let him practice unscrambling words in an app. It may be that your child felt better having had a quiet day before so that the reduced transitions left him feeling more rested and able to juggle Little League and the preparation for the spelling bee. The more you help your child self reflect, the more you can help him, celebrate his success, identify what he feels and be his own change agent. It can make the difference, and he will see you as the support and sounding board who is cheering him on through this developmental journey.

Is your child struggling? We provide neuropsychological testing, answers and solutions.

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WE HELP CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH: • Mood and behavioral issues (anxiety, depression, anger) • Special Education Advocacy • Custody, visitation and disability evaluations

• Learning Disabilities • ADHD • Autism • Developmental Delays

ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUPPORT: • Extra time on SATs, ACTs, SHSATs, LSATs, MCATs, GRE • Advocating for IEPs, 504s, accommodations for all tests Our center boasts a superior clinical team, short waiting list, and accepts most major insurance plans. We don't just provide diagnosis - we deliver a roadmap towards a better school and home - life.

• Non-public or private school placement • Medication and Therapy Management • Custody and visitation recommendations for courts and families.

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Dr. Sanam Hafeez is the author of "Clinical Perspectives on Recent Trends in Autism Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment

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Dr. Sanam Hafeez FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR

Dr. Hafeez founded comprehend the Mind over 20 years ago to provide children and adults with data - driven guidance. She has conducted thousands of evaluations throughout her career while continuing to teach and write. Dr. Hafeez is regularly interviewed by major news outlets and magazines. She is a published author of PTSD and Autism having literally " written the book" on autism.

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www.ComprehendTheMind.com 114-20 Queens Blvd #CS2, Forest Hills, NY 11375 November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

MOM STORIES

There’s Room for Everyone BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD

t 10, my youngest is no longer the little kid people automatically coo at. He still has the freckles and curls, but as he gets older, the differences between him and other kids have become more noticeable, and lately, more complicated. I notice it most at the playground. On weekend mornings, if we get there after 9 a.m., I can feel it. A parent pulls their child a little closer when my son runs toward the swings. There are looks when he squeals, and the helicopter parents aren’t thrilled when he doesn’t quite follow the unspoken rules of the playground. So we usually get there early, before the toddlers take over the “big kids” area, before the crowds, before the city is fully switched on. But sometimes I want to sleep in. I want to sit at home with my warm, home-brewed matcha and scroll cat memes for another 20 minutes. So we go later. And then I remember why we usually don’t. My son doesn’t read a room. This isn’t defiance. He is severely autistic and lives in his own “bubble.” Which, I have to admit, I’m a little jealous about. Just not giving any energy to anything but your own world? Must be kind of clutch. Maybe it’s one of the gifts of autism. I see it through the lens of Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory, except in our case, it’s more like: Let him. Let him be excited. Let him make noise. Let him move his body. Let him be who he is, while still working toward building his skills through therapy, education, and support. When my son was younger, people didn’t necessarily notice that he was autistic. Most of us parents and caretakers of autistic kids know that as they get older, the gap can widen, not because their autism is “worse,” but because the world starts raising the bar for how children are expected to behave. When my son flaps his hands, shouts because he’s excited, or melts down because the slide is closed, other people may just see the too-much kid. And, honestly, it stings. Outside of an enclosed playground, things can be even trickier. A walk to a café, getting through an airport, sitting in a crowded restaurant. These are all things that require more thought and planning on our end. And we want to do them. We’ve learned that he

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enjoys the adventure, usually once we’re there. Getting there, though, can mean tantrums, confusion, or just a lot of uncertainty. And then there’s New York in November and December. The holidays here are a sensory extravaganza: more people, more lights, more noise, more music, more shopping, more parties, more everything. For many families, that’s the magic. And for us, it can be magic, too. We just experience it differently and a little more carefully. We’ve learned to find the quieter hours, know where the exits are, and have a Plan B, and sometimes a Plan C. We take a break when we need one. Sometimes we skip something. Sometimes we find a different way to experience it. That isn’t staying in a bubble. That’s knowing your kid. And over the years, it has also meant finding the places and people that make our community feel a little more accessible. At our park, I’ve made friends with some of the other early-morning regulars. There’s a mom with two elementary-age autistic kids, and there are parents with high-energy toddlers whose kids absolutely love my son. We’re all there for the same reason: the peacefulness a

giant New York playground can offer when the rest of the city is still waking up. The squirrels are particularly chill. We swap stories and parenting tips over lattes. Our park groundskeeper has even become a source of sage parenting advice. There are mornings when there’s a little mist on the slide, and the air feels soft, and I watch my son run and laugh and just be a kid. Those mornings have made me think differently about that “bubble.” Maybe it isn’t really a bubble at all. Maybe it’s just a little breathing room. And I guess you can say that this is a bit of a contrast: Do we stay home or go outside? We don’t want to live on the sidelines of the place we call home (obviously!). We just take it on a case-by-case basis. I don’t want my son to experience less of New York, but we have to choose spots that offer special accommodations, whether it’s specific hours or accessibility features. We go out to the parks, the museums, the libraries, the theaters, the restaurants, the holiday lights, the weird, wonderful, wonderfully chaotic energy that makes this place what it is. That doesn’t mean every environment needs to be perfectly quiet or predictable. It means recognizing that families can experience the world differently. Inclusion can look like a quiet space, a sensory bag, reduced lighting, a little extra patience, or simply an understanding that a child making noise isn’t doing something wrong. Organizations like KultureCity are helping make that possible, creating sensoryinclusive experiences and helping families find places where their needs are understood. This isn’t about pity. It’s about access. My son shouldn’t have to perfectly “color inside the lines” to enjoy his community. And I shouldn’t have to explain or defend him every time he doesn’t. I think about that a lot when we’re walking through our neighborhood together. This place belongs to him, too. So yes, we’ll keep going early sometimes. We’ll know our exits. We’ll carry our plans and our backup plans with us. We’ll take breaks when we need them. But we’ll also go. We’ll find the holiday lights, get the hot chocolate, wander, visit museums, sit in restaurants, go to the park, make memories, and find the magic. Because my son doesn’t need a smaller New York. He needs all spaces to include a more room for him. And the more I look around, I am starting to find these nookswe just have to keep making them bigger so there’s room for everyone.

NEW YORK FAMILY PARTNER

Learning Today, Preparing for Tomorrow at Tiegerman W hen your child is young, adulthood can feel very far away. College, vocational training, employment, and greater independence may be years away. At Tiegerman, they start preparing for that future early. For more than 40 years, Tiegerman, a family of six nonpublic special education Pre-K to 12+ schools serving more than 700 students and families across Long Island and Queens, has served students with language, learning, and developmental differences. Students come with different strengths, challenges, interests, and goals. Some will need more support than others as they move toward adulthood, but every student deserves the opportunity to build a future. That is at the heart of Tiegerman’s mission: Giving Every Child a Voice. A voice is more than communication. It is learning to make choices, advocate for yourself, discover your strengths, and

eventually have a say in what you want your adult life to look like. That is why transition planning and the pathway toward independence are part of the Tiegerman experience for all students. It doesn’t begin in the last year of high school. The building blocks start much earlier. At Tiegerman Elementary School in Glen Cove, students earn Katzman Cash and spend it in the school store, learning about earning, spending, choices, and responsibility. As students grow, so do the opportunities. For more than a decade, Tiegerman has partnered with PVH Corp., parent company of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. Middle and high school students in Glen Cove, Woodside, and Richmond Hill help operate stores in their schools after training with PVH staff. Through a partnership with Starbucks, students also work with school coffee

carts. These experiences teach customer service, teamwork, transactions, and workplace responsibility while helping students discover their own strengths and interests. The pathway to independence will not look the same for every student, and it shouldn’t. Transition programs help students and families think about what adulthood can look like and what skills they will need to get there. For some graduates, the next step is a two- or four-year college. For others, it is vocational training, career programs, or employment. For students who benefit from additional time to prepare for greater independence and employment, Tiegerman Transition NYC offers another pathway, combining coursework with three hours of daily internship experience. That is Tiegerman’s life-cycle approach: giving every student a voice in their future and the skills to move toward it.

November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SPECIAL NEEDS ROUNDTABLE

Making Sense of Uneven Development Profiles Kids don’t always develop at the same pace. A child may be highly verbal and curious but struggle with social interactions, emotional regulation, or everyday tasks. These differences can leave parents wondering whether their child’s development is typical or needs additional support. An uneven developmental profile doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. This month, we asked our experts to explain what uneven development can look like, when to consider an evaluation, and how to find the right support to help children thrive.

Christy M. Brockhausen, Ph.D.

David Dejong

Director of Research & Instruction, Eagle Hill School: Greenwich

Principal, HKS, Islandia Children’s Learning Center in Islandia, NY.

When a child thrives in some areas but has unexpected difficulty in others, it is easy to overlook the areas where they need more support. But how can you tell if your child is struggling, even when they seem to be doing well? Strengths can sometimes mask challenges. A child may use strong language, reasoning, memory, or problem-solving skills to compensate for more difficult areas. They may understand complex ideas and be intensely curious, yet what they say, read, write, or produce may not reflect that understanding. That is why scores alone do not tell the whole story. An average score can still sit alongside a meaningful difficulty. A score tells you where a child falls, but not how they got there or how hard they had to work to achieve it. Consider an evaluation when the pattern is: Persistent Unexpected given your child’s strengths Requires increasing support or Begins to affect progress or confidence A comprehensive evaluation should look across reasoning and processing, attention and memory, oral language, and literacy, including decoding, spelling, fluency, comprehension, and written expression. Language can also play a role in reading, writing, and other learning challenges, and a speech-language evaluation can add an important piece of the picture. For parents, the question is not simply, “Is my child on track?” It is, “Does this performance make sense given the child I know?” If something consistently does not add up, it is worth exploring.

An uneven developmental profile is often more common than parents realize. Just like adults, children naturally have areas of strength and areas that require more support. A child may excel in language, creativity, or problem-solving while finding social skills, motor development, or self-regulation more challenging. These differences are not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. The key is to truly know your child. Understanding what motivates them, what they enjoy, and where they feel successful can provide valuable opportunities to support areas of difficulty. Strengths can be used as a bridge to build skills in weaker areas. When a child’s interests and future goals align with their strengths, that can be especially beneficial for confidence and long-term success. At the same time, strengths should not come at the total expense of weaker areas. Children still need opportunities, support, and encouragement to make progress across all areas of development. They need productive struggle in all areas. The goal is not for every skill to develop at the same rate, but for the child to continue moving forward. Differences in development are okay. As children grow, it is important for them to recognize their own strengths and challenges, helping them better understand themselves, navigate obstacles, advocate for their needs, and make informed decisions about their goals and future opportunities. What matters most is steady growth, a positive sense of self, and ensuring that each child has the tools they need to maximize their individual potential.

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David Green

Tara Fappiano

MA, OTR/L, CEO and Clinical Director, Creative Wonders Therapy Center

Advocate Mediator Litigator

An uneven developmental profile— where a child is clearly ahead in some areas but noticeably behind in others—is quite common, and by itself does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Development milestones are not perfectly synchronized. A child might: Have advanced language and vocabulary but will struggle with fine-motor tasks. Be academically strong but have difficulty with attention, executive function, or social interaction. Sometimes this is simply normal developmental variation. Children develop at different rates, and temporary gaps can narrow with time. However, a persistent or pronounced discrepancy can also be a clue to something that deserves closer evaluation and may need intervention. This may include but not limited to language based learning disability such as dyslexia, ADHD, ASD and/or motor planning deficits. Giftedness can also produce an atypical profile, particularly when very advanced cognitive abilities coexist with age-typical or delayed skills. The most useful question isn’t “Is my child behind?” but: Which abilities are developing well, which are difficult, how large is the gap, and how is it affecting everyday life? A developmental assessment should also consider the child’s strengths, not just deficits.

Lakshmi Rao Sankar Executive Director, CrimsonRise

Many children develop unevenly. A child might read early but struggle to hold a pencil, or understand everything said to them but have trouble speaking. These “spiky” profiles are common, but a large or lasting gap is worth a closer look. An uneven profile can come from differences in motor planning, sensory processing, language, attention or learning. Keep in mind that showing understanding (answering, pointing, following directions) requires motor and sensory skills. If that’s where your child struggles, they may understand far more than they can show. So always teach and narrate: talk through your day, read aloud and explain the world, even when you see no response. If you have concerns: Take notes on what comes easily, where your child gets stuck, and when. Talk to your pediatrician and share your notes. Ask for a free evaluation. For children under 3, call 311 to reach NYC Early Intervention. For ages 3–5, contact your district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education. For school-age children, send a written request to your school or your district’s Committee on Special Education. Trust your instincts. You know your child best, and early support makes a difference. Above all, focus on strengths. The areas where your child thrives are the base for building everything else.

While it is true that every child has their own strengths and weaknesses, as they progress through school you may notice that your child may be showing very marked differences in various environments. A child may be extremely intelligent in certain academic areas and performing consistent with or above grade level, but be below their developmental age in other areas, such as social skills. It can be hard to understand why certain areas are challenging when a student is excelling in others. As an advocate, I advise any parent who thinks this description applies to their child not to dismiss it. Your child may have the skills to handle the academic work but lack the skills or maturity to handle other aspects of school that impact their ability to succeed. Seek to have your student evaluated through your school district. Such an evaluation will give you and your child’s teachers information to help you both understand your child’s profile and, accordingly, how best to support your child in all areas.

Liza Kaplan Montanino Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Certified Special Needs Sleep Consultant, Lactation Educator

It is not uncommon to see neurodivergent children thrive in some areas and struggle in others because an uneven profile is quite common for this demographic. It doesn’t necessarily mean the skills are not there, but rather that the skills are inconsistent because even the strongest of a child’s skills can become less accessible when their nervous system is activated or overwhelmed. This means if there are unmet sensory needs, anxiety, fatigue, dysregulation, or an increase in demands, it’s common to see that struggles become more pronounced, and that even strengths require nervous system recovery in order for a child to access them.

Amy Salomon Head of School, Gillen Brewer School

As a parent of a child with learning differences, I know how confusing it can be to watch your child shine in one area while working so hard in another. You’re not alone. An uneven developmental profile is common, and it tells you something important about how your child learns. Start with your child’s strengths. What lights them up? Those strengths are often the key to addressing challenges. A child who loves building, storytelling, or music is showing us a pathway into learning. At the same time, trust your instincts about what feels harder. Lagging skills are worth addressing early; without the right support, gaps can widen and begin to affect a child’s confidence, friendships, and sense of themselves as a learner. A good next step is talking with your child’s teachers, pediatrician, or therapists about what you’re seeing. A comprehensive evaluation can clarify your child’s needs and guide decisions about supports and school settings. For some children, that means a specialized school where academic and therapeutic support work together and strengths are part of the plan. The goal is the same for every child: meet them where they are, and help them grow from there. November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement

Comprehend the Mind P.C.

Gillen Brewer School

114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills emora@comprehendthemind. com 718-441-0166 comprehendthemind.com Comprehend the Mind is a group of neuropsychologists who diagnose and assess various conditions. They conduct neuropsychological, educational, speech and language, and psychiatric evaluations to help parents understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to plan for their educational success and emotional well-being.

410 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128 admissions@gillenbrewer.com 212-831-3667 gillenbrewer.com The Gillen Brewer School offers an academictherapeutic approach to special education for K to 8th-grade students. The school’s mission is to educate and support students in becoming confident, independent, and engaged learners. The program features a hands-on, language-based curriculum integrating speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups into each child’s schedule. Children from across NYC are immersed in developmentally appropriate and socially engaging learning.

The IDEAL School of Manhattan 5 Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004 jkemp@theidealschool.org 212-769-1699 theidealschool.org The IDEAL School of Manhattan provides a new kind of education, where every student gets what they need. IDEAL expands the definition of diversity to include ability and economic status. Generous financial assistance packages build a student body that is more diverse than any other private school. IDEAL’s robust academic program is designed to meet students where they are to help them reach their goals. Schedule a visit or join an open house to learn more about this unique K-12+ inclusion school.

Tiegerman School 100 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Cove, NY 11542 516-609-2000 tiegerman.org For more than 40 years, Tiegerman, a family of six nonpublic special education Pre-K to 12+ schools serving more than 700 students and families across Long Island and Queens, has served students with language, learning, and developmental differences. Students come with different strengths, challenges, interests, and goals. Some will need more support than others as they move toward adulthood, but every student deserves the opportunity to build a future. That is at the heart of Tiegerman’s mission: Giving Every Child a Voice.

A K-12+ PRIVATE SCHOOL MEETING ALL LEARNERS WHERE THEY ARE Join The IDEAL School of Manhattan for a monthly virtual open house or schedule a personal tour to learn about our inclusive mission, diverse and nurturing environment, and generous ﬁnancial assistance packages. IDEAL is built on inclusion, diversity, and acceptance, and our student body reﬂects the diversity of New York City in all ways, including ability and socioeconomic status. LEARN MORE Small Classes, Big Futures Scholarships & Tuition

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212-769-1699 24 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

www.theidealschool.org

Together, We See the Possibilities.

A K-8 special education school serving students with a broad range of language-based learning disabilities. Discover Gillen Brewer’s: Integrated academic and therapeutic program Supportive school-home partnership Authentic school experience www.gillenbrewer.com

NEW YORK FAMILY PARTNER

Meet Amy Salomon, Head of School at Gillen Brewer

my says, “being a special needs parent certainly wasn’t on my bingo card.” It was, however, an unexpected turn her life took; and, while it has its challenges, she wouldn’t change it for the world. If it hadn’t happened, she never would have found her way to Gillen Brewer. Amy is a lifelong educator in New York City independent schools. About fifteen years ago, she pivoted to special education, and three years ago she joined this community. What she found here astounded her. Gillen Brewer was founded on two pillars that resonate deeply with her, both as an educator and as a special needs parent. The first is the school’s academic-therapeutic approach. Amy knows firsthand how much special needs families are asked to juggle — school, therapy appointments,

family life. Gillen Brewer eases that burden by bringing therapies and academics together in one place, during the school day. But the benefits go far beyond convenience. When teachers and therapists collaborate daily, they develop a truly holistic understanding of each child. Goals are reinforced

across settings, strategies are aligned, and students are supported by an entire team moving toward the same outcomes. The second pillar is a strong schoolhome partnership. Raising a child with learning, language, or social challenges can feel isolating — Amy has felt that way herself and believes families deserve to be part of a community that understands their journey. As a result, Gillen Brewer doesn’t just educate children, the school partners with families. The Gillen Brewer team helps parents reinforce skills at home, creates opportunities for connection, and makes sure every family feels known, supported, and valued. When families and schools work together, children thrive. Amy can’t wait to meet you. You already have a lot in common with her.

November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

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BEST

Birthday Party Places

irthdays only come once a year, and it’s a day most kids look forward to for months. As a parent, you want to make your child’s big day fun and memorable without spending weeks stressing over every exhausting detail. The right birthday party venue can make your child feel like the star of the show, with fun activities, plenty of time with friends, and a celebration they’ll never forget. Plus, with the venue handling the planning and setup, you can relax, enjoy the party, and actually be part of the fun! Check out some top birthday party spots below. Adventureland

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Give your child an unforgettable celebration at Adventureland. Adventureland features dozens of rides, a food court, a restaurant, concession stands, two taverns, midway games, an arcade, and more. Big kids can experience the FireBall Coaster, Turbulence Coaster, and the Music Express! Rides like the farm train, carousel, and helicopters will keep the little ones entertained for the whole day! Party packages include admission into the park, 2 hours of unlimited riding throughout the park, followed by 45 minutes of eating at your selected dining area, unlimited riding for the remainder of the day, a party hostess to serve the party, a tablecloth, and happy birthday hats & napkins. MakeInspires Upper East Side 1642 York Ave, New York, NY 212-933-4392 nyc@makeinspires.com Brooklyn 230 Huntington St, Brooklyn, NY 347-227-7483 brooklyn@makeinspires.com

26 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

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MakeInspires throws the ultimate STEAM birthday parties for curious kids ages 5–14. Hosted at their makerspaces in Chappaqua, Mamaroneck, Darien, the Upper East Side, and Brooklyn, or off-site, each party features a hands-on activity built around science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Choose from popular themes like Robotics, Minecraft, 3D Printing, and more. Or create a custom experience tailored to your child’s interests! Parties run for 1 hour and 45 minutes, with time for activities, pizza, and dessert. Their team will take care of the details so you can enjoy the celebration as the kids have a blast learning something new. Give your child a birthday they’ll never forget. Visit makeinspires.com to learn more. Monster Mini Golf 645 Stewart Ave, Garden City 631-417-5904 gardencity@monsterminigolf.com monsterminigolf.com

As guests step into the world of monsters, they are greeted by friendly human staff. The monster birthday parties are designed to create an unforgettable experience for children and their friends. They are filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of monstrous fun, with private party rooms complete with spooky decorations. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park offers a laser maze and a virtual reality experience. The Garden City location offers a laser maze, bowling and a virtual reality experience. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. Wildlife Conservation Society Education (WCS): Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, New York Aquarium and Central Park Zoo 800-433-4149

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Celebrate your little party animal! Planning your child’s best day ever is easy with family-approved party packages in a fun and educational setting. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s zoos and aquarium each offer different educational birthday programming. Parties include park admission for your group, space to celebrate, exhibit experiences, upclose animal visits and more. WCS Educators bring learning to life with fun hands-on activities that keep kids engaged. Party package themes, prices, availability, and offerings vary at each park.

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November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SHOPPING

Lapland’s First U.S. Christmas Shop Is Here Beloved British brand brings North Pole to Fifth Avenue BY DANIELLE RAMOS

he British Christmas brand is opening its first U.S. store near Fifth Avenue, with holiday gifts, Elf-made treasures, hot chocolate, and an old-fashioned real Christmas experience for families. If you are already searching for ways to usher in the magic of Christmas (before even buying Halloween candy!), there’s a new holiday destination coming to New York City this year. Lapland Store, the British brand known for giving visitors a heartwarming Christmas experience, is opening its first-ever U.S. retail location right in the heart of Manhattan on November 4, 2026. The 3,800-square-foot store will be located at 3 West 57th Street, just steps from Fifth Avenue (and Bergdorf’s). And know this: it’s not your typical flashy, over-the-top holiday shop and doesn’t wish to be. The space is designed to bring families into Lapland’s Elven World, complete with holiday decorations, Elf encounters, hot chocolate, and Christmas treasures to take home. It’s more of what you might envision Christmas could be without all the hoopla. How the Lapland Store Began Almost twenty years ago, the store was founded in Britain in 2007 by husband-and-wife team Alison and Michael Battle. They created Lapland around the idea of making Christmas feel especially magical for children. “Everything we have created at Lapland began with wanting to honor the precious and fleeting years of childhood,” said Alison and Michael Battle. “To now see the world we created for our own children begin its journey to America is incredibly special. New York feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter.” The brand has since grown into a full

28 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

Christmas world, with its own characters, stories and traditions. Its live experiences in the U.K. have attracted more than 2 million visitors, including David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, and Prince William and Kate Middleton. A Christmas Shop With Much More Than Just Shopping The new Manhattan location is designed to feel more like stepping into a Christmas story than walking into a traditional store. Families can explore the Elven World, see the holiday displays, meet the Elves who are known to have crafted the treasures, and warm up with authentic Lapland hot chocolate. Kids can also sit in Father Christmas’s chair beneath the Elf Hat to find out whether they’ve made it onto the Good List. The NYC opening comes after Lapland Store began selling to American shoppers online in 2025. The brand says its Christmas Eve Collection sold out in just six days after launching in the U.S. What Can You Buy at Lapland Store? The store’s products are designed around the stories and traditions of Lapland’s Christmas world. The idea gets at heart of Christmas or at least what Christmas should be, striving to make the items feel like treasures that could have come directly from Father Christmas’s home. In our current world of rushing, spending, and constantly doing too much, it’s a welcome respite from the chaos of it all.

There are three new collections this year: The Lapland Advent of Belief: The 25day countdown includes a different surprise behind each door, including illustrated stocking-book stories, soft toys, snow globes and treats. Each day is meant to reveal another piece of the Lapland story. Tree of Treasures: The Tree of Treasures collection is designed to turn decorating the Christmas tree into a family tradition. The set includes six ceramic baubles decorated with Father Christmas and his Elves, along with wooden decorations and velvet bows. The pieces come in individual keepsake tins inside a larger Tree of Treasures Chest. The Christmas Eve Collection: For families who treat Christmas Eve as the main event, this collection is designed to make the night feel even more magical. It includes 100% cotton Lapland pajamas, a letter from Father Christmas, a Storytime Blanket, a mug and hot chocolate, and reindeer food to sprinkle outside before bedtime. NYC Lapland Store Will Be Seasonal The store is planned as a seasonal holiday destination. Lapland says its first American Christmas chapter will run through the end of 2026, with the store closing after the holiday season and reopening for next year’s Christmas story. Lapland Store opens November 4, 2026, at 3 West 57th Street in Manhattan. The U.S. collection will also be available online soon at Lapland Store.

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November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

SPOTLIGHT

The Duo Behind Cantinery make the case for outsourcing to make holiday hosting easier BY DONNA DUARTE LADD

love to host, but frankly it can be exhausting, and I spend most of my time in the kitchen instead of connecting with guests and, most importantly, family the way I wish I could, especially during the holidays. That’s why Eri and Sophia, the duo behind the delicious Cantinery (cantinery. co), first bonded. They bonded over their love of food and a shared realization that most people, especially parents, want to host but don’t always have the time (or energy) to do it all themselves. Their approach is simple: they take a few things off your plate, lowering the bar so you can enjoy your gathering. We caught up with them for their best holiday-hosting advice, from making the table feel special to knowing when to outsource the roast, sides, or dessert or the whole spread! Let’s start at the beginning: How did the two of you come together to create your catering business, and what do you love most about doing it together? We met in 2017 and immediately bonded over a shared passion for food. Over the years, we stood in line at pop-ups for inspiration, traded pickle recipes, and brainstormed ways that we could collaborate. We drafted a zine for low-effort, high-impact recipes; we put together a business plan for a shop with takeout meals and limited groceries; and we filled countless pages of menu ideas for busy parents. We kept coming back to our core thesis: food is an essential way to bring people together, but it takes a lot of time, effort, and love to do it well, and most parents don’t have that. That’s where we can come in. As a chef, Erika loves researching techniques and perfecting dishes to add to our menu. With her background in strategy and operations at high-growth tech companies, Sophia is

30 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

constantly wondering: how can we make our clients’ events more enjoyable for everyone? How can we throw even more parties? We have complementary skills that allow Cantinery to keep evolving. Fitting in time to build a business while building a family can be hard. We have found that it is more efficient — and way more fun

— to do it together. The holidays are such a special time for families, but they can also be A LOT. What made you want to help families enjoy hosting without all the stress that comes with it? We both have fond memories of spending

and not spend it running around to different shops or stuck in the kitchen. For the parent who wants to host the whole family but is already thinking, “How am I going to pull this off?”, where should they start? Behind every effortless-looking host is a project plan — but you don’t need that. Instead, you need to prioritize. Let’s say you’re hosting your in-laws for a whole week, with Christmas Lunch as the grand finale. Your North Star is that you want everyone to remember feeling full of love (and delicious food). Prioritize where you want to invest your time and lower the bar for everything else. Stock the freezer with frozen cinnamon rolls for breakfast, order takeout for dinner, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Understand your limits! This isn’t the time to attempt a beef Wellington for the first time. Outsource the roast, the sides, or desserts — whatever is stressing you out — to a guest or local chef. What are some of the ways that Cantinery can take things off a host’s plate? We work with clients to help them build holiday rituals and memories — for events big and small. This holiday season, we’re working with a client to serve an intimate dinner on their mom’s dishes, including recreating her signature cake. We’re planning to spend most weekends dropping off grazing boards and canapes for clients hosting annual holiday parties around Brooklyn.

Photos by Leeza Richter

the holidays with our families growing up. For Erika, who grew up in Japan, New Year’s meant osechi. It came in beautiful lacquered boxes from restaurants that specialized in the holiday cuisine, and was meant to last the whole week. Ordering osechi meant freeing the family from cooking so everyone could rest after a hectic year. Sophia, who takes

the lead on desserts, remembers eating so much pie every Thanksgiving that she had to unbutton her pants. For many, the winter holidays are the only time of the year when families get to spend uninterrupted time together, away from work, school, and other activities. We want to help families maximize their time together,

What are some of your favorite ways to make a holiday table feel special and festive while still feeling comfortable enough for kids to actually sit down and eat? We spend a lot of time designing beautiful tablescapes that are easy to navigate for people of all ages. Having young children has also taught us that kids want to be part of the process! If they are crafty, have them cut some holiday-themed decorations for the table (e.g., snowflakes for winter, flowers for Mother’s Day). Are they already writing letters? Put them on name tag duty. Go on a winter nature walk and bring in some winter greens to add to the tablescape. Kids can also help with setting the table — it might not meet Emily Post’s standards, but they will love having a job to do. What’s one thing you wish every parent knew about hosting during the holidays? Your kids, and even your in-laws, will remember how they felt, not how the table looked. November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

BABY

Strollers on the Subway BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD

any of us parents have been there: hauling a stroller up the subway stairs, toddler strapped in, while somehow also holding another kid’s hand, and trying not to completely lose it because, well, city parenting. But okay, I see the side-eye. You just had a baby. Can we maybe chill a little with the “how to survive parenting in NYC” content? Yes. Absolutely. Because this isn’t another guide telling you how hard city parenting is. It’s about navigating these early years with resources, tips, and little shortcuts that can actually make life with kids in NYC a whole lot easier. As a more seasoned mom, I know that riding the subway can have its good and challenging days. Add a newborn, a toddler or two, and the subway can be downright intimidating. Throw in a stroller and those stairs you’ve never noticed before, and kids have become a very BIG deal. Best news: you absolutely can do the subway with kids. The key is knowing which stations have elevators and which stations are easier to navigate with a stroller; getting around the city becomes a lot less daunting. Time for some stats. The MTA has more than 150 subway stations with elevator or ramp access; this is huge for us families who are looking for the most accessible stations. But as a frequent subway rider, I have to say: I especially love when there’s a ramp. A ramp means that it’s okay if the elevator is out of order (ahem, MTA). And while I’m past the stroller stage, I have a child with special needs, so the MTA’s accessible features are helpful for parents with strollers, but they are also designed to make subway travel easier for a range of riders, including people with mobility needs and parents navigating the city with strollers. A Little Subway Planning Goes a Long Way The biggest tip? Don’t always choose the closest subway entrance. Look for the elevator. Keep in mind the elevator entrance may be on a completely different corner from the regular subway entrance, so it’s worth checking before you leave. The MTA’s accessibility guide lists elevator locations, and if you plan to take the subway often, definitely download the app,

32 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

which also shows accessible stations and current elevator status. And check that status before you go. An elevator being out of service can spiral from a quick subway trip into something with a notso-good vibe, all while you’re pushing a stroller. Stations Parents Should Know Rather than trying to list every accessible station in NYC, these are some useful options to keep on your radar when you’re heading to popular neighborhoods and family destinations.

42 St–Grand Central — 4/5/6/7/S

Another major transportation hub to know about when you’re traveling with kids. Good for: Grand Central, Bryant Park and Midtown East. 34 St–Herald Square — B/D/F/M/N/Q/ R/W

Useful for families spending the day around Herald Square and Midtown shopping. Good for: Macy’s, Herald Square and Midtown. Central Park & Columbus Circle 59 St–Columbus Circle — A/B/C/D/1

Upper West Side 66 St–Lincoln Center — 1 train

The accessible 1 train station puts you right in the middle of the Upper West Side, near Lincoln Center, Central Park and Riverside Park. Good for: Lincoln Center, Central Park, Riverside Park and the Upper West Side. Parent perk: Lincoln Center. Lincoln Center’s Atrium has accessible gender-neutral restrooms and changing tables, and the Clark Studio Theater has baby-changing tables in both gendered restrooms. David Geffen Hall has accessible restrooms on every level and infant changing tables on every level.

This is a useful station for families because you’re right next to Central Park, win-win! Good for: Central Park, Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center and the Upper West Side. If you’re planning a Central Park day with a stroller, it’s worth checking this station before automatically choosing the closest entrance. Chelsea & the West Side 14 St — A/C/E

A useful option for getting into Chelsea and the West Village. Good for: Chelsea, West Village and the High Line. 34 St–Hudson Yards — 7

72 St — 1/2/3 trains

Another useful Upper West Side option, particularly if you’re heading toward Central Park, Riverside Park or the neighborhood’s restaurants and shops.

Another option for the western side of Chelsea, particularly if you’re heading toward the High Line. Union Square & Greenwich Village 14 St–Union Square — L/N/Q/R/W

96 St — 1/2/3 trains

A helpful option farther uptown for families spending time around 96th Street and Broadway. Midtown 34 St–Hudson Yards — 7 train

Definitely one to know. Because it’s a newer station, it can feel easier to navigate with a stroller than some of the city’s older subway stations. Good for: Hudson Yards, High Line and Chelsea. 42 St–Port Authority — A/C/E

A useful Midtown option if you’re heading toward Times Square, Broadway or the surrounding neighborhood. Good for: Times Square, Broadway and Midtown.

This is one where parents should pay attention to which train they’re taking. The accessible portion serves the L/N/Q/R/W lines; the 4/5/6 platforms are not accessible. This is a good reminder that you can’t simply search “accessible subway station” and assume the entire station works for your route. Good for: Union Square Park, Greenwich Village, and the surrounding neighborhood. Lower Manhattan World Trade Center / Oculus — E

The World Trade Center campus has step-free routing for families with strollers, and the Oculus has elevators connecting its different levels. There are also public restrooms in the Oculus. Good for: Oculus, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Battery Park and FiDi.

MAP KEY

● Accessible Station

Upper West Side

Central Park & Columbus Circle

● 66 St–Lincoln Center (1)

● 59 St–Columbus Circle (A/B/C/D/1)

Lincoln Center

(Elevator Access)

Changing Table Available

Riverside Park

Restroom Available

● 96th St (1/2/3))

Midtown

● 42 St–Port Authority (A/C/E)

Central Park

Starbucks Nearby Park or Playground Nearby

Central Park/Columbus Circle

● 72 St (1/2/3)

Times Square

● 42 St–Grand Central (4/5/6/7/S) Bryant Park

Chelsea & West Side

● 34th St–Herald Square (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W)

● 14 St (A/C/E)

Macy’s/Herald Square

The High Line/Chelsea

● 34th St–Hudson Yards (7) The High Line

Union Square & Greenwich Village

● 14 St–Union Square (L/N/Q/R/W)

GOOD TO KNOW • Always check elevator before you go! Use the MTA app or visit mta.info/accessibility • Accessible doesn’t always mean every platform in the station is accessible • Elevator locations may be on a different corner — look for accessible entrances! • Amenities can change — always check ahead if you have specific needs

Union Square Park/Greenwich Village

Downtown Manhattan

● World Trade Center/Oculus (E)

Oculus/911 Memorial/Battery Park

● Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall (4/5/6) City Hall/Brooklyn Bridge

Queens Brooklyn

● Atlantic Av-Barclays Center (2/3/4/5) Barclays Center/Downtown Brooklyn

● Coney Island–Stillwell Ave (D/F/N/Q)

MTA Accessible Subway Stations: mta.info/accessibility/stations MTA Accessible Travel by Subway: mta.info/document/165061

Flatbush

Woodside–61 St — 7

Brooklyn

If You’re Traveling With More Than One Kid Because getting one child through the subway is one thing. Getting a stroller, a walking toddler, and another child through the subway is another sport entirely. Don’t automatically take the closest station. The station three blocks farther away might have an elevator while the one next door has stairs. Those extra three blocks could save you a whole lot of negotiating. Find the elevator before you leave. The subway entrance with the big MTA sign isn’t necessarily the elevator entrance. Check the accessible station information before you go. Check the elevator status. This is especially important with a stroller. The MTA’s accessible-trip planner takes elevator outages into account. Give the older kid a job. Have them hold the subway map, help count stops, watch for the train number or be responsible for pressing the elevator button. Anything that makes them feel like they’re helping can make the whole process smoother. And don’t be afraid to bail. If the

Coney Island–Stillwell Av — D/F/N/Q

If you’re taking the kids to Coney Island, this is an obvious one to know. It serves four subway lines and is an accessible station. Good for: Coney Island, the beach and Luna Park. Flatbush Av–Brooklyn College — 2/5

Another accessible option worth knowing for families in central Brooklyn. Church Av — 2/5

A useful station for this part of Brooklyn. Queens Flushing–Main St — 7

A useful accessible option at the end of the 7 line. Good for: Flushing and family outings in the neighborhood.

Long Island Railroad

● Flatbush Av–Brooklyn College (2/5)

Parent perk: Oculus. The Oculus is a good place to regroup, with accessible restrooms, elevators and plenty of indoor space if you need to take a stroller break.

A major Brooklyn transportation hub worth knowing, particularly when you’re traveling between neighborhoods or heading to an event. Good for: Barclays Center, Downtown Brooklyn and Prospect Heights.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

● Woodside– 61 St (7)

Coney Island/LunaPark

Official resources

Atlantic Av–Barclays Center

● Flushing–Main St (7)

Another accessible 7-train stop and an important transportation connection for Queens families.

elevator is broken, the train is packed and everyone has reached their limit, take the bus or a cab. The Parent Subway Checklist Before you leave: • Is there an elevator at my station? • Is the elevator currently working? • Is the specific line/platform I’m using accessible? • Where is the elevator entrance? • Is there a changing table near my destination? • Is there somewhere nearby to grab coffee/snacks? • Is there a park or playground nearby if everyone needs a reset? A Few Things Every New NYC Parent Should Know Remember, the subway sign isn’t necessarily the elevator entrance. Look for the elevator location specifically. Accessible doesn’t always mean every line in the station is accessible. Check your actual train and transfer. And while it takes a time to get used to, a stroller doesn’t mean you have to avoid the subway. Once you know your way around, the system becomes much easier to navigate. The MTA is still adding accessibility. The current MTA capital plan includes at least 60 additional accessible subway stations. November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

PROFILE

A Baby, a Business, and a Whole Lot of Bark Meet Gabriella Desposito-Carlson, the mom behind the pack and founder of Barkhouse, who turned her love of dogs into an entrepreneurial dream

BY DONNA DUARTE LADD

mall world, full circle is how this month’s story goes. Gabriella DespositoCarlson is the sister of my longtime friend and former New York Family editor-at-large, Cris Pearlstein. I’ve known Cris for years, so when I heard Gabriella was opening a doggie daycare, I was curious about the mom behind this new venture. What inspired it? What did it take to get here? And what happens when an idea turns into something of your own? With a background in education, a young son, and three dogs of her own, Gabriella knows a thing or two about caring for little beings who depend on you. Now she’s brought that same mama-bear energy she has for her two-year-old, Brando, to Barkhouse, the dog daycare she built with her husband, Jeffrey, to give New York City dogs the thoughtful care they deserve. Watching Gabriella with the dogs at our photo shoot? She was absolutely in her element. Her warmth, instinct, and the way she seemed to know exactly what each dog needed said everything. For Gabriella, care isn’t just what she does; it’s who she is. As someone who writes about motherhood, I’m always drawn to the ways becoming a mother changes not just how we see our kids, but how we see ourselves. Gabriella’s story got me thinking about how much of who we are as mothers carries into the rest of our lives. For her, that instinct to care has shaped how she’s built her business. It’s a reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to pull us away from who we are; it can also help us see new possibilities for ourselves. So, how does one build a business, raise a little human, and keep a pack of pups happy along the way? I sat down with Gabriella to

34 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

talk about motherhood, ambition, and taking a leap on a dream. You’re a born-and-bred New Yorker, now raising your son here. What makes New York home for you, and why build your business here? New York has always been home and will always be home. As much as I love traveling, there’s something that can’t replace the feeling of walking these streets. We’ve met so many of our friends from spontaneous sidewalk interactions, usually sparked by our dogs or our son. That element of serendipity is something I want Brando to experience, teaching him from day one to love being outside, love meeting new people, and practice kindness every day. One of his daily interactions is with a legless man who hangs out on our corner, one of the friendliest people, who clearly lights up when Brando greets him with a wide smile. Moments like that make living here so unique. We’ve always talked about ways to leave our mark, put our stamp on the fabric of this city, and it wasn’t until the idea of Barkhouse came along that we felt like we finally understood what that could look like. We feel so fortunate to have a business that provides not just excellent service to our fellow New Yorkers, but also has that intangible New-York quality embedded into its DNA. It’s truly an honor and a privilege, something we’re still pinching ourselves about. How did you and Jeffrey come up with the idea for Barkhouse? We were itching to start a business together, one that combined our love of design and hospitality. We toyed with a few ideas, but nothing had that fired up YES from both of us. At the time, I was pregnant, feeling all

the symptoms, and unable to play with my 1.5-year-old puppy girl, Goldie. I didn’t love the daycare options, so instead we took the easy route and added another dog to the mix. Ha! We assumed our new precious Sonny boy would be the perfect playmate for Goldie, and he was, but we soon learned that just because you have two doesn’t mean it replaces the need for daycare. We scoured the city again for an option we loved, but still came up short. Nothing out there felt thoughtful enough for us to entrust them with our particular doxie pups (IYKYK). That’s when Jeffrey had his aha moment. It initially seemed far-fetched (no pun intended!), but I quickly realized this was the perfect place for us to apply our combined skill set. I had a vision for the space, the branding, and the way we’d cultivate community, and he had the ability to build, operate, and manage a business. Together, we have huge hearts and the capacity to provide excellent care to every single pup that walks through our door. With a baby on the way and 2 dog babies to care for, it didn’t look like the right time on paper to quit our careers to start a completely new venture. Now, ten months in, we can honestly say we’re living our dream job. How has your background in art and education shaped your approach to Barkhouse? After graduating with my BFA in painting and art history and working in the NYC art gallery scene, I ultimately found my way to art education. I come from the service-based industry as a waitress prior to starting my career, and looking back, it makes sense that I ended up where I am today, at the same time becoming a mother to my son. I’m most passionate when helping or serving someone,

Serving dogs. Bringing a mother’s level of care to everything I do because, as nature has proved time and time again, a mother’s care can grow anything. Deep in my mama bear era and very proud of Barkhouse. Has becoming a mom changed the way you think about ambition, work, or what success looks like? I wasn’t one of those women who always knew I wanted to become a mom. I did know I wanted to become an expert, honing whatever skills and talents I may have, live purposefully, carving out an intentionally creative life. I didn’t know becoming a mother to a son and three dogs in a NYC apartment fit into that plan, but somehow the chaos of it all makes it all the more beautiful. I’ve noticed that my best work and my most proud moments as a mother or as a business owner are when I’m fully present, not multitasking to cross off that to-do list even faster. It’s in the slow moments when I task my son as sous-chef, picking basil leaves off the vine in preparation for our sauce. It’s in the slow morning belly rubs, serenading one pup at a time. It’s when I’m too lit up from connecting with a likeminded business owner to know a call has gone past our scheduled 30 minutes. I haven’t yet figured out how to answer emails while carrying my toddler down 5th Ave. when he suddenly refuses to walk. Nor have I figured out how to make him laugh while also writing a pup’s update to their parents, but maybe that’s the point. Maybe I’m not supposed to. Maybe we’re not supposed to. Maybe the trick really is embodying one of my favorite quotes, “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” I have more empathy and offer more grace to all of the women doing the thing now that I’ve become a mother. You never know who’s holding what in our metaphoric girl grip that we all somehow make look so effortless.

Photo by Jesse Dittmar

and education, the dog daycare industry, and motherhood feel very similar in practice. Essentially, all three careers allow me to provide exceptional care to the most precious family members. Communicating with parents, earning their trust, and genuinely loving and

caring for their child, 2- or 4-legged, is the most important part of the job, and it’s what lights me up. Sometimes you can only see how the dots connect after, but looking back, being of service in a creative way is what I am most passionate about. Serving people.

What has starting a business taught you about yourself? Starting a business, with no safety net, is not for the weak! But with that said, it’s also the most rewarding. It taught me that I’m stronger, more capable, and more of a doer than I ever thought possible. No matter how much advice you seek out, or how much you research, the best teacher is in the ‘doing’. The momentum is so important. As you put things into motion, the solutions inevitably reveal themselves, and you come to realize your potential. The fear that builds up before you start dissipates once you’re in the ring, and confidence replaces it. November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

calendar BY SHARA LEVINE

BROOKLYN

WHAT: Lightscape returns with a spectacular new trail brimming with beauty, luminous installations, and light-kissed landscapes. WANT TO GO?: $15 – $44. bbg. org

Brooklyn Veterans Appreciation Parade WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7, noon – 2 pm WHERE: Parade begins at Eastern Pkwy. & Rogers Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Let’s honor and appreciate our veterans, who have tirelessly fought for the American ideals of freedom, honor, and equality. WANT TO GO?: Free. vagbsa. org

20th Annual Brooklyn Children’s Book Fair WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 22, 11 am – 3:30 pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy., Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: This annual event offers the kids the chance to chat with local authors and illustrators, listen to readings, get books signed, participate in art projects, and more. WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $14 – $20; free for ages 19 and younger. brooklynmuseum.org

Disney Descendants & Zombies: Worlds Collide WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7, 7 pm WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Experience a night packed with hits from “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES,” and “Camp Rock,” in a brandnew production with fresh mashups and fan favorite songs WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $50. barclayscenter.com

Celebrate Diwali WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2 – 5 pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 10 and younger WHAT: Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, through puppet storytelling, mithai (Indian sweets) making, and diya lamp crafting. WANT TO GO?: Free. (718) 467–8800, brooklynkids.org

Best of BAMkids Film Festival WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 11 am WHERE: BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 6 – 8

DTBK Gets Lit!

Best of BAMkids Film Festival WHAT: Get lost in these festival favorites about friendship and adventure, including this year’s BAMmie Animated Short winner, Bobel’s Kitchen, and Honorable Mention winner, Snow Bear. WANT TO GO?: $14; $10 child. bam.org/kids/2026/best-ofbkff68

Ricitos and the Three Bears WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 15, 11 am – noon WHERE: Carmine Carro Community Center in Marine Park, 3000 Fillmore Ave., Marine Park AGES: All WHAT: This bilingual musical adaptation of the Goldilocks story features original songs and laugh-out-loud surprises. WANT TO GO?: Free. nycgovparks.org

36 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

Flutter: A Discover Play for Babies by Treehouse Shakers WHEN: Nov. 20 – 22, Friday, 10 – 11 am, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 11 and and 11:30 am – 12:30 pm WHERE: Mark Morris Dance Center, 3 Lafayette Ave., 5th Floor, Fort Greene AGES: 6 – 18 months WHAT: You and your baby will explore the seasons through a sensory experiential journey of visuals, sounds, objects, some language, and an open concept of play. WANT TO GO?: $10 – $42. treehouseshakers.com

Lightscape WHEN: Nov. 20 – Jan. 3; see website for schedule WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: All

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6 – 7 pm WHERE: Albee Square, Albee Square W & Fulton St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: This annual holiday lighting ceremony features live music, performances, refreshments, and a truly festive atmosphere. Be a part of the exciting countdown to turn the holiday lights ON! WANT TO GO?: Free. downtownbrooklyn.com

The Rock And Roll Playhouse Plays: Music of The Beatles for Kids WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 29, noon WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Twist and Shout to the music of The Beatles at this interactive concert for kids. WANT TO GO?: $21.45. brooklynbowl.com

NOVEMBER

calendar

MANHATTAN

QUEENS

New York City Veterans Day Parade 2026

NYC Parks Girls Flag Football Festival

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 12:30 – 4 pm WHERE: Fifth Ave. from 26th St. to 48th St., Flatiron District AGES: All WHAT: Veterans, military families, service organizations, community groups, and supporters from across the country come together to honor our heroes. WANT TO GO?: Free. uwvc.org

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 11 am – 2 pm WHERE: Beach 32 Football Field, Beach 32 St., Far Rockaway AGES: 14 and younger WHAT: Enjoy a fun day of competition, drills, games, and other football activities including a 40-yard dash, quarterback accuracy challenges, and more. WANT TO GO?: Free. nycgovparks.org

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME WHEN: Nov. 14 – 29, see website for schedule WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Watch Action Heroes fall, flip, fly, and crash as they push beyond their limits, harnessing gravity, velocity, momentum, and impact. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $25. (646) 223–3010, newvictory.org

Circus Vazquez

Celebrate Diwali at Brooklyn Children’s Museum WANT TO GO?: Free. macys. com

BRONX

The Elf Experience

Holiday Train Show

WHEN: Nov. 14 – Jan. 18; see website for complete schedule WHERE: The Elf Experience at HERO, 19 West 49th St., Rockefeller Center, Rink Level, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: This all-new immersive experience, inspired by the beloved holiday film, invites fans to journey from New York City to the North Pole, with plenty of Christmas cheer along the way. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $35. elftheexperience.com

WHEN: Nov. 14 – Jan. 10, Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am – 6 pm WHERE: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park AGES: All WHAT: The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG as model trains travel over famous bridges and through familiar City settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas to life. WANT TO GO?: $27 – $49. (718) 817–8700, nybg.org

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Danza Fiesta’s 17th Annual South Bronx Festival

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 26, 8:30 am – noon WHERE: Parade begins at Central Park West & 77th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade celebration features magnificent floats, marching bands from across the country, and giant balloons featuring favorite characters, old and new.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 3 – 5 pm WHERE: Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse, Concourse AGES: All WHAT: Experience the vibrant sounds of Jíbaro music and the festive spirit of traditional Parrandas Navideñas, celebrating Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage through dance

and song. WANT TO GO?: Free. hostoscenter.org

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights WHEN: Nov. 21 – Jan. 3; see website for schedule WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., West Farms AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate wildlife and enjoy immersive light experiences, handson activities, holiday entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. WANT TO GO?: $14.95 – $42.95. bronxzoo.com

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 29, 4 – 7 pm WHERE: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, Bedford Park AGES: All WHAT: Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season. WANT TO GO?: $33.35; $10 children younger than 10. (718) 960–8833, lehmancenter.org

WHEN: Nov. 20 – Dec. 13, Monday – Friday, 7pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm WHERE: Citi Field, 41 Seaver Way, Flushing Meadows– Corona Park AGES: All WHAT: This traveling big top circus features exciting acts including acrobats, jugglers, and clowns, all accompanied by a live band. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $20. circusvazquez.com

Hands on History: Corn Husk Dolls WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21, 1 – 4 pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the tradition of corn husk doll making and create your own dolly to decorate and take home. WANT TO GO?: Free. (718) 206–0545, kingmanor.org

Touch Object Experience WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 28, 11 am – 6 pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, NY AGES: All WHAT: Interact with a selection of pieces to discover the stories behind them by touching objects like cameras, life masks, materials from the Jim Henson Creature Workshop, and more. WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $10-$20. (718) 777– 6800, movingimage.org

November 2026 | Brooklyn Family

TECH

ChatGPT for Teens What parents should know BY DONNA DUARTE LADD

f you have a teenager, AI is part of their world. Let’s be real: AI is so ingrained in their lives that we parents are living in an archaic, yesterday-era world; even if you think you are up to date, they are on a different level, whether we like it or not. Some (people) may be okay with how AI is changing the world. And this is not a judgy piece; this is a let’s BE REAL: for us as parents, how it affects and even shapes our children is a concern for many. Maybe they are using it for homework, asking it questions, brainstorming, or doing something you have no idea about. That is why Open for Teens hosted a Parent Forum, moderated by Meaghan Murphy, Editor-in-Chief of Woman’s Day, to share the why and what to expect with ChatGPT for Teens, a version of ChatGPT designed specifically for kids ages 13 to 17. The new experience which launched in August comes with additional protections for teens, as well as tools for parents to set boundaries around how and when ChatGPT is used. At this panel, Dr. Michael Rich, director and founder of the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, moderated a conversation with Emily Oster, founder of ParentData; Stephanie LeBlanc-Godfrey, founder of Mother AI; and Dr. Alison Mishkin, Head of Child Development at OpenAI. During this fireside chat, one topic kept coming back to the discussion: we can’t really separate our kids from the digital world they live in. So how do we help them use these tools in a healthy way? Oster talked about approaching AI with honesty and acknowledging that parents are figuring this out, too. There is still a lot we don’t know, including exactly what overuse or overreliance on AI might mean for kids. Her advice was to set expectations, create boundaries, and, perhaps most importantly, talk to your kids about what they are actually using AI for. LeBlanc-Godfrey also encouraged parents to start from a place of curiosity. Ask questions. What are they using it for? What do they find helpful? What don’t they trust? That con-

38 NewYorkFamily.com | November 2026

versation can make it easier to create family rules without shutting the conversation down. There’s no neat way to wrap all of this up. AI, especially for us parents, is an open-ended topic and will remain so. What to Expect from ChatGPT for Teens Designed for ages 13 to 17. Teens have additional protections turned on by default. OpenAI says its system will use a combination of age declarations and other signals to determine whether someone may be under 18. If it isn’t confident about a user’s age, it will default to the safer teen experience. More protections around sensitive content. The teen version is designed to reduce exposure to things like sexual or romantic content, graphic violence, self-harm, and dangerous activities. It also won’t engage in romantic language with teens. Study Mode. This is one of the bigger focuses of the teen experience. Rather than simply giving a student an answer, Study Mode can break a problem down into steps, ask questions, and help a student work through the material. Teens can also use quizzes, uploaded notes, and visual explanations for subjects such as math and science. Study Hours. Parents can choose specific times for Study Hours. During those times, Study Mode will be turned on by default. Homework reminders. If ChatGPT thinks a teen is trying to use it to simply get an assignment done, reminders can redirect them toward Study Mode. Quiet Hours. Parents can set times when ChatGPT can’t be accessed. There are also break reminders designed to encourage teens to step away after extended conversations.

Parental controls. Parents and teens can link their accounts. Parents can then adjust certain settings, including Study Hours, Quiet Hours, voice mode, image generation, group chats, and memory. Parents do not have access to their teen’s conversations. Safety notifications. Parents can opt into notifications if OpenAI’s systems and trained reviewers detect possible signs of a serious safety concern. Parents receive information intended to help them support their teen, not access to the teen’s full conversation. No ads. ChatGPT for Teens won’t show ads. More help with learning. On the horizon, OpenAI is also planning tools around things like college planning and college advising. College Planner will share information on application requirements, deadlines, and help with financial aid steps. You’re the Human One point that came up during the panel was the importance of remembering that ChatGPT isn’t a person. Teens may use it to work through a problem, ask for advice, or even talk through a conflict, but we, as parents, can help them understand where AI is useful and where a real person is the better choice. On our end, parents still have a lot to decide for themselves. How much AI is too much? When is it helping a child learn, and when is it doing the learning for them? What should the rules be around homework? Should there be limits on when it can be used? There isn’t one answer for every family. And, as several of the panelists pointed out, parents don’t have to have all the answers. Starting the conversation, asking questions, and figuring out what works for your family is a good place to begin.

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Explore, Discover, and Grow at Ascend Charter Schools WELCOMING SCHOOL COMMUNITY

We create safe, joyful, engaging classrooms and school communities through Responsive Classroom—a studentcentered social and emotional learning approach to teaching and discipline.

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

K-12 Schools serving: Brownsville Bushwick

We offer a well-rounded and enriching curriculum that is deeply rooted in inquiry-based learning and aligned with the New York State Next Generation Learning standards.

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