CHILDREN

CHILDREN'S SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities aka OPWDD - https://opwdd.ny.gov/
Through OPWDD, you can access supports and services that can help your family in so many ways, including connecting you to clinical or therapeutic supports.

To watch a video of a discussion of the OPWDD with the FDNY Special Needs Group, please click here. It is the fourth video in the row.
To speak to someone at OPWDD you can call 1 - 866.946.9733 or visit their website listed above.

Tips to Navigate a Hospital Stay for a Child with Special Needs

Child Life Specialist: This is your point of contact for navigating your needs when visiting the hospital. You can ask for the contact of the Child Life Specialist Department via your provider or locate on your hospital’s website.
Be Mindful Program: specific to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital, communicates needs and provides special accommodations for someone with special needs
Many hospitals provide music and art therapy which can be utilized for your family members visit or stay in a hospital
Short Chart Summary: you can request this when being discharged from a hospital which details information about your stay and prior stays at the hospital (i.e., procedures, medications etc.).
Bring a notebook, keep track of your questions, feedback from doctors and nurses

NEURODIVERGENCE describes a brain that processes, learns and/or behaves differently from what is considered “typical”. Included in this category often is Autism, ADHD and dyslexia.
1. ADHS - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder defines subjects who have difficulty with conversations, impulsive thoughts, hyper focusing,

The National Resource Center on ADHD for Children & Adults - 800-232-4636.
Material & videos, offer Behavior Therapy for young children with ADHD and webcasts, etc. https://cdc.gov

2. AUTISM - (now includes Asperger's Syndrome) is known as a “spectrum disorder” because autistic people range in what autistic traits they have, how these traits present, and the support they need. Challenges often include social skills, repetitive behaviors and speech difficulties.
RESOURCES For NEURODIVERGENCE
1. In NYC, call 988 for referrals within NYC resources.
2. District 75 NYC Dept of Education - 212-802-1500 district75nyc.org
3. Heart Share - heartshare.org - Residential Home. Day Services, & Respite Services
4. Autism Speaks NY - autismspeaks.org/newyorkstate
5. Autism Society - autismsociety.org

CEREBRAL PALSY - A congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone or posture.

www.ninds.nih.gov
cpnassau.org - Roosevelt, NY 516-378-2000
cpstate.org

DYSLEXIA - Typically associated with reading, writing or speaking words or letters out of order. It may also involve confusion with certain letters, difficulty organizing words into sentences,
trouble acquiring and pronouncing the right word and/or following directions.

Fun Places for the Special Needs Child

The Brooklyn Public Library
www.bklynlibrary.org/inclusive-services
Inclusive Services at BPL provides unique programs for children and teens with and without disabilities.

Extreme Kids
https://www.extremekidsandcrew.org/
We create fun and brave spaces that nurture a sense of belonging and community for neuro-divergent youth.

American Museum of Natural History
https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility
The AMNH is committed to ensuring that its facilities, exhibitions, and services are accessible to all individuals, including people with disabilities.

Summer Camps
Mid-Hudson Valley Camp, Esopus, NY
maristbrotherscenter.org
1 week summer camp sessions, with different themes: Populations served: Children ages 4-15 with special needs, young adults with special needs, adults with special needs, kids with cancer and related blood disorders, children with hearing impairments.

Camp Loyaltown
citizens-inc.org
Run by Citizens Options Unlimited
Located in Hunter, NY
Summer camp for adults (over 18) with developmental disabilities.
One Week for children ages 5-17
citizens-inc.org