Long Island Special Child - April 2023

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4 | When the next step is an ie P Missing milestones and an Individualized Educational Plan

6 | u nderstanding Dental c are for k ids with s pecial n eeds Dental patients with special needs require a special kind of care

8 | 6 Ways to s upport s iblings of k ids with s pecial n eeds

Helping your child with special needs and your other children thrive

10 | learning Disabilities in children Marker Learning, an organization dedicated to helping children, shares their tips

12 | the b enefits of h orse therapy For children with special needs, horse therapy can help with many physical, mental, and emotional needs

14 | s pecial n eeds Directory

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Love alone can’t protect a child with special needs

If you ’ re caring for a disabled child, spouse, sibling or parent, the Law Of�ices of Andrew M. Cohen can assist you with the following:

• Preparing a will and advanced directives

• Establishing a supplemental needs trust

• Understanding current government bene�it programs for individuals with special needs

• Handling guardianship proceedings

• Special Education Law

• Creating the letter of intent

• Elder law and long-term care planning

What rights do students have?

Children do have legal rights, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a law designed to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education that meets their unique needs and prepares them for the future.

Safeguarding legal rights is often critical to a student’s success. In situations where school districts aren’t in compliance, the Law Of�ices of Andrew M. Cohen can advance a resolution that best serves your child’s well-being and education.

Long Island

1100 Franklin Avenue, Suite 305 Garden City, New York 11530

(516) 877-0595

When the next step is an IEP

Missing milestones and an Individualized Educational Plan

By Emily lE vy

Have you noticed your child struggling in school? Perhaps they are having a hard time learning to read, can’t grasp multi step math problems, or are having difficulty staying focused in class. Their self-esteem is plummeting as school work becomes increasingly challenging, and their struggles seem insurmountable. Your child may have special needs and, if so, the sooner you can identify these needs and address them, the better it will be for their overall confidence and academic performance. So what can you do?

For starters, if you see your child struggling, talk to their doctor and teacher. Discuss milestones they may or may not have met and determine if their teacher notices the same challenges you see at home. If you feel these struggles are getting worse or think they may benefit from additional accommodations at school, you might consider having them tested. This testing can be done for free either through your state’s early intervention program (if your child is under age three) or through your child’s school district. The evaluation and specific tests administered may range, but evaluators will typically test your child’s IQ and will likely also test language, motor, behavior, and achievement skills.

IEP or 504 plan

Depending on the evaluation results and your child’s needs, your child may qualify for either an IEP or a 504 plan. An IEP details your child’s specific goals and a plan for what your school will do to help meet those goals, including specific services, like speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and academic support. A 504 plan helps provide accommodations for support within the classroom, such as additional time on tests, an aide in the classroom, preferential seating, and/or modified homework. Typically students

who have a less severe disability (like anxiety, ADHD, etc.) and not a diagnosed learning disability will receive a 504. Students who need more services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education teacher support services, etc., would receive an IEP. Note: School-aged children in private schools have a right to an evaluation if a disability is suspected. Work with your child’s teacher or school director to help you coordinate an assessment via the state.

Know Your Rights

Federal law indicates that every child is entitled to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible. Three specific federal laws apply to children with special needs, including the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Ace, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws’ specifics can vary by state, so it’s important for you to understand the procedures and criteria specific to your state.

IDEA stipulates that a child’s issues must fall into one of 13 categories to be eligible for special education services. Section 504 mandates that schools cannot discriminate again students who have disabilities and are required to provide appropriate accommodations to them. Students covered under Section 504 usually have less severe disabilities or do not

fall into one of the categories stipulated under IDEA. The ADA indicates that children with special needs cannot be discriminated against and must be provided appropriate services and programs suitable to their needs. If your school district refuses to provide appropriate services to your child, you may initiate a due process hearing to challenge their decision.

Focus on Your Child’s Strengths

It is easy to go into a bit of negative space when dealing with your child’s educational support. Remember to focus on your child’s strengths; they may struggle with reading and writing but may excel with math computation. Or maybe your child is incredibly social, empathetic, and kind. Perhaps they are a beautiful artist, a great storyteller, or a whiz at building Legos. Praise your child for small accomplishments, like sitting next to a friend at lunch who seemed sad, drawing a beautiful flower, or creating an elaborate Lego tower. As you help your child academically with areas where they may struggle, continue to build their self-esteem, and explain that no one is perfect. We all have strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas we need to work on improving. Your special needs child can still have dreams and aspirations that can be achieved with support and guidance.

Updated by Donna Duarte-Ladd

Helping you create a bright future for your child

Appletree ABA provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services to individuals diagnosed with autism in the Long Island area. We also provide telehealth ABA therapy services.

DIRECTOR: STACEY RATNER SRATNER@APPLETREEABA.COM

Understanding Dental Care for Patients with Special Needs

By Phyllis G. Merlino, DDs

When it comes to the dentist, every patient deserves the best care. But dental patients with special needs require a particularly special kind of care.

Patients with special needs may include children or adults who have physical limitations, medical complications, developmental problems, cognitive impairments, sensory issues or some combination of disabilities. These individuals often require modified care and may need specialized support to ensure a successful dental visit.

Developmental conditions, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy, as well as cognitive challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or dementia, also require adjustments to office visits.

Dental health professionals, specifically those with post-graduate training in Pediatric Dentistry and Special Care Dentistry, are prepared to accommodate patients with special needs.

Barriers to Dental Care

Patients with special needs frequently experience barriers to care. Often, the ability to pay for care remains an obstacle. Insurance policies may not cover specialized dental care, or the cost of modified treatments required.

Another barrier is finding a dental practice with the ability to understand and treat patients who require a specialist’s touch. Together, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Special Care Dentistry Association provide education and networking resources to professionals with the goal to increase access to oral healthcare. The American Dental Association, through its rigorous training programs, ensures there are dental professionals able to meet the challenges of the patients that need this type of gentle dental care and understanding.

A third barrier to care is a physical one. Some patients with special needs may require an accessible location, and to transfer from wheelchair to dental chair to receive treatment. Modifying the wheelchair to mimic the dental chair or conducting standup dental procedures are possibilities when wheelchair transfers are not possible.

Getting the Proper Care Caregivers are valuable resources when treating patients with special needs because they can provide feedback on the best time of day for treatment, behavioral management, communication assistance, insight into treatment needs, and additional information about patients’ disabilities.

In addition to obtaining a comprehensive medical history, patient assessment and pretreatment planning are important. The dental team should coordinate oral care with patients’ physicians, social workers, nurses, etc. to provide the most effective treatment.

Once a patient with special needs is at a dental visit, the clinician will communicate the treatment plan in terms that are appropriate for the patient’s comprehension level. Patients with dental anxiety may fare better with the tell-show-do approach or when provided the opportunity to touch the dental instruments before they are used in their mouths. Clinicians should be attentive to the specific needs of each patient throughout the appointment.

Helping Patients Maintain Effective Homecare

Patients with special needs may exhibit poor oral hygiene due to difficulty in performing self-care or taking medications that cause negative oral health side effects.

Dentists can recommend self-care routines to improve the effectiveness of oral hygiene regimens. For example, for patients who have difficulty grasping, the use of a wide-handled power toothbrush is recommended. Other recommendations might include the use of pillows and mouth props to toothbrush modifications and standup dental treatment.

Dental professionals should provide caregivers with information on the importance of oral health, nutrition, and oral hygiene techniques so they can help patients to remain healthy.

An educated and experienced dental team, as well as a friendly office atmosphere, is a very important part of the treatment as a whole. The initial impression needs to be an inviting one. Treating all patients, but especially those with special needs, is a team approach – patients, caregivers and dental team - all working together for a common goal.

Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with private practice in Staten Island, New York.

The Hagedorn Li�le Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 12 years of age with learning, language, social delays, motor impairments, and au�sm with no direct cost to families:

The Hagedorn Li�le Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 12 years of age with learning, language, social delays, motor impairments, and au�sm with no direct cost to families:

• Evalua�ons

• Evalua�ons

• Early Interven�on (Birth-3)

• Early Interven�on (Birth-3)

• SEIT

• SEIT

• CSE I�nerant Services

• CSE I�nerant Services

• ABA Home Programs

• ABA Home Programs

Related Services:

• Speech

• OT/PT

• Parent Training

Related Services: • Speech • OT/PT • Parent Training • Family Support Services

• Family Support Services

Special Ed Classes:

Special Ed Classes:

• Preschool (3-5)

• Preschool (3-5)

• School age (5-12)

• School age (5-12)

• Inclusion

• Inclusion

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY 11783

516.520.6000

• www.li�levillage.org

516.520.6000 • www.li�levillage.org

Funded and regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Departments of Health & NYS Educa�on Department

Funded and regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Departments of Health & NYS Educa�on Department

Providing Services for over 50 Years, The Hagedorn Li�le Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for-profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 12 years of age with learning, language, and social delays, motor impairments, and au�sm with no direct cost to families: Early Interven�on (El) and Commi�ee for Preschool Special Educa�on (CPSE) services are for children who have or who are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evalua�ons must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for El and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child's elegibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS

Providing Services for over 50 Years, The Hagedorn Li�le Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for-profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 12 years of age with learning, language, and social delays, motor impairments, and au�sm with no direct cost to families: Early Interven�on (El) and Commi�ee for Preschool Special Educa�on (CPSE) services are for children who have or who are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evalua�ons must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for El and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child's elegibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with children.

ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with children.

6 Ways to Support Siblings of Kids with Special Needs

By Linda diProPerzio

So often, parents feel like they’re not doing enough for their kids. When you’re the parent of a child with special needs, that worry is taken to a different level as you work to make sure your child is getting everything they need to thrive. Another big concern? The impact your efforts to help your child with special needs thrive is having on your other children.

“When a child has special needs, parents have to learn to balance both the needs of that child and the needs of siblings,” explains Melissa Packwood, an educational consultant, certified teacher, and a mother to multiple children with special needs. “It can seem like the child with special needs gets special treatment when parents are simply meeting the child’s needs and making appropriate accommodations for that child.”

So, how can you make sure all of your kids are getting the love and support they need?

Supporting Siblings of Kids with Special Needs

Here are some tips to get you started.

Acknowledge it’s hard . Talk openly with your children about the challenges of having a sibling with special needs, recommends Emily Holl, director of The Sibling Support Project. Not only is it important to allow children to express how they are feeling, but it will also allow you to implement changes that help all kids in the family feel more included and supported.

Create small moments with each child . As the saying goes, quality over quantity. Simply create opportunities—10-15 minutes is enough—where each child has some time with you, recommends April J. Lisbon, Ed.D., an autism workplace advocate at Running

Your Race Enterprises and a mother of three, including one child on the autism spectrum. “Nothing fancy: It can be making a meal or playing a board game together.”

Make it a group effort . Create activities that can involve all of your kids, says Daniel Koffler of New Frontiers. This can include things like preparing for meals, getting ready for school, story time, board or video games, drawing, and more. “By including everyone, you can still give the added attention needed to your special needs children, but it helps parents with the balancing act by having everyone together,” Koffler says.

Keep communication open . Kathy Heath, an autism awareness advocate behind The Autism Edit and mom of three children, including one on the autism spectrum, makes sure to let all of her kids know that she and her husband are open to answering any of their questions—and nothing is off limits. “If they feel uncomfortable or treated unfairly, the door is always open to tell us where we are not meeting their needs and how we can

improve our relationship with them,” she explains.

Avoid expectations . While some kids may gravitate toward a helping role, especially as they get older, it’s not fair or reasonable to expect them to always drop what they are doing in order to manage their sibling’s needs. “Parents are wise to be aware of how much they are relying on their kids to act as a parent or replace their leisure time with sibling care, as it can lead to resentment of the special needs sibling as well as parents,” Holl warns.

Give yourself a break . Realize that there is no manual to creating balance at home. Give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan, Dr. Lisbon says.

Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons. * This piece was originally posted on our sister site nymetroparents.com.

Learning Disabilities in Children

By Jeannine Cintron

The most inspirational stories are often the kind where those at a disadvantage overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in spite of – and because of – the challenges they were faced with. Such is the case for Emily Yudofsky and Stefan Bauer, who were both diagnosed with dyslexia as children. After watching their own parents struggle to get the support they needed growing up, the pair teamed up to start Marker Learning, an organization dedicated to helping children with learning disabilities receive the diagnosis and resources they need to thrive in school.

We chatted with Stefan and Emily to delve into how their own experiences led them to start Marker and what parents can do if they suspect their child might have a learning disability.

Q: What are the signs of a learning disability parents should look for in their

kids? What are the signs of dyslexia, specifically, that parents should look for?

Emily: Learning and attention disabilities can present in a myriad ways. For example, a student with ADHD and executive functioning challenges may not be able to manage their time effectively, stay organized or prioritize multiple tasks.

With dyslexia, it can present in struggling to sound out words, substituting words, or even avoiding reading at all costs. We commonly see young children who are able to answer questions accurately when they are verbalizing, but have difficulty when they are writing out responses. Across the board, we find that for most students with learning challenges, they’ve lost a lot of confidence as they see their peers advancing and feel stuck. As a parent, it’s critical to notice some of the social and emotional challenges that might be manifesting because of a learning challenge.

Q: What are some of the types of learning disabilities you often see in children you

work with?

Stefan: We see a range of learning challenges in the children we work with, from reading, writing and math disorders like dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, and attention disorders like ADHD which manifest in executive functioning issues.

Q: Is there anything parents can do to prevent learning disabilities?

Emily: The truth is learning disabilities cannot be prevented – we’re born with them and they last a lifetime. Many learning disorders are actually known to be genetic, running in families. So the question isn’t as much about prevention as it is about intervention, and the earlier, the better. This means pursuing a formal psychoeducational evaluation to understand what a child’s strengths and weaknesses are, and what services and accommodations they will need for long-term success. Then it’s all about providing evidence-based approaches to refine skills and get back on track.

Q: Tell us about Marker and what inspired you to start it?

Stefan: Our mission at Marker Learning has always been a very personal one. In elementary school, I really struggled with reading and was placed in special education. My mom knew something wasn’t right and fiercely advocated for me, quitting her job to ensure I had the support I needed to succeed, and paying thousands of dollars for a learning disability evaluation. I ended up getting diagnosed with dyslexia. By receiving this diagnosis and documentation, I was able to unlock accommodations in school that fundamentally transformed my trajectory in life. My co-founder, Emily Yudofsky, who is also dyslexic, had a similar experience as a kid.

Unfortunately, many families do not have access to evaluation. While K-12 students are legally entitled to learning disability assessments in public schools, diagnoses are often delayed or missed entirely due to unprecedented staffing shortages and backlogs. Private evaluators, meanwhile, can have months-long wait times and charge

exorbitant amounts of fees, often costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Our mission was inspired by these experiences. Our goal is to provide clear diagnosis and certified documentation for anyone who is dealing with a learning or attention disability – all for a much more affordable price and faster timeline.

Q: What work do you do in schools?

Stefan: We’re very excited to partner with a range of schools across the country (including some in New York). In fact, we already reach more than 1 million students through these partnerships. We work with

school district special education staff to manage caseloads and act as an extension of school psychologist teams. We want to help schools retain their staff and prioritize dayto-day student care.

Q: What steps do you recommend parents take after their child is diagnosed with dyslexia or another learning disability?

Emily: Once you have that diagnosis and documentation, it’s then really about advocating for your child to get the support they need at school. Ensure your child is set up with an IEP or 504 plan, a written roadmap ensuring your child receives special education services tailored to meet their unique needs. This will follow them through school, and staff should reassess needs over time as your child develops. Communicate frequently and directly to gain clarity about how your child is doing in the classroom, and what’s being done to support them. And be sure to ask your child how they’re doing, ensuring they know there’s nothing wrong with them. They have so many amazing strengths and everyone learns differently.

“The question isn’t as much about prevention as it is about intervention, and the earlier, the better.”

The Benefits of Horse therapy

for a child with special needs

By Serena norr

The bond between humans and horses is incredible. For children with special needs, horse therapy can greatly help with many physical, mental, and emotional needs in a safe and loving environment. This modality can help children with ADD/ ADHD, autism, visual impairments, Down’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, MS, learning and behavioral disabilities, and much more.

Path International (pathintl.org) states, “Therapeutic/adaptive horsemanship contributes to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with disabilities.”

Understandably, wanting to learn more and understand the best way to approach horse therapy may be unknown to most. We recommend checking out The New York State Horse Council (NYSHC). This nonprofit organization provides information on horses and horserelated activities within or affecting the state of New York. There is also a handy guide to Therapeutic Riding Programs in New York.

Over time, horse therapy can improve balance and posture, muscle strength and posture, joint movement, communication, and more as your child forges a special bond with this beloved animal. Below are a few places in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester where your child can begin their horse therapy journey.

New York Cit Y

Flying Manes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Flying Manes Therapeutic Riding provides therapeutic riding lessons and other equineassisted activities and therapies to children ages four and up with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Lessons help kids build their coordination and strength and improve cognitive, emotional, and social skills through exercises, games, and horsemanship skills. 6100 Mosholu Ave, The Bronx, NY 10471. 917- 524-6648, info@flyingmanes.org

GallopNYC

GallopNYC offers therapeutic horsemanship programs to aid kids who have developmental, emotional, social and physical disabilities. Their program helps riders learn new skills such as walking, talking, learning, having fun, and bonding with their horse. Locations in Forest Hills and Howard Beach. Programs are offered quarterly and riders who have physical disabilities will be evaluated by their physical therapist. Lessons cost $60 for a 30-minute group lesson and $65 for a 30-minute private lesson. GallopNYC Forest Hills, 88-03 70th Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375 and GallopNYC Sunrise Stables, 80-98 Linden Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, 855-925-5661, info@gallopNYC.org.

Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding is a non-profit organization and PATH Internationalcertified therapeutic horseback riding center dedicated to working with adults and kids

with disabilities and special needs. The program offers both indoor and outdoor training and aid work with riders based on a family’s specific needs. The program can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, increase self-esteem, confidence, mobility, and coordination, and improve concentration, communication, and more. The grounds also have a wheelchairaccessible restaurant and bathrooms. Lessons are $50 each, which includes 25 minutes of saddle time as well as time for mounting and dismounting. 116 Canton Ct, Brooklyn, NY 11229, 646-831-6256, info@s4tr.org.

Lo NG iSLAND

Great Strides Long Island

During the lessons at Great Strides, kids will learn how to improve balance, strengthen their muscles, flexibility and joints, and balance and posture. The team works with kids who have autism, brain damage, Down Syndrome, developmental disorders, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia,

and learning disabilities as well as kids with emotional, social and psychological disorders. Lessons are $60 for a 30-minute private lesson; $75 for a 45-minute private lesson; and $90 for a 60-minute private lesson. 41 Coram Swezeytown Rd, Middle Island, NY 11953, 631786-9708, julie@greatstridesli.org

Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End

The Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End’s mission is to ‘transform lives through the therapeutic power of horses.’ This non-profit organization is PATH certified and provides services to kids and adults with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities. Participants have to apply and be brought in for an evaluation before working at the center. 93 Merchants Path, Sagaponack, NY 11962, 631.779.2835, program@ctreeny.org.

HorseAbility

HorseAbility offers adaptive learning, which can help riders with physical, emotional and mental well-being as well as hippotherapy with Physical Therapists, Occupational

therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists. Hippotherapy provides physical, occupational and speech-language pathology to kids to help with their sensory,neuromotor and cognitive systems. Participants have to fill out a form to apply for these services. 223 Store Hill Rd, Old Westbury, NY 11568, 516-333-6151

WESTCHESTER

Access Equestrian

Access Equestrian offers adaptive riding and hippotherapy for kids with physical and mental limitations. This non-profit organization offers both group and private lessons that include groundwork, warmup exercises, skills development, activities, games, and trail rides. Programs help build students’ self-esteem, concentration, confidence, coordination, and more. 1 Succabone Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, 914234-9000, info@accessequestrian.org

Endeavor Therapeutic

Horsemanship, Inc.

The Therapeutic Horsemanship program at Endeavor offers clinical programs to kids

of different levels and abilities. Participants in the therapeutic program have to be four years old and up. Kids will learn mounting, steering, groundsmanship, grooming, anatomy of the horse, posing, half-seat, leg yields, and much more. Over time, kids develop improved fine motor skills, increased confidence, and ability to take multi-step directions. Families must submit paperwork to work with Endeavor, where participants will be asked to come in for an evaluation.

556 Croton Lake Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549, 914241-0211. program@endeavorth.org

Pegasus

Located on 22 acres with seven sensory trails, Pegasus offers therapeutic horsemanship for kids with special needs from PATHcertified instructors. Programs provide basic riding, ground horsemanship, and exercises to improve balance, posture, mobility, and concentration, create the mind/muscle connection, and more. Participants have to fill out a form and pay a $55 evaluation fee. 310 Peach Lake Road Brewster, NY 10509, 845669-8235 x115, program@pegasustr.org.

Appletree AbA

100 Duffy Avenue, Suite 510, Hicksville NY 516-881-5373

appletreeaba.com

info@appletreeaba.com

Appletree ABA is committed to providing high-quality and compassionate ABA therapy services to individuals with autism and their families. They utilize evidence-based practices, collaborate with families and professionals, and offer an individualized approach tailored to promote meaningful change. They offer in-home ABA services across Nassau County NY. They work with most major insurances and accept private pay clients.

Autism b ehavioral consulting s ervices

Karen Bottalico, SAS, SDA 516-851-8330

kbottalico2002@yahoo.com

An Educational Consultant serving Queens and Long Island and the NY Metro

area. Working directly with families, services include: Evaluating placement and service options; Accompanying parents throughout the entire CPSE or CSE process which includes meetings, screenings, observations and extensive education history reviews. Other services include Staff Training, School-Based Consultation, FBA Assessment and BIP Implementation, ABA and Verbal Behavior Training Techniques, Behavior Management Strategies, Home/School Intensive Behavior Intervention Services, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, HomeBased Services and Parent Education Training.

g ersh Autism 631-385-3342

info@GershAutism.com gershautism.com

Gersh Autism provides a wide range of services for

Autism/Behavioral Consulting Services

• Staff Training

• School-Based Consultation

• FBA Assessment and BIP Implementation

• ABA and Verbal Behavior Training Techniques

• Behavior Management Strategies

• Home/School Intensive Behavior Intervention Services

• Crisis Intervention and Prevention

• Home-Based Services and Parent Education Training

• CPSE/CSE Advocacy & Meeting Attendance

individuals with autism across the US and Puerto Rico. Their mission is to help individuals with ASD reach their full potential by providing educational and therapeutic programs tailored to their specific needs. The organization offers a range of services, including early intervention, preschool and K-12, life skills and transition services for young adults. They are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with ASD and their families.

the h agedorn little village school

Jack Joel Center for Special Children

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org

The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT and related services.

l aw o ffices of Andrew M. cohen, P.c . 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City, NY 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com

The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provides personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services. Whether your needs are simple or intricate, the Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful legal planning. All clients are provided with high quality, personalized and timely legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also

conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools and parent groups.

long i sland s peech

844-5-SPEECH (844-5773324)

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: New Hyde Park, Wantagh, Jericho, Commack, Islip Terrace, Stony Brook, Farmingville, East Yaphank and the newest location in Westhampton Beach, 201 Montauk Highway, Suite 6, Westhampton Beach, NY. Janine Stiene, SpeechLanguage Pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Speech. With her group of highly trained therapists, she supports families across Long Island, specializing in Myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Augmentative Communication Therapy, and treats disorders such as, voice disorders, fluency, articulation, tongue thrusts, auditory processing, expressive and receptive language disorders and so much more!

Winston Prep long island 30 Deforest Road Dix Hills, NY 11746 631-779-2400

winstonprep.edu/ourcampuses/long-island

Contact: Michele Bellatoni, Director of Admissions, mbellatoni@winstonprep.edu

Winston Preparatory School’s individualized learning program for students with learning differences is the continuous commitment to an indepth understanding of every student. At Winston Prep an emphasis is put on discovering who each student is, what their learning needs are and, based on their learning profile, designing an individualized curriculum by expert faculty and staff. Sign up for an open house appointment at Winston Prep Long Island at: winstonprep.edu/ourcampuses/long-island.