UPDATED OCTOBER 2014: Are you looking for the most comprehensive guide to special needs resources in Long Island? Our special needs guide has listings for therapists, special needs camps, medical experts, advocates, and special needs support groups in Suffolk County, Long Island, including Huntington, Babylon, and Smithtown, and Nassau County, Long Island, from Glen Cove to Long Beach, and North Hempstead. 

ENTERTAINMENT/BIRTHDAYS

AIR TRAMPOLINE SPORTS
1850 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma
631-619-6000

Studies have shown that trampolines help people with autism reach new heights. Air Trampoline Sports believes no matter what disability a person has, they should be able to experience our indoor trampoline park that includes a foam pit, dodge ball courts, and slam-dunk lanes. Special needs hour is the first Saturday of every month from 9-10am. We also cater to birthday parties for children with special needs during a private time. Call 631-619-6000 or email amazliah@airtrampolinesports.com for more information.

GREAT PLAY OF WOODMERE
1012 Railroad Ave., Woodmere
516-341-0050
Email info@woodmere.greatplay.com

Our award-winning, high-energy birthday parties are spectacular events, and we make your child the star of the show! Your child receives all-star treatment in our amazing Interactive Arena with 90 minutes of non-stop fun! We include a custom photo greeting projected on our more than 100-square-foot scoreboard, high energy introductions, a custom selection of games and activities based on your child’s age and interests, station time, including our patented interactive throwing walls, an awards ceremony, and time for pizza and cake!

SKY ZONE INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK
111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park
631-392-2600
Mt. Sinai location opening soon

On the first Monday of each month, from 3-6pm, we’ll turn off the music and dial down the distractions for the comfort of our extra special jumpers. We welcome children and adults with special needs, plus their family members to enjoy all the jumping good times that we have to offer. Our team members received training by Missing Piece Awareness, therefore jumpers and their families can get the most out of their experience at Sky Zone Deer Park.

LEGAL/FINANCIAL/FUTURE PLANNING

JOHN MCGRATH, ATTORNEY AT LAW
114 Old Country Road, Suite 212, Mineola
516-203-4009 x102/ Fax: 516-742-0299
Email johnmcgrath@educationlawyer.com

The Law Office of John J. McGrath specializes in representing disabled children and their parents in disputes with their school districts over the provision of special education services, student disciplinary suspensions, etc. He can assist families with the development of their child’s IEP and attend meetings of the CSE for that purpose. McGrath also represents parents of disabled children who do not qualify for special education, but for accommodations under section 504. He also represents parents in residency disputes with their school district.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, PLLC
1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington
631-379-9569
Email brad@specialedcounselor.com

School districts consult their attorneys, why shouldn’t you? Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies. He’s also a New York state-certified Impartial Hearing Officer and is hearing Due Process Hearings in New York City.

THIVIERGE & ROTHBERG, PC, SPECIAL EDUCATION ATTORNEYS
5 Hanover Square, Suite 1201, New York
212-397-6360
200 Willis Ave., Mineola, NY
11501
516-280-4449

Thivierge & Rothberg PC focuses exclusively on the representation of children and adolescents with disabilities through the special education process. Representation includes preparation for and attendance at IEPs, mediation, due process, and, when necessary, litigation in the State and/or Federal courts. The firm has extensive experience representing children in all of New York, including the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland counties. We also represent children in New Jersey.

MENTAL HEALTH

FRIENDLY KIDS SOCIAL SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIP GROUP
631-988-0629
nymetroparents.com/taibi

Friendly Kids Social Skills and Friendship Group is offering a program for elementary students with and without special needs. Children will learn social skills while making friends and having fun. This group is facilitated by a school social worker who will work with parents to schedule play dates as a result of participating in this group. Please call Carrie: 631-988-0629.

JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER
250 Turnpike St., Canton
877-31-CHILD (312-5443)

The Judge Rotenberg Center is a special needs school in Canton, MA, serving both emotionally disturbed students with conduct, behavior, emotional, or psychiatric problems and developmentally delayed students with autism. Some of our key features include consistent behavioral treatment, no or minimal psychotropic medication, near-zero rejections or near-zero expulsions, powerful varied rewards, one computer per student, and digital video monitoring. For a more detailed list of JRC’s key features, please visit judgerc.org.

OCCUPATIONAL/PHYSICAL THERAPY 

ACHIEVE BEYOND
7000 Austin St., Suite 200, Forest Hills
866-696-0999
538 Broadhollow Road, Suite 202
Melville, NY 11747
Email info@achievebeyondusa.com

Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services is able to provide ABA services to children, ages newborn-21 years, throughout New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Our dedicated team of BCBA supervisors and behavior therapists work one-on-one with families in home, school, and community settings. Parents can choose to pay privately or receive services via Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, GHI/HIP, Tricare, United Health, and many other insurance providers. For more information please call 631-385-7780 x626, or visit achievebeyondusa.com.

KEEP MOVING FORWARD, INC.
306 Nassau Blvd. S., Garden City
516-208-2100
Email info@keepmovingforward.info

Keep Moving Forward offers intensive physical therapy programs for children and adults with neurological and developmental delays. Individuals are trained to reach their highest potential through utilization of the TheraSuit and Universal Exercise Unit. This approach combats the effects of deconditioning and immobilization while using the principles of intensive strength training. Our primary goal is to achieve functional independence. KMF also offers traditional physical therapy, early intervention, Fit Kids programs, and Baby Boot Camp.

SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OT, PLLC
669 Broadway, Massapequa
516-799-2900

Sensational Development Occupational Therapy, PLLC is a private practice located in Massapequa. We offer comprehensive evaluations, individual treatment sessions, and group sessions for ages newborn through 21 in our state-of-the-art clinic. We specialize in working with children with sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, autism, dyspraxia, muscle weakness, fine motor delays, and much more. We work closely with parents and caregivers to provide support and create therapeutic opportunities in the home and school setting.

THE HAGEDORN LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL, JACK JOEL CENTER FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN
750 Hicksville Road, Seaford
516-520-6000
Email information@littlevillage.org

HLVS is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. From evaluations conducted by experienced psychologists to center- and home-based programs, HLVS offers comprehensive care for children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Services utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis are provided for children through early intervention, CPSE and CSE on-site, in the home, and in the community.

PLAY THERAPY 

LOVE TO PIECES ENRICHMENT CENTER
3771 Nesconset Highway, Suite 104, South Setauket
631-675-9316

Our center is designed to foster all areas of development from infancy to preschool age. Love To Pieces incorporates family into our programs and tailors to typically developing children and children with special needs. LTP is a home away from home. We offer mommy and me classes, sensory classes, private ABA, feeding therapy, workshops, open play sessions, and much more. Overall our center provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that will be sure to please our families.

RECREATION/SOCIALIZATION PROGRAMS

AIR TRAMPOLINE SPORTS
1850 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma
631-619-6000

Studies have shown that trampolines help people with autism reach new heights. Air Trampoline Sports believes no matter what disability a person has, they should be able to experience our indoor trampoline park that includes a foam pit, dodge ball courts, and slam-dunk lanes. Special needs hour is the first Saturday of every month from 9-10am. We also cater to birthday parties for children with special needs during a private time. Call 631-619-6000 or email amazliah@airtrampolinesports.com for more information.

AQUA TOTS SWIM SCHOOL
Plainview and Garden City Locations,
917-653-6335

Swimming is one of the best activities for children, especially those with ADHD and other special needs. Swimming is a fun activity that requires both physical effort and concentration. Like all exercise, it helps burn excess energy and will help your child stay focused, even when he or she is out of the water. Swimming is also a life-saving tool for all ages. Call now to register your child at Aqua Tots Swim School, where all of our instructors are experienced with children with special needs.

BE THE BEST SPORT
30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington
516-453-0990
Email info@bethebestsport.org

Be The Best Sport is a 501(c)(3) adaptive sports program for children with special needs. Athletes are exposed to sports such as basketball, soccer, yoga, and other activities. The goal of the program is to develop and strengthen motor, cognitive, and social abilities. The program facilitates the building of sports skills, confidence, self-esteem, and sportsmanship, while meeting the needs of each individual. Recreational therapists, professional coaches, and dedicated volunteers help the athletes acquire new skills and develop motor skills.

HANNAH KRONER SCHOOL OF DANCE
1180 Willis Ave., Albertson
516-484-5430

A special dance program for toddlers, children, and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. Classes are structured and adapted according to individual needs. Ballet, jazz, and exercise fundamentals used in a creative manner assist the development of fine and gross muscle tone. Each student is provided with a high degree of motivation and taught by experienced dance and exercise instructors who have a devoted interest in those with special needs. Call 516-484-5430.

HUG MUSIC, CREATIVE & NURTURING MUSIC LESSONS FOR EVERYBODY
112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills
718-487-4309
Email contact@hugmusicny.com

Hug Music provides music programs for all abilities, including individuals with special needs. Our mission is to nurture a love for music by targeting each student's growth both as a musician and person. Our programs for special learners include adaptive piano lessons, Hug for Music Soul, a fun-based therapeutic music program utilizing active music-making, Musicreative, an original music education method especially effective for children with autism, and an Early Intervention group. Starter package is available for first-time customers.

NEW YORK ANGELS PAGEANT
P.O. Box 527559, Flushing
888-339-5622 x105
Natalie C. Sandy, Chief Visionary Officer and Director of Special Needs Services
Email nyangelspageant@gmail.com

There are many benefits to being in pageantry. Overcoming shyness, displaying talents, meeting new people, and being acknowledged for achievements are just a few. New York Angels Pageant is the only pageant system in New York State that offers these benefits to men, women, teens, and children with special needs. So, give us a call if you are looking for a platform to boost your self-esteem or shine bright like the star you are. Registration is free.

SKY ZONE INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK
111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park
631-392-2600
Mt. Sinai location opening soon

On the first Monday of each month, from 3-6pm, we’ll turn off the music and dial down the distractions for the comfort of our extra special jumpers. We welcome children and adults with special needs, plus their family members to enjoy all the jumping good times that we have to offer. Our team members received training by Missing Piece Awareness, therefore jumpers and their families can get the most out of their experience at Sky Zone Deer Park.

STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION
13 South Bayles Ave., Port Washington
516-767-0266

At Steps to Socialization, we understand that not all children process social information the same way. Our curriculum, designed for children through 12th grade, makes the hidden rules of daily social interactions simple and clear. Through targeted activities and role-play, your child will gain the communication skills needed to navigate the social world. Parents and caregivers are an integral part of the team. We work together to reinforce the program at home and school.

SUMMIT CAMP WEEKENDER PROGRAM
322 Route 46 W., #210, Parsippany
973-732-3230
Email metro-ny@summitweekender.com

Summit Weekender serves boys and girls ages 11-18 with ADHD, Asperger syndrome, NVLD, HFA, and/or mild social concerns. Participants find program success, social skills improvement, and fun in a directed and designed getaway weekend, Friday after dinner through Sunday after lunch. It provides a youth group like experience for what are often long and unorganized weekends. Kids find a comfort level among peers. The Weekender offer sensitive and professional supervision, and exciting and fun experiences.

VARIETY CHILD LEARNING CENTER
47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset
516-921-7171
Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School
72 Farmedge Road, Levittown, NY 11756
516-490-3301
Email info@vclc.org

Variety Child Learning Center is a nonprofit center whose mission is to support the education and inclusion of children with or at risk of disabilities, including autism, and assist families and train professionals who work with young children. Founded in 1966, all VCLC programs are guided by the concept that early intervention with parental involvement can make a lasting impact on a child’s development that is not possible if services are delayed.

SCHOOLS

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTERS
656 Sunrise Highway, Baldwin
516-867-4041
607 E. Main St., Bay Shore
631-968-5100
79-81 Westbury Ave., Carle Place
516-747-5600
Elwood Shopping Center
1928B Jericho Turnpike, East Northport
631-462-8900
Phillips Plaza
639 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook
516-568-1900
1506 Northern Blvd., Manhasset
516-365-4455
South Gate Shopping Center
49-34 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park
516-799-9500
Gateway Plaza
499-5 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue
631-289-4900
Smithtown Shopping Center
8 Miller Place, Smithtown
631-360-0422
Email gehringerl@hlcmail.com

Huntington is your tutoring solution for students in grades K-12. At Huntington, our certified teachers will help your child achieve his or her academic goals. We offer tutoring in basic skills such as reading, vocabulary, phonics, spelling, math and study skills, as well as subject tutoring in high school math and science. We also work with students to prepare them for high-stakes tests including high school entrance exams, state tests, Advance Placement exams, and the SAT or ACT.

JUDGE ROTENBERG CENTER
250 Turnpike St., Canton
877-31-CHILD (312-5443)

The Judge Rotenberg Center is a special needs school in Canton, MA, serving both emotionally disturbed students with conduct, behavior, emotional, or psychiatric problems, and developmentally delayed students with autism. Some of our key features include consistent behavioral treatment, no or minimal psychotropic medication, near-zero rejections or near-zero expulsions, powerful varied rewards, one computer per student, and digital video monitoring. For a more detailed list of JRC's key features, please visit judgerc.org.

THE ELIJA SCHOOL & FOUNDATION
11 Laurel Lane, Levittown
516-216-5270
Email info@elija.org

ELIJA offers outreach services for the LI and NYC communities – and not just for the learners and their families enrolled in The ELIJA School. In addition to providing support and training to parents, family members, caregivers, and professionals, ELIJA assists families in their efforts to advocate for appropriate services for their children. ELIJA can provide information on, and referrals to a wealth of key resources for individuals with autism as well as their families.

THE HAGEDORN LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL, JACK JOEL CENTER FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN
750 Hicksville Road, Seaford
516-520-6000
Email information@littlevillage.org

HLVS is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. From evaluations conducted by experienced psychologists to center- and home-based programs, HLVS offers comprehensive care for children who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Services utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis are provided for children through early intervention, CPSE and CSE on-site, in the home, and in the community.

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