Special Needs

Individualized Education Plans

Custom learning programs designed around each child's academic level, learning style, and educational goals.

Speech-Language Pathology

Therapeutic services addressing communication, language development, and articulation for children with speech delays or disorders.

Occupational Therapy

Intervention targeting fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, and functional independence in daily activities.

Psychoeducational Evaluation

Comprehensive assessments identifying learning disabilities, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and specific diagnostic classifications.

Behavioral Intervention

Applied behavior analysis and positive behavior support strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and increase adaptive functioning.

School Consultation

Professional guidance provided to teachers and administrators on implementing specialized instructional strategies in mainstream classroom settings.

What age groups does Special Needs serve?

Special Needs provides services for school-aged children typically from age 5 through 18. The organization tailors interventions to developmental stages and can work with both younger elementary students and adolescents. Contact Special Needs directly to discuss your child's specific age and needs.

Does Special Needs accept insurance or offer payment plans?

Special Needs works with families to discuss billing options, insurance verification, and potential financial assistance. Many speech and occupational therapy services may be covered by insurance. Parents should contact Special Needs directly to review specific payment policies and insurance accepted.

What qualifications do the therapists and educators at Special Needs have?

Special Needs employs licensed speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, board-certified behavior analysts, and certified special education teachers. All staff members hold appropriate state licensure and meet professional standards in their respective disciplines.

Can Special Needs help my child get an official autism diagnosis?

Special Needs provides psychoeducational evaluations that can identify characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and other developmental differences. For official medical diagnosis, your child may also need evaluation by a developmental pediatrician or psychiatrist, though Special Needs assessment results are valuable for school and therapeutic planning.

How does Special Needs work with my child's school?

Special Needs can participate in IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings, provide consultation to teachers, and share assessment results with school districts. The organization bridges home and school to ensure consistent implementation of strategies across settings.

What is the difference between Special Needs' services and what my school provides?

While schools provide special education at no cost, Special Needs offers specialized clinical evaluation, intensive individualized therapy, and services not typically available through schools like comprehensive psychoeducational testing and behavior analysis. Special Needs can supplement school services or provide alternative educational models.

How long does a typical evaluation at Special Needs take?

Comprehensive evaluations typically involve multiple sessions spanning 4-8 hours of testing depending on the child's age and presenting concerns. Special Needs schedules appointments flexibly and provides a detailed written report with recommendations following completion.

Does Special Needs offer virtual or remote therapy sessions?

Special Needs provides both in-person and teletherapy options depending on the service and family preference. Speech and occupational therapy can be delivered remotely, while educational services may combine both formats based on the child's needs.

What if my child has both ADHD and learning disabilities?

Special Needs is equipped to address comorbid diagnoses through comprehensive assessment and multi-disciplinary treatment planning. The organization creates integrated intervention plans that target all of your child's needs simultaneously.

How often does my child need to attend services at Special Needs?

Frequency is individualized based on your child's needs, goals, and family schedule. Special Needs typically recommends 1-3 sessions per week, though this varies. The organization works with families to create a sustainable service schedule.

Does Special Needs offer parent training or coaching?

Yes, Special Needs recognizes that parents are essential partners in their child's progress. The organization provides parent education, coaching on implementing strategies at home, and family consultation as part of comprehensive service delivery.

What happens after my child completes their goals at Special Needs?

When children achieve their objectives, Special Needs helps transition them to less intensive services, school-based support, or community resources. The organization ensures continuity of progress through exit planning and recommendations.

How does Special Needs measure progress and success?

Special Needs uses objective data collection, standardized assessments, and progress monitoring to track changes in academic skills, communication, adaptive functioning, and behavior. Regular reports and family conferences keep parents informed of their child's advancement.

Does Special Needs serve children with severe or profound disabilities?

Special Needs serves a range of disability severities from mild learning differences to more significant developmental disabilities. The organization assesses each child's needs and discusses whether services align with the family's goals and Special Needs' scope of practice.

How do I get started with Special Needs in Philadelphia?

Parents can contact Special Needs by phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. The first step is a discussion about your child's concerns and needs, followed by scheduling a comprehensive evaluation if appropriate.

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