Connections Spring Summer 2010

™

C O M P E L L E D T O C O N N E C T R E S O U R C E S W I T H F A M I L I E S

www.ConnectionsKids.com

FIND Quality resource providers

DISCOVER Hope

EXPLORE the possibilities

FREEVol.2 No.1

SPRING/SUMMER

520+ RESOURCES

Angels of care

Serving all of Texas!Toll Free 866.856.5923

www.AngelsOfCare.com

“Special Care for Your Special Child”Services Offered:

Private Duty Nursing • Skilled Nursing • Therapy (PT, OT, ST, RT) • Medical Equipment & Supplies • Attendant Care • Medication Delivery Service • Case Management

Angels of Care is a Provider for: CCP • MDCP • CBA • CDS • PCS • CHSCN • CPW • Superior • Medicaid

Private Insurance • Private Pay

Pediatric Home Health

VOTEDISSU

E

THREE FAVO

RIT

E

AD

www.ConnectionsKids.com INDEX Connections • Issue 4-2010 1

INDEX

Medical Resources

Hospitals

Specialists Medical Supplies

Recreational Resources

Art Classes

Cooking Classes

Church Special Needs Programs

Educational Resources

Advocates

Specialized Schools

Tutoring

Nutritional Resources

Health Food Stores

Cookware Organic Co-ops

Therapeutic Resources

Speech and Language

Play Therapy

Hyperbaric

Parental/Family Resources

Respite Care

Nanny Placement

Family Counseling

™

Issue #2 Mom’s Favorite Ad.................................Inside Front CoverOur Story is Your Story...................................................................8Our Mission Statement................................................................11Celebrate our partners Our Partners are Your Partners...............2-7The Connections Project Update.................................................12Connections Project Wins National Award..................................10

Main Content

Educational Resources......................................13-21 Winner! Your Kids Our Cover Contest......................................38

Medical Resources............................................22-32 The Search for Answers.....................................................26-27

Nutritional Resources .....................................33-37 Gluten Free Soy Free Dairy Free Pancakes Reciepe.................32 We are What we Eat....Think About It!....................................34 Parental & Family Resources............................38-46 Common Sense.....................................................................40

United Front: Lobbying for our Kids.......................................44 Birthday Party Blues..............................................................45

Recreational Resources....................................47-54 Morgan’s Wonderland FEATURE ARTICLE..........................48-49

Eight Reasons for Summer Camp..............................52 & 54 Summer Camp Guide.......................................................53

Therapeutic Resources.....................................55-74 Autism & Insurance...............................................................56

Bonus Ariticle.....................................................168

INDEX

™




DISCOVER Hope


FREEVol.2 No.1

SPRING/SUMMER Name: Libby DavisAge: 7Diagnosis: DyslexiaHome Town: McKinney TX Photo provided by:

See there ad on Pg. 39

2 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Your Partners www.ConnectionsKids.com

Your

Par

tner

s

Their Passion, Commitment &

Your Resource Partners

Keller

In Home H-BOT

www.ConnectionsKids.com Your Partners Connections • Issue 4-2010 �

Your Partners

Love Brought You This Issue


Frisco

Chiropractic & Natural Medicine ClinicDr. David Rosenthal

Your

Par

tner

s

Their Passion, Commitment & 4 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Your Partners www.ConnectionsKids.com

Angels of care


Thanks!

Your Partners

Love Brought You This Issuewww.ConnectionsKids.com Your Partners Connections • Issue 4-2010 �


THANKS!We would like to thank our Print Sponsors for Issue #4

Speech TX Michael McLane PsyViva Pediatric Autism Speaks Hope Center for Autism

Your

Par

tner

s

Their Passion, Commitment &

Your New Resource Partners

� Connections • Issue 4-2010 Your Partners www.ConnectionsKids.com

Mustard SeedsMustard Seeds

Faith based comprehensive therapy

for children with Autism or PDD

Crystal Dyess-Carroll, M.Ed.

Law Office of Stephen E. Dubner

Thanks!

Your Partners

Love Brought You This Issue

Your New Resource Partners

Charles “Mike” Rios MD

Developmental PediatricsCo�ser�i�� all �a�e�s o� Di�ersi��

Berry Family Services Over 40 years combined experience.

to

Visit our 9 Dallas area locations!

Sprouts is a proud supporter of autism speaks.

www.ConnectionsKids.com Your Partners Connections • Issue 4-2010 �

When the health of your child is compromised, and all of the options seem overwhelming, turn to Maxim Healthcare Services. Your child will get the necessary assistance at home to have a fulfilling and happy childhood.

Our caregivers have extensive pediatric experience and deliver personalized care with a compassionate touch. Whether your child needs basic nursing assistance or high-tech therapy, Maxim can fit your needs. We not only preserve quality of life, we preserve childhood.

Contact us today to learn more.Dallas (214) 370-3385Ft. Worth (817) 877-0904Grapevine (817) 421-9147McKinney (972) 542-7176Tyler (903) 581-8881

Why Choose Maxim?Skilled Private Duty NursingHighly Qualified RNs & LVNsFlexible Payment OptionsAcceptance of Private Pay & Most Major Insurances State Medicaid Programs

w w w . m a x i m h o m e c a r e . c o m

The Perfect Fit...for Your Child’s Homecare Needs

Your

Sto

ry

� Connections • Issue 4-2010 Your Story www.ConnectionsKids.com

Our Story is Your Story…..

This journey began for our family five and a half years ago. I can remember the smell of the doctor’s office, the sounds of a baby screaming in the exam room next to us and the sick feeling in my stomach as the

doctor handed us a simple piece of paper that had been hurriedly copied by one of the nurse staff and was off center and blurry, but the word at the top was impossible to mistake as it was the diagnosis that we had feared . . . AUTISM. My eyes filled with tears as the doctor walked toward the door and it clicked shut with an enormous finality. I clutched the paper as if it were my only possession on this planet and began to read the sterile and tormenting prognosis for my little girl. The words stung my soul like poisonous darts bringing despair and waves of emotion that is difficult to put into words. Was this it? Was this piece of paper the best our doctor could do for us? I knew at that moment that at some point in my life time that I would do something to change this outcome. At the point of diagnosis or recognition of a delay, families should be given something tangible, something besides a cheap piece of paper filled with worst case scenarios and grim statistics, something useful, something practical, and maybe a little inspirational…that something is what you are holding in your hands right now…Connections Issue #4.

Ashlyn Age 9, AUTISM

Photos provided by:

Bella Mia Portraits

See there ad on Pg. 39

Our Thanks to Grisholm Farms for lending us the location!

Book StoreFeature Products from Local Moms here in DFW!

· Books

· RES-Q Wedge

· Swing Set Mama’s DVD’s & Video’s

Online Store: For Issue #4

New

Connections Resource Store!

Shop and Support!Have a product that we should sell? Contact us at [email protected]

www.ConnectionsKids.com Connections • Issue 4-2010 �

10 Connections • Issue 4-2010 www.ConnectionsKids.com

™




DISCOVER HopeEXPLORE the possibilities

FREEVol.2 No.1

SPRING/SUMMER

Become an area distributor of Connections in your area

Help us recruit your favorite resource through personal referral

Share your stories of success and challenges in your journey

Volunteer to work the Connections Booth at events in your city

Become our friend on Facebook and tell us what you think

Follow us on Twitter @ConnectionsKids

If you are not sure where to start you can f lip to the directory portion of Connections and call all of the non-highlighted listings and ask them if they would like to become a resource partner with Connections today!

Project Update

Connections Needs You!

Connections Kids executive director recently received Exceptional Parent magazine’s 2009 EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award. The award is given to organizations working on behalf of those with disabilities, that are involved in scientific research leading to early detection and appro-priate intervention therapies, and that demonstrate leadership in expanding the awareness that people with disabilities can be productive citizens in our society.Connections Kids was nominated by Nexus Special Care Planning Team. Connections executive director Lamarque R. Polvado, accepted the award on the field of Pizza Hut Park home of FC Dallas soccer team, on Disability Awareness Night.

CONNECTIONS

PROJECTHONOREDWITH NATIONAL

AWARDFROM EP MAGAZINE!

Our Mission is the Success of Your Mission

We exist to recognize all children with special needs and to celebrate their uniqueness. Our mission is to assist their dedicated parents to

find, discover, and explore the world of resources that exist to better their child’s quality of life.

We help parents and families….. FIND Quality Resource Providers DISCOVER Hope EXPLORE the Possibilities

www.ConnectionsKids.com Your Mission Connections • Issue 4-2010 11

Your Mission

SIGN

UP N

OW!

Step

1. Visit

Our

Website

Step

2. Cli

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FREE

Member

ship

Step

3. Ente

r You

r Info

rmati

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4. Re

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FREE

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coup

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dates.

www.Connectionskids.com

• Listing on Pg. 86

Excitement is in the air here at the Connections Project headquarters in Keller, Texas. After a very challenging and rewarding year and a half of trying to prove that resource providers can and will support free information to children and families with special needs here in Dallas / Fort Worth, the time has come for us to look

toward the future. If you are wondering what we see, let me help you catch the vision. If providing free information for a year and a half can help thousands of parents and caregivers, we wonder what it would feel like to do the same for hundreds of thousands. That’s right we are preparing to take the Connections project nationwide and not only that we have begun a plan to take free information to the world! I know that this sounds totally crazy and I think that for the most part it may be, but the time has come for empowerment in our communities, where parents are equipped with armor of free information and the artillery of choice. Connections believes as many have and still do that parents are the best advocates for their children, however for far too long it would seem that they have been the only ones as well. We can envision a day in the not too distant future, where there will be an army of advocates marching to the beat of a unified drum, chanting the same mantra, the ranks of which will include teachers, therapists, principlas, legislators, governors, ministers, alongside parents and caregivers. This army is not just hoping for a better world….they will build it. Until then keep the faith and support coming!

Project Update

12 Connections • Issue 4-2010 www.ConnectionsKids.com


Advocates

Specialized Schools

Tutoring


14 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Educational Resources www.ConnectionsKids.com

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Call Us Today!Space is Strictly Limited

(972) 248-9482 brainbalancecenters.com

Now Open In PlanoIf you are the parent of a child who has been labeled with a developmental or learning disability, including ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, PDD, Dyslexia, Learning Disorder, Auditory Processing disorder, or OCD, you are invited to attend a free Brain Balance information session that fully explains our integrated

approach to correcting these disorders.


www.ConnectionsKids.com Educational Resources Connections • Issue 4-2010 15


It’s true… we don’t give shots at Johnson Neuropsychology. But we do specialize in how the brain affects emotions, learning, and behavior. We provide comprehensive and individualized

evaluations to diagnose children and adults from ages 3 years and up. Traditional psychotherapy as well as innovative, non-drug treatment options are available for various

degrees of developmental, psychological, and neuropsychological dysfunction.

ADD/ADHD • Autism • Asperger’s • Learning Problems • Behavior ProblemsMemory Problems • Processing Disorders • Parenting Issues

Anxiety or Depression • Social Problems

Call 469-549-4200 to schedule an appointment or a free consultation.Visit us online to learn more about our services at www.johnsonneuro.com.

Umm…Let’s just say Stephanie was relieved to hear we’re not the kind of doctors that give shots.

www.johnsonneuro.com

• Listing on Pg. 78 & 101


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aymanLearning Center

4225 W. Parker Rd.Plano, TX 75093E-mail: [email protected]/Fax: 972-212-6504

“Guilding children with special needs along the path ot greater independence...”

Wayman Learning Center o�ers comprehensive services, across settings, to address the behavioral needs of children with autism, developmental delays and other disabilities by implementing procedures derived from the �eld of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in order to decrease problem behaviors, including but not limited to tantrums, aggression, self-injurious behaviors, and increase skills in areas of de�cit, especially language, communication and social skills.

With a knowledgeable and experienced sta�, Wayman Learning Center values the progress of the children it serves and strives to provide services of the highest quality. In doing so, Wayman Learning Center has garnered a reputation over the years as a leader locally, statewide and even nationwide in providing quality ABA services to children with special needs.

Please feel free to contact us for a no-obligation tour, including a meeting with the Director.

Tweets! • Follow us today @connectionskids• Follow our executive director @lpolvado




Your son or daughter may be struggling in school….and wondering why. Determiningthe best approach to overcome learning problems should begin with the right tests. Content-oriented testing in school is not enough. Students often struggle

due to underlying, undiscovered skill weakness. Many children, teens, and adults struggle to process information and make sense of incoming data, erroneously attributed to lack of motivation or proper instruction. In fact, the more common cause is a weak underlying cognitive skill.

Proper testing pinpoints sub-par skills related to poor performance and allows you to target training to overcome weakness. Why invest in this test? If your child shows struggles, why not schedule this test? One call will likely take the guesswork out of your child’s learning struggles. The hidden truth could be one phone call away.

Call Today to Schedule a Cognitive Skills Assessment!!LearningRx Frisco LearningRx Keller3550 Parkwood Blvd., Suite 304 423 Keller Parkway, Suite AFrisco, TX 75034 Keller, TX 76248(972) 432-6544 (817) 562-5558


Your Kid On Our Cover!

Contest Rules: Must submit by August 31 Email photo’s to [email protected] At time of submission submit; Name of child, Age, and diagnosis

Winner gets: To be on the Cover of Connections Professional Photo Shoot Free Photo Package a “$300 Value”

Joshua HamrickAge 6Diagnosis: Angelman Syndrome

Connections would like to congratulate our second winner of “Your Kid On Our Cover” Contest. We would like to thank the many of you who submitted your super cute kids for this contest. Due to the overwhelming respose we actually had to upgrade our server because you crashed it several times a week sending us all of those photos.

Enter Now to be Our Next Winner:

Congratulations to Our Winner!



GLA also provides its’ students the opportunity to develop:• An appreciation for their own uniqueness

• Self-confidence and self-worth via successful learning experiences, social skills lessons and positive reinforcement.

• Coping skills to assist them in becoming effective students.

• A sense of accountability and responsibility for their own academic experience.

GREAT LAKES ACADEMY6000 Custer Road, Building 7, Plano, Texas 75023

972-517-7498 ext. 103 www.greatlakesacademy.com

For children with various Learning Differences, Asperger’s Syndrome and orAD/HD, Great Lakes Academy, an accredited, non-profit, K-12 private

school, offers its’ students a positive school experience.

Utilizing small class sizes, multi-sensory teaching methods and a well trained and caring faulty, Great Lakes Academy is an excellent alternative school choice!

WhereIndividuality and Differences

are Celebrated!



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Bridge Builder Academy

www.bridgebuilderacademy.com

Helping Kids Build Bridges to Success!

520 Central Parkway East Suite 101 | Plano TX 75074

972-516-8844F: 972-516-8822

We are a Pre-K through 12th grade private school, based on a very specific

philosophy of individualized education in which every student is taught one on

one by a personal state certified teacher at their own level.

www.featnt.org Call. (817) 849-1122

Families for Effective Autism Treatment – North Texas (FEAT-NT) is a non-profit organization of parents and concerned professionals dedicated to providing Education, Advocacy, and Supportfor children with autism and their families.

FEAT-NT provides:

Parent MentoringSupport Group MeetingsOngoing Educational Workshops Free Lending Library with Over 400 Autism MaterialsFamily Fun Days





Learning DifferencesMood Disorders

ADD/ADHDAnxiety Disorders/ODD

Autistic SpectrumPreK-12

Addressing Social, Emotional And Learning DifferencesOne Student At A Time

972.404.1616 [email protected]

Facebook Become Our Fan Today!


Specialists

Medical Supplies

Medical Resources

Hospitals

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Medical Resources

www.ConnectionsKids.com Medical Resources Connections • Issue 4-2010 23

• Listing on Pg. 104 & 99

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24 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Medical Resources www.ConnectionsKids.com

Personalized pediatric therapy as unique as your child.If you have questions about your child’s development, Our Children’s House at Baylor can help. Whether your child has a mild delay or serious ongoing therapy needs resulting from injury, illness, or developmental delay, our pediatric specialists have the expertise you need. We offer a comprehensive range of services, but we tailor a treatment program just for your child.

Thousands have trusted their children to our care. You can too.Physical TherapyOccupational TherapySpeech-language Therapy Specialty services* include Feeding Clinic, Orthotics Clinic, NICU Follow up Clinic, Sleep Lab, Sensory Integration Therapy, Developmental Evaluations, Swallow Studies (not all services are available at each location)

For a physician referral or for more information on Our Children’s House at Baylor, call 1.800.4BAYLOR (422-9567) or visit us online at BaylorHealth.com/OurChildrensHouse.

ALLEN DALLAS FRISCO GRAPEVINE LAS COLINAS PLANO ROCKWALL WAXAHACHIE

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Our Children’s House at Baylor, or Baylor Health Care System. Photographs may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2010 Baylor Health Care System OCHBAY_38 CE 4.10

NOW OPEN IN LAS COLINASMed

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T r e at R e s e a rc h E d u c at e E l e vat e

817-405-0292 • 877-606-7601 w w w . k o t s a n i s i n s t i t u t e . c o m

AllergiesAutism

Seizures

Speech Delay

LearningADD/ADHD

Digestive and Behavior Problems

Celebrating

25YRS



Medical Resources


Angels of care

Serving all of Texas!Toll Free 866.856.5923

www.AngelsOfCare.com

“Special Care for Your Special Child”Services Offered:

Private Duty Nursing • Skilled Nursing • Therapy (PT, OT, ST, RT) • Medical Equipment & Supplies • Attendant Care • Medication Delivery Service • Case Management

Angels of Care is a Provider for: CCP • MDCP • CBA • CDS • PCS • CHSCN • CPW • Superior • Medicaid

Private Insurance • Private Pay

Pediatric Home Health

• Listings on Pg. 104/94/93

the search for answers

Peeling an onion can be tedious, frustrating, and at times painful if the juice gets in your eyes or a cut on your hand. My experience over the last nine years searching for answers is not much different. Yes there are those who believe that I should be content with the diagnosis that was handed down from the first medical professional that took the time to evaluate the issues.

The First Layer: Autism> This first layer proved to be more a kind of general heading. The diagnosis was Autism. It is not that I felt this diagnosis was incorrect, my daughter is definitely on the spectrum, but Autism seemed too general. According to Wikipedia, “Autism is a disorder of neural development charac-terized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior.” Upon further study I began to believe that Autism as a diagnosis is mostly a collection of distinct neurological symptoms for which no one knows the cause.

The Second Layer: SPD> completely unsatisfied with the general diagnosis I began to peel back the sec-ond layer which would be slightly more helpful pointing my efforts in the right direction. Having studied Autism for several months only to realize that collectively we know almost nothing about it, I switched to studying my daughter. I made the observation that she was unbelievably sensitive to sound something called hyperacusis. I also noted that she seemed under sensisitve to touch and taste and craved swinging, spinning, and basically any form of motion she could self-deploy. Was this Autism too? Back to the medical profession I went with my book of observations in hand only to learn that these symptoms were something entirely different called Sensory Processing Disorder. This diagnosis gave me only temporary reprieve from my curiosity and search for answers. For the record Wikipedia says, “Sensory processing disorder or SPD is a neurological disorder causing difficulties with processing information from the five senses (vision, auditory, touch, olfaction, and taste), the sense of movement (vestibular system), and/or the positional sense (proprioception).” continued on pg 29

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Charles “Mike” Rios MD1422 West Main St. Suite 206 | Lewisville TX 75067

P: 972-786-6665 or 972-436-3500

www.developmentalpediatricstexas.comE-mail: [email protected]

Developmental PediatricsConserving all facets of Diversity


The Third Layer: Food Allergies> The third layer began to really make me wonder just how deep I needed to go to uncover the layers of diagnosis that were separate and distinct, but presenting simultaneously alongside Autism. I now know that these conditions are called co-morbidities according to Wikipedia this word means, “The presence of one or more disorders (or diseases) in addition to a primary disease or disorder.” The more I observed the more symptoms I began to recognize that seemed separate and distinct. The most prevalent at this time was the dark circles under her eyes that seemed to never go away. I called it her heroin sheik look. About that same time I remember getting school pictures out of her back pack and I was shocked at how sick she appeared in the pictures. I ran upstairs and put the picture side by side with last years and all the proof I needed was right in front of my face. There was another diagnosis. This time it was harder to find a medical professional who would listen to my concerns without talking to me about denial, grief, and desperation. The obvious insinuation was that I was a loon, in their mind it was simple, Ashlyn had Autism. They believed that a pursuit of any other diagnosis was a futile attempt to make me feel better. Finally we found a doctor who would listen and he said we should take a stool and urine sample to send off for comprehensive testing. We took his advice collected the samples and sent them off. When the results came back, I could not believe my eyes…..Food Allergies. My daughter was allergic to almost everything we were feeding her. How could my daughter be so sick?

Layers 4, 5, & 6: The Future> Since then we have uncovered three more diagnosis that with treatment have made incremental improvements in my daughters overall condition. I guess the message is that regardless of your main diagnosis there can be many more that will go undiscovered without parental diligence to find answers to every question. I speak to hundreds of parents every month and I encourage them to keep searching for answers to follow that protective instinct that only parents and caregivers have.Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!™Biomedical Therapies to Recover Autistic Individuals

Medical Resources


•BIOMEDICAL APPROACH

•NUTRITION

•CHIROPRACTIC

www.mychildwellness.com

•NATURAL MEDICINE•CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY•DETOXIFICATION•DEFEAT AUTISM NOW! PRACTITIONER

4801 Frankford Road Ste 200

Dallas TX 75287

Phone: 972-930-0260

Dr. Amber BrooksBoard Certified Pediatric Chiropractor

• Listing on Pg. 97/106

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Your Child’s Health is Our Passion! Healthy Kids Pediatrics is an integrative, holistic pediatric practice,utilizing alternative and traditional approaches

to medical care.Your Child’s Health is Our Passion! Board Certified in Pediatrics | Health Care for Infants, Children and Adolescents Holistic Approach to Health | Special Interest in Autism and Asthma Extensive Counseling and

Evaluation for ADHD and Nutrition

4851 Legacy Dr, Suite 301Frisco, TX 75034

Phone: (972) 294-0808Fax: (972) 294-0809



Medical Resources


When the health of your child is compromised, and all of the options seem overwhelming, turn to Maxim Healthcare Services. Your child will get the necessary assistance at home to have a fulfilling and happy childhood.

Our caregivers have extensive pediatric experience and deliver personalized care with a compassionate touch. Whether your child needs basic nursing assistance or high-tech therapy, Maxim can fit your needs. We not only preserve quality of life, we preserve childhood.

Contact us today to learn more.Dallas (214) 370-3385Ft. Worth (817) 877-0904Grapevine (817) 421-9147McKinney (972) 542-7176Tyler (903) 581-8881

Why Choose Maxim?Skilled Private Duty NursingHighly Qualified RNs & LVNsFlexible Payment OptionsAcceptance of Private Pay & Most Major Insurances State Medicaid Programs

w w w . m a x i m h o m e c a r e . c o m

The Perfect Fit...for Your Child’s Homecare Needs


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Metrocare Services provides a comprehensive array of services & support for children from birth to age 18 who are living in Dallas County. 1-877-283-2121

The center also serves as the front door for eligibility and determination screenings for state funded services for developmental disabilities. (See our ad on page 74)

Call Metrocare Services Eligibility Determination Unit at (214) 333-7000


Medical Resources


T r e at R e s e a rc h E d u c at e E l e vat e817-405-0292 • 877-606-7601

w w w . k o t s a n i s i n s t i t u t e . c o m

Autism

Does Your Child Have Autistic Tendencies?

aCover their ears to the sounds of a vacuum, hair dryer or garage door opener?

aHave trouble with verbal communication and language?aSpace out and often appear to be “somewhere else?”aCompulsively repeat words or phrases?aLine up toys instead of playing with them?aLike To Spin?aFlap Their Hands Like a Bird?aWalk On Their Toes?

Celebrating

25YRS

Aetna’s CHIP If you’re worried about how to pay for medical care if your child gets hurt, the CHIP plans offered by Aetna Better Health are here to help.

For more information Please call 1-877-751-9551 or visit www.aetnamedicaid.com

To apply for CHIP Call 1-800-647-6558

©2010 Aetna Inc.TX-10-03-07 (3/10)



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In Home H-BOT is dedicated to providing quality mild hyperbaric treatment in your home.

Fact: With a portable hyperbaric chamber in your home your child will get double or triple the number of treatments you might be able to schedule at your doctor’s office.

RESPIRO AA27” tall and 7’ 5” long, 190 cubic feet Includes chamber, inner frame, mattress, bolster pillows to stabilize chamber, compressor and all hoses and attachments.

Rental Savings: $4,200 60 doctor’s treatments at $100 per treatment in 5 months costs $6,000.60 home treatments which can be done in 1 month for only $2,195.

Rent Now!$1,800/Month Normally $2,195includes free delivery, setup, & oxygen concentrator817-400-2762

**Portable H-BOT Chambers Require a Prescription For Rental**

Oxyhealth chambers are the originals-- used and trusted by more DAN doctor’s worldwide than any other.

[email protected] www.inhomehbot.com

3/4 cup brown rice flour1/2 cup tapioca starch1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder2 teaspoon sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla1 egg1 cup Coconut Milk 1 tablespoon canola Oil

Mix All ingredients. pour 2-3 tablespoons into hot skillet cooking 1-2 minutes on each side. Serve with ghee and maple syrup!

Recipe for Gluten Free Dairy Free Soy Free pancakes


Health Food Stores

Cookware Organic Co-ops

Nutritional Resources

Nutritional l Resources

I am a doubter! A seething skeptic and quite frankly, I was wrong. I don’t know about you but I love food. All kinds of food, the kind that is good for you and the kind that can send you to an early demise. I am not sure if it was my upbringing or just a personal preference, but food seemed like a

must have regardless of the activity. It didn’t matter if it was after church, family reunion, the super bowl, or after a little league game, it wasn’t a party till the food arrived. With that said you can imagine my hesitation when I first heard about dietary interventions that could benefit both a child’s development and behavior. The benefits sounded great, but the change not so much. I know that thought process is really selfish, but I loved my food and my life and change meant…well change, limitations, restrictions. Do you see my point? So Like any good husband I deployed a series of stall tactics. Honey I am not sure about that diet stuff. You know I am going to look into that statistic this week.

The bad thing about stall tactics is that eventually you have to own up to fact that you have in fact been stalling, and begin to consider the subject matter on a semi-serious level. So I read a book that was recommended to me by a friend who is a subject matter expert of sorts. The book was called the China Study written by Dr. T. Colin Campbell. The book is hailed as the most significant study on human health that has been done. I will never forget reading the statement that simply said, “The science is clear. The results are unmistakable.” Armed with a new perspective I began to consider just how important food was to the way I felt, how long I lived, and what illnesses I might have to contend with between now and day I kick the bucket.

A few days later I agreed to my first official dietary intervention, although I must admit that the deciding factor was my wife who believed that I was moving too slowly and the potential benefit for our daughter far outweighed my selfish procrastination. As the saying goes, old habits are hard to break! The first few weeks felt like torture, but I began to see a familiar behavior that my daughter was now displaying…withdraw. My twenties were spent in urban areas helping people with many issues, addiction was one of them. I could not believe the mood swings, rummaging, and general chaos in our house. Needless to say it was no fun, but I knew that good things would come after the withdraws were over, and they did.

Overtime I realized how pointless it was for me to resist what makes such perfect sense. We are what we eat. If we eat good things we feel good. It is impossible to refute study after study that says diet matters to development, happiness, and long life. Nutrition is important for all of us, but especially for our kids with special needs……Think About It!

We are What we Eat!….Think about it

34 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Nutritional Resources www.ConnectionsKids.com

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www.ConnectionsKids.com Nutritional Resources Connections • Issue 4-2010 35


Highly trained experts, called “Foodies,” don green-striped aprons and assist customers with solutions on topics such

as key recipe ingredients or children with special diet needs. Foodies are trained to know every product in the store and

to be on hand just to help.

5750 E. LovErs LanE 320 coit road4651 wEst frEEway 1425 fm 1709



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Shop and Support!

Book StoreFeature Products from Local Moms here in DFW!• Books • RES-Q Wedge• Swing Set Mama’s DVD’s & Video’s




Visit our 9 Dallas area locations!

Sprouts is a proud supporter of autism speaks.


817-405-0292 • 877-606-7601 w w w . k o t s a n i s i n s t i t u t e . c o m

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www.ConnectionsKids.com Parental/Family Resources Connections • Issue 4-2010 39


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40 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Parental/Family Resources www.ConnectionsKids.com

1422 W. Main Street, Suite 205

Lewisville, TX 75067

469-549-4200www.johnsonneuro.com

Marriage & Family Counselling

1) It takes a big dog to weigh a ____________ 2) If a bear had big enough wings he could____________ 3) If you play with fire….you are going to get ____________ 4) Failing to plan for the future is planning to____________ (answers at bottom of page)

Chances are that you probably know the answers to at least a couple of the questions in the quiz above, but how much common sense applies to your life plan for your

child’s success as an adult with special needs. Enemy number one is procrastination. Not having a plan is no plan at all. It’s time to schedule a free consultation with a certified financial planner right now! No one really enjoys anyone else asking tough questions about finances, but most people leave empowered and feeling in control. You might just be surprised. MONEY! The second reason most people avoid planning. Most of us don’t have a lot of spare cash sitting around to invest so why bother? The truth is that there are some really creative ways to fund a special needs trust, but the catch is it is impossible to fund a trust if you don’t have one. Finally the most important common sense question should be if you don’t ensure a solid life plan for your child who is going to make the decisions about your child’s welfare when you are gone? If that does not motivate you, what will? How is that for common sense?

ANSWERS: 1) Ton 2) Fly 3) Burned 4) Fail

Common $ense Quiz Fill in the blank

Common $ense Quiz




The Duran Firm, PLLC Micheal A. Duran

Fixed-fee Guardianships,Willis, and Special Needs Trusts Attorney

214.227.64003102 Maple Ave., Ste. 625

Dallas, Texas 75201www.duranfirm.com



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3000 S. Stemmons Freeway | Lake Dallas, Texas 75065Phone: 940-321-0265 Metro | Fax: 940-497-0884

www.denton-law.com

Guardianship Law Collaborative Family Law A Commitment to Work It Out

Protecting Vulnerable Family Members

Whatever Your Legal Problem, We are confident We can help you find the answers

Berry Family Services4702 Rowlett RoadRowlett, TX 75088P: 972-412-4707 F: 972-202-0314 E-mail: [email protected]

Our Mission: “To provide persons with disabilities the necessary support to increase independence, dignity, personal growth, and inclusion in the community.”

Berry Family Services Over 40 years combined experience.

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Providing families / guardians who have children with disabilities FREE advice on support services that are in the area. Advocating for children with disabilities is my passion. I am offering FREE advice on transitioning from early intervention to adulthood as well as providing innovative strategies that will support the needs of children with disabilities.

“Every Child Deserves a

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Transitioning & Advocating For the Future

Disability Support and TransitionCrystal Dyess-Carroll, M.Ed.940-768-8001 or [email protected]


Search For: Connections + Special + Needs



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United Front: Lobbying for OurKids

Remember the Alamo? The Battle of the Alamo took place on February 23 – March 6, 1836. While the true history of what took place at the battle is still debated today the battle itself was a pivotal

event in the Texas Revolution. In fact the phrase, “Remember the Alamo” was used to recruit many soldiers and was a continuing source of inspiration throughout the conflict. The reason I bring this up is that I believe that each of us as advocates need to find the strength to unite, advocate, and even fight when it comes to the well being of our children with special needs.

The 81st Texas legislative session was my first rodeo in the political world and a rude awakening to the way many things actually operate. The only reason that I went was because just before the session started I was on a talk radio show as a guest discussing insurance reform for children with Autism. The host of the show challenged me at the end of the show to testify on the subject before the appropriate committees of the Texas House and Senate. To be honest I was a little embarrassed that I had never been involved in the process before and I wondered if I could really make a difference. I decided that if I was going to advocate at the local level that I was duty bound to participate on the state level. I ended up spending three months off and on in Austin meeting with legislators, other advocates, advocacy groups, parents, and vast kaleidoscope of human-ity. The whole experience was enriching and at times infuriating.

As I am writing this article I am already looking forward to the 82nd Texas Legislative Session, Jan 11, 2011 to May 30, 2011, and I want to invite you to join the conversation! Last year we started a blog called www.giveourkidsavoice.blogspot.com and sadly we have not kept it current as our attention has shifted to facebook, but as we focus on 2011 it is time for all of us to get ready, organize, and begin conversations about what we can accomplish together for our kids. I invite you to engage in conversation with us on Facebook, our blog, and website this next year. In addition I hope to see you in person at the Capital building in 2011 and let your voice be heard!


New

Have a product that we should sell? Contact us at [email protected]


Shop and Support!

Book StoreFeature Products from Local Moms here in DFW!• Books • RES-Q Wedge• Swing Set Mama’s DVD’s & Video’s

Birthday Party Blues?Have you ever wished for the perfect adaptive birthday party? Wouldn’t it be incredible if there were a turnkey solution that was low stress, affordable, and facilitated by a qualified person with tons of experience working with children who have special needs?

As you might have guessed the reason we are asking these questions is that we have a new resource partner who does just that! Kathy Kelchner is the

proud owner of Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop and it just so happens that she has

spent most of her life loving, educating, and advocating for children with special needs. Here is the best part about her resource….she comes to you! I know, it sounds too good to be true? Let’s just say that you might want to call Kathy right now and reserve your party today! (See ad below)




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Questions About The Future?Let us help you find the ANSWERSGuardianship LawCollaborative Family LawProbate Law

Our commitment to youPersonal AttentionProfessional Representation

Law Office of Stephen E. Dubner

3000 S. Stemmons Freeway | Lake Dallas, TX 75065 Phone: 940-239-7568 | [email protected] www.dubnerlaw.com

Faith P. TennysonProfessional Organizer Phone: (817) 349-3799Cell: (817) 999-0481

E-mail: [email protected] www.thequeenofdeclutter.com

We all have to do our Part…

Love Our PlanetPlease Recycle Issue #3




Art Classes

Cooking Classes

Support Groups


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48 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Recreational Resources www.ConnectionsKids.com

April 20, 2010Unique Morgan’s Wonderland Park Welcoming Special-Needs Guests

SAN ANTONIO – The fun has begun at Morgan’s Wonderland, the world’s first ultra-accessible family fun park specifically designed with special-needs individuals in mind.

The unique and colorful 25-acre park is open as follows until May 28: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Summer hours of operation will be extended.

Admission for special-needs guests is free; admission for accompanying family members and friends is $5 per person. For parties that do not have those with special needs in their group, general admission is $15 per person.

“Morgan’s Wonderland is a special place where any-one can have fun,” said philanthropist Gordon Hartman, president and CEO of the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, “but it was created with special-needs individuals in mind. We’ve taken an abandoned rock quarry in Northeast San Antonio and transformed it into an outdoor recreation oasis for those who suffer from cognitive and physical challenges.

“Unfortunately, countless children and adults with special needs do not have access to facilities that can

help them fully enjoy outdoor recreation. We truly hope Morgan’s Wonderland will begin to change that.”

The inspiration for the park came from Hartman’s 16-year-old daughter Morgan. Her soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within Hartman a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers and invited friends. “Inclusion is the overarching objective for Morgan’s Wonderland,” he explained. “Our vision is to play an instrumental role in helping establish more ultra-accessible family fun parks throughout the nation.”

Morgan’s Wonderland, which is completely wheelchair-accessible, features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, an eight-acre fishing lake, 18,000-square-foot special-events center, 575-seat amphitheater, picnic area and rest areas throughout the park.


www.ConnectionsKids.com Recreational Resources Connections • Issue 4-2010 49

Signature elements include rides that can accommodate wheelchair-bound guests; the Sensory Village™, a cluster of themed spaces such as an auto fix-it shop, grocery store and TV station that offer sensory stimulation through colors, lights, sounds and textures; and the Sand Circle™ play area, where even kids in wheelchairs can scoop up sand and be part of the fun.

In contrast, the nearby Garden Sanctuary offers a quiet retreat in the heart of the park, and its semicircular Memorial Wall will be engraved with names of loved ones with special needs who have passed away.

Other park features include Braille signage, a 3-D park model, 18 ADA-compliant restrooms, a first-aid station, vending machines and seven acres of free parking. The special- events center as well as pavilions and picnic areas can be reserved for birthday parties, family gatherings, fundraisers and other special events.

Morgan’s Wonderland guests are required to pre-register and make a reservation online or by phone before arriving at the park, said Dave Force, general manager. The purpose is to prevent overcrowding and to ensure adequate numbers of staff members and volunteers are on hand to accommodate guests’ needs.

“As our guests arrive, they’re assigned special RFID (radio frequency identification) wristbands,” he added. “Location station monitors are situated throughout the park. By simply scanning his or her wristband, a member of a group can quickly locate others in the group if they become separated. The wristbands not only provide comfort and security against a child getting lost, but they also help guard against the possibility of a child leaving with a stranger or leaving the park alone.”

In 2007, the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation was instrumental in the creation of SOAR (Sports Outdoor And Recreation), a non-profit organization to raise funds for building Morgan’s Wonderland. Construction on the $32 million park began in spring 2009.

Morgan’s Wonderland is part of a larger 106-acre sports venue to encourage inclusive recreation whereby individuals of all abilities can play side-by-side. The nearby STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex offers 14 lighted soccer fields for tournaments, instructional clinics and special events. Proceeds from STAR go to support the operation and maintenance of Morgan’s Wonderland.

Morgan’s Wonderland is located in Northeast San Antonio just off IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive. For more information, visit www.MorgansWonderland.com, or call either (210) 495-5888 or toll-free (877) 495-5888.

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Love Field Airport - North Concourse8008 Cedar Springs Rd.,LB24 • Dallas, TX 75235 • Main: 214-351-3353

Toll Free: 1-877-FLY-KIDS • Fax: 214-351-6002

www.challengeair.com

Challenge Air for Kids and Friends,

a not-for-profit organization, offers motivational,

inspirational and life-changing experiences to physically

challenged children and youth through aviation.

The human spirit prevails over any physical or

mental obstacle.After a day with

Challenge Air, no height seems unreachable…all it takes is desireand truly, the sky is

the limit!- Rick Amber

“Rick Amber

June 17, 1944 - May 3, 1997

“ • Listing on Pg. 136



“Because every child deserves the chance to play.”

The Miracle League of Frisco is a sports league for special-needs children, ages 5-18, from throughout North Texas. We offer baseball, soccer, bowling

and other opportunities to children with all levels of disabilities.

Visit our website at www.FriscoMiracleLeague.org or call 214-296-2017/toll-free 877-683-6085

Nobody’s good in everything. Advantages and disadvantages come in many forms.

The difference between those who fail and those who succeed is largely perseverance. Never quit.

Charles Schwab


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8 Reasons Children with Learning Differences Should Attend Summer CampIt is Fun: Camp is fun, lots of fun. Children will go home with hours of stories to tell their friends about how cool camp is. For most kids, it is something they look forward to all year.

Exercise: Children need exercise, especially kids with ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s and other learning differ-ences. Physical activity builds muscles, burns fat and calories and should be part of a child’s everyday routine. At summer camp, children get plenty of exercise! Studies have also shown that exercise releases endorphins in the brain, these same endorphins help regulate mood and behavior, something that is essential for children with learning differences.

Social Skills: Camp is social. Children will have ample opportunities to socialize with other kids who “know where they are coming from”. Further, they will be given guidance on how to socialize in appropriate ways by staff who are trained to look for opportunities to teach social skills and life lessons. Unfortunately, many children with learning differences can’t attend (or are not invited to) events like sleepovers or church lock-ins. Summer Camp is a safe and supervised way for kids with special needs learn how to interact at social events where their parents might not be present.

New Friends: Every summer across America, life-long friends are made at camp. Camps for children with learning differences are no different. By focusing on developing social skills and encouraging positive interac-tion amongst campers, special needs camps give children with learning differences the opportunity to be a “cool kid” and make many friends.

New Talents: Camp is a chance for kids to learn new skills that they might not have the opportunity to learn at home or at school. Camping, fishing, archery, canoeing, horseback riding, and more are all taught at summer camp. Kids need the opportunity to try new things and discover new talents in a safe environment with lots of encouragement.

Confidence: Discovering new skills and talents lead to confidence. All children, but especially those children with learning differences benefit from increase self-esteem. At the end of camp, don’t be surprised to hear your child say such things as “look what I made”, “I shot a bull’s-eye”, or “I made it the entire week on my own!”

(Continued on pg. 54)




Summer Camps: Adventure Waits!Yes, summer is on its way yet again which leaves many of us saying what in the heck are my kids going to do all summer? Maybe a better question would be; how are we (the Parents) going to stay sane this summer? Well here are some great places that may be a huge help keeping your kids busy and you sane.

For more information check out go to page 142-144 or better yet go to the camps website and start exploring the options!

Camp Website

ARC of Dallas Summer Adventure Camp www.arcdallas.org

ARC Day Camp Plano and McKinney www.arcdallas.org

ARC of Denton County Sibling Camp www.arcofdentoncounty.org

Camp Broncho - Asthma Email: [email protected]

Camp Friendship Email: [email protected]

Camp Peace Email: [email protected]

Camp Summit www.campsummittx.org

Charis Hills Camp www.charishills.org

Down Home Ranch www.downhomeranch.org/camps

Focus on the Future Adventure Special Ed Summer Camp www.focussped.com/ SummerCamp.html

Friend to Friend Social Camp [email protected] 18

FUMCR Richardson GEMS Special Needs www.fumcr.com/ pages/childrenspecialneeds

FUNTASTICS Camp www.cityofcarrollton.com

North Texas Conductive Education Camp www.ntxce.org

Plano Parks and Recreation Department Therapeutic Program Email: [email protected]

Riverside Church of Christ Texoma Youth Camp Email: [email protected]

SEEK Camp – Coppell Email: [email protected]

SEEK Camp - Dallas www.fumcdal.org

Special Summer Friends www.pptasage.com/ SummerFriends.htm

Texas Lions Camp www.lionscamp.com

Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation www.texasnf.org

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Rocky Top Therapy Center 660 Keller Smithfield Road • Keller, Texas 76248

Metro 817-379-5717 • FAX 817-379-6029Email: [email protected] • www.rockytoptherapy.org

38 Yearsof Experiance

WNARHA CertifiedXInstructors[\

NARHA PremierAccredited Center

Comprehensive Rehabilitative TherapyPhysical • Emotional • Educational • Recreational

“A Parent-Child Learning Experience”

13617 Neutron Road Farmers Branch, Tx 75244 Ph: 972-239-8100 Fax: 972-239-8102www.itsasensoryworld.com

A Break: Even if you do not need a break from your kids, they might need a break from you. This might be even more so if your child has learning differences. It is healthy for a child to want some independence and it is important that they have safe opportunities to be independent.

Independence: We all know that children with learning differences can have a hard time learning independence. Summer Camps are a safe and nurturing place for kids to start learning how to take care of themselves. Personal hygiene, organization, and scheduling are just some of the skills that children will learn and practice at camp. Sometime, the “break” that is taken results in both parent and child realizing just how capable they are!

James ClelandCamp DirectorCharis Hills Camp • Listing on Pg. 136



Speech and Language

Play Therapy

Hyperbaric


Autism and Insurance: The Dawn of a New Age!

Due to the tireless efforts of parents of those on the Autism Spectrum along with countless others advocating reform, several states now mandate insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. For well over a quarter of a century, ABA treatment has provided undeniable, empirical results and data that demonstrate its effectiveness, particularly within the Autism population. Utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a teaching technology and treatment model for individuals with Autism has been validated by The U. S. Surgeon General and the New York State Department of Health. ABA is the ONLY behavioral therapy covered by insurance companies in the 15 states, including Texas, that have passed insurance legislation mandating coverage for Autism.

State legislation that requires medical insurance companies to cover Autism is very promising for many parents of those on the spectrum, but not all insurance plans are the same. There are loop holes and hoops to jump through depending on the size of the organization that funds the insurance, whether it is a pre-existing condition, and multiple other nuances. Knowledge, persistence and patience are your best weapons in fighting the battles that will result in benefits for your Child.

There are two major and important categories of insurance policies that exist in the US that account for almost all policy holders in Texas. Fully-funded policies are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance and self-funded policies by the U.S. Department of Labor. Simply stated, with a fully-funded policy, the insurance company is the entity that assumes all of the risk for a claim and then pays the claim. With a self-funded policy, the employer assumes the risk for claims and pays claims out of their own pocket. In this instance, the insurance company is only hired in order to manage the policy.

All of the Autism insurance legislation passed in Texas pertains to fully-funded policies only and requires insurance companies providing these policies to help fund ABA treatment for Children diagnosed with Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). In Texas, this coverage is mandated from the time of diagnosis until the day your Child turns ten years old and no limits are placed on the number of visits per year a Child may access therapy. Self-funded policies may offer help paying for ABA services at their own discretion, but may limit the coverage and number of visits per year.

One of the most important things to know when looking into

coverage for your Child is that insurance companies are still learning the ropes when it comes to understanding and implementing what

it is they are supposed to be covering. Many times you, the Parent, must educate the person from the insurance company on what they should be covering and why. It can be frustrating, but a little research goes a long way. Don’t ever hesitate to ask to speak with

a supervisor if the person you are dealing with doesn’t understand or know what you are talking about. Don’t give up until the battle is won!

Article Submitted by: Jim Ayers Director of Marketing Behavioral Innovations

56 Connections • Issue 4-2010 Therapeutic Resources www.ConnectionsKids.com

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www.ConnectionsKids.com Therapeutic Resources Connections • Issue 4-2010 57


Serving the Autism Community with the highest quality center and home-based ABA therapy programs in Texas!

DALLAS • FORTH WORTH • WICHITA FALLS EAST TEXAS • SAN ANTONIO

NEW CENTER IN SW FORT WORTH OPENING SUMMER 2010(469)-374-0700 • 877-750-0ABA (0222)

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SkillsForLife

This is a Work of Art



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www.autism-concepts.com© 2008 by Autism Concepts, Inc. All rights reserved. ABLLS-R, © 2006 by Behavior Analysts, Inc. Used by permission

I’mlearning to

be Mewith Autism Concepts, Inc.Local: 817.845.1629Toll free: 866.540.3687

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TALK

I’mlearningto

INTERACT

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ACI provides applied behavior analysis services for children with developmental delays and children on the autism spectrum. We utilize evidence-based interventions to teach functional language, developmental play skills, and social interaction skills. Our BCBA-D, BCBA and BCaBA staff are experts in verbal behavior analysis and developing a child’s motivation to learn.

The ABLLS -R and VB-MAPP are used to assess the emerging level of each child. ACI has developed and distributes comprehensive data systems for both The ABLLS -R and the VB-MAPP. These tools are used to individualize a comprehensive language program.

ABLLS- R and VB-MAPP assessmentsIEP developmentFunctional Behavior AssessmentsBehavior Intervention PlansPositive Behavior Support PlansIn-home ABA programs

Professional staff development Social skills groups for children 5-18Developmental play skills trainingABLLS - R Data and Task OrganizerVB-MAPP Data and Task OrganizerACI Play Protocol and PlayTubs

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One-to-one child/therapist ratioIndividualized Treament Plan (ITP) based on each child’s needs

Curriculum includes communication, behavior, and socialization based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

1353 N Westmoreland Bldg A Dallas TX 75211Now Accepting ApplicationsFee Schedule based on sliding scaleContact: Shannon [email protected] Now: 214-333-7076

Center for Children with Autism at Metrocare Services

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SERVICES INCLUDE:In-home SpeechOccupational &Physical Therapy

Insurance & Medicaid accepted

CONTACT US TODAYto find out how we can help you!T 214.566.2687E [email protected] PATIENT INTAKECALL 214-697-5578

ALWAYS SEEKING GREAT THERAPISTS

www.DynamicTherapy.net




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UnderstandingAbility

EncouragingProgress

CelebratingAchievement

Building Success in Children• Speech & Language Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Physical Therapy

A to Z Pediatric Therapy5612 Davis Blvd.North Richland Hills, TX 76180Office: 817-581-0111 On-Call: 817-727-2869Fax: 866-497-2746www.a-ztherapy.com

to




Bringing quality, family centered therapy,based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) including Verbal Behavior (VB)to your home.

• Combining ABA & Speech Therapy• Behavior Analysts• Speech Therapists• Comprehensive Assessments• Educational Consultation• Parent / Staff Training

Locations:• Lewisville | 575 North Valley Parkway, Ste 220 | Lewisville, TX 75067

• Plano | 4011 W Plano Parkway, Ste 125 | Plano, TX 75093

www.teachmebec.com Email: [email protected] | (972) 282-1872Fax: (888) 237-2214

Teach MeLLC

Behavioral, Speech and Educational Services


is pleased to announce the expansion and relocation of their Dallas office

12840 Hillcrest Rd.Suite E104

Dallas, TX 75230

Integrative Pediatric Therapy has been serving the DFW community since 1995 and offers a wide range of child development services.

Sensory IntegrationCraniosacral Therapy

Interactive MetronomeSpeech and FeedingTherapeutic Listening

Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy

Contact IPT today and find out how to maximize your child’s potential.

972-404-3077Locations in Dallas, Planoand the Shelton School

Director: Sally Fryer, PT, CST-D, SIPT Certified

www.integrativepediatric.com



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At Santé, we are dedicated to giving children the tools today to build their lives for tomorrow.

We provide your children with quality speech, occupational

and physical therapy services in outpatient clinics, daycare

centers and home health settings.

Call (800) 340-4098 or visit us on the web at www.santepediatrics.com





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•WE’RE TAKING PEDIATRIC CARE

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

•ONE COMPLETE SYSTEM DEDICATED TO YOUR CHILD’S STEPS TO SUCCESS

•WE TAKE YOU STEP-BY-STEP TOWARDS FREEDOM AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE

PT, OT, ST, Nutrition and Counseling

1500 S Cental Expy, Suite 100McKinney, TX 75070Phone 214-385-4066Fax 214-233-0329www.LifeStepsTX.com

Lewisville • Garland • Carrolton • Denton • Witchia Falls • San Antonio


Music Therapy Can Make a Difference!Autism, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Delays

Adaptive Music Lessons, Rehabilitation, Sensory Integration Group Music Programs and More

Phone: 214-227-1006 Web: www.southwesternmusictherapy.com




Our three programs specialize in assisting families

with meeting the needs of their children with

developmental challenges.

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)Services for children under 3

Provided at home, preschool, or day careIs your child:

Unable to roll, crawl or sit up? Not walking?Difficult to feed? Excessively fussy?Not looking at parent when spoken to? Not using words?

•••

320 Custer RoadRichardson, TX 75080

Phone: (972)-490-9055Fax: (972)-490-9058

the warren center

www.thewarrencenter.org

Rollercoaster Kids

• Communication disordersSensory processing disordersAutism spectrum & related disorders

••

Speech & Occupational TherapiesSocial Skills GroupsSummer Day Camp Program

•••

For Children ages 3-16 with: Services include:

Family Outreach and Support

Point of access for regional resources“Listening ear” to help filter information

••

Parent Support GroupsTraining workshops for Parents and ProfessionalsChild care available for workshops

••

•

Services for families with children of all ages:

3530 Forest Lane, Suite 104 | Dallas, TX 75234 Phone: 214-350-9777 | Phone: 972-322-2280 www.DavidRosenthalDC.com

Integrating natural medicine techniques to help navigate your child’s special needs.

• Chiropractic• Cranial Sacral Therapy• Neurological Evaluations• Sensory Integration• Nutrition



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817-405-0292 • 877-606-7601w w w . k o t s a n i s i n s t i t u t e . c o m

Auditory IntegrationTraining

AutismSeizures

Speech Delay

LearningADD/ADHD


AUTISMDevelopmental Delays

At Pumpkin Littles children

receive early intervention

through a combination

of the most renowned

autism education principles,

including but not limited to;

ABA, TEACCH, RDI, DIR,

EDMARK etc. Individualized

combination approach...

Finding the Right Path

Pumpkin Littles believes there is hope with many approaches to reach the child with autism. We just need to find the right path for that child.

Contact: Michelle Beck MA [email protected]

Dallas, Texas | (972)569-7141

www.PumpkinLittles.com





Common issues of sensory processing deficits:difficult transition • easily frustrated • behavioral ~melt downs” • anxiety • intolerance of clothes and/or haircuts

poor sleep habits • low self-esteem • language/reading delays • learning disabilities • attention issues • poor social skills • picky eater • uncoordinated • poor gross and/or fine motorskills

We offer a variety of services to meet your child’s needs with problems pertaining to…

• ADD / ADHD • Sensory Integration Dysfunction • Autistic Spectrum Disorders • Cerebal Palsy • Developmental Delay • Language Delays • Stuttering and Articulation Disorders • Feeding Problems Rockwall Location Phone: 972-771-5731 Fax: 972-771-5786 E-mail: [email protected] • www.excelpediatric.com

Providing Families with: a better understanding, a path of resolution, a new beginning


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Medication-Free Alternative for:

Attention DisordersLearning Differences

Behavior IssuesLanguage & Feeding

Autism

Speech & Occupational Therapy

We File Insurance

915 Skyline Dr. Suite 100 | Arlington, TX 76011Phone: 817 299-9200 | Fax: 817 299-9222

Metro: 817 461-6200

www.LifeSkills.us


Personalized pediatric therapy as unique as your child.If you have questions about your child’s development, Our Children’s House at Baylor can help. Whether your child has a mild delay or serious ongoing therapy needs resulting from injury, illness, or developmental delay, our pediatric specialists have the expertise you need. We offer a comprehensive range of services, but we tailor a treatment program just for your child.

Thousands have trusted their children to our care. You can too.Physical TherapyOccupational TherapySpeech-language Therapy Specialty services* include Feeding Clinic, Orthotics Clinic, NICU Follow up Clinic, Sleep Lab, Sensory Integration Therapy, Developmental Evaluations, Swallow Studies (not all services are available at each location)

For a physician referral or for more information on Our Children’s House at Baylor, call 1.800.4BAYLOR (422-9567) or visit us online at BaylorHealth.com/OurChildrensHouse.

ALLEN DALLAS FRISCO GRAPEVINE LAS COLINAS PLANO ROCKWALL WAXAHACHIE

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Our Children’s House at Baylor, or Baylor Health Care System. Photographs may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2010 Baylor Health Care System OCHBAY_38 CE 4.10

NOW OPEN IN LAS COLINAS




THERAPY 2000 The North Texas leader in home-based therapy for children

We treat children for… Feeding & Swallowing Disorders (including the need for Vital Stim Therapy) Cerebral Palsy • Neurological Disorders • Down Syndrome

Developmental Delay • Sensory Processing Disorders and many others

A comprehensive hearing screening is administered to all children admitted for speech therapy services.

To obtain physical, occupational, or speech therapy services foryour child, call THERAPY 2000…

214-467-9787 or 877-626-7003 • www.T2000.com

Welcome to our Family


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Since 1993, began serving pediatric patients

in the D/FW area by providing Physical,

Occupational and Speech Therapies.

Case Management (Dallas and

Collin Counties Only). Medicaid, CHIP

and other insurances.

Please contact us at (800)237-9820 or (214) 678-0507

www.pthomecare.com



Search For: Connections + Special + Needs



MustardSeeds

MustardSeeds

469-995-4051 | [email protected]

Programs:Preschool 2-5 yrWeekend Program 2-12 yrSummer Camp 2-12 yrAfter School Until 6 o’clock

Therapies Provided:Waldon Based ABAPlayEquestrienneDIR / FloortimeAquaticMusicSpeechOccupationalPhysical

reserve your spot today at: www.mustard-seeds.org

Potential

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Possibility

Faith based comprehensive therapy

for children with Autism or PDD


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We believe that ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is essential to the behavioral and academic achievement of any child on the autism spectrum. Located in Granbury, Texas.

Children with Autism Can Learn!

(817) 573-0708 or (817-894-7469 Answered 24/7) www.AutismSolutionsofgranbury.com

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst collaboration• 1:1 ABA and small group therapy• Registered Nurse on premises







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2010Directory of Resources

™




DISCOVER Hope


FREEVol.2 No.1SPRING/SUMMER

• Educational Resources..........................76-92

• Medical Resources.................................93-104

• Nutritional Resources.......................105-106

• Parental & Family Resources..........106-135

• Recreational Resources.....................136-144

• Therapeutic Resources......................145-167

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ACES (Autism Consulting and Educational Services P.O. Box 720054 Dallas Tx 75372 www.aces4you.com [email protected] Consulting, assessments, parent and staff training, and program development for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other. All About Achievement Consulting 110 W. Sandy Lake Dr, Suite 102 PMB195 Coppell Tx 75019 (972) 979-9720 [email protected] Allen Counseling Associates 1506 N. Greenville Ave, Suite 250 Allen Tx 75002 (972) 979-9720 www.allencounselingassociates.com [email protected] Certified School Counselors and Licensed Professional Counselor providing advocacy/education for parents working with school districts whose children have mental health issues.

Consulting, Evaluation, & Educational Services

ASK-Advocating Solutions for Kids 1419 Kings Hwy Dallas Tx 75208 (214) 793-6352 www.askadvocate.org [email protected] ASK is a private advocacy service for children who are experiencing difficulty in school or need com-munity resources. Our mission is to find solutions. Cornerstone Assessment and Guidanc Center, LP 1213 Hall Johnson Rd, Suite 200 Colleyville Tx 76034 (817) 428-9810 www.cagelp.com [email protected] Dr. Lusby is a psychologist, licensed in Texas since 1998. She provides assessment and treatment for children and adolescents. Services provided are evidence based and adapted to individual needs. Diagnostic Learning Services 1400 Preston Rd, Suite 400 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 491-5408 www.diagnosticlearningservices.com [email protected] Our services focus on the diagnosis of specific learning disabilities (including Dysexia and ADHD) as well as college planning for high school students with disabilities.

Educational Resources Directory Tell Them That Connections Sent You!


Dr. Ifenyi A. Ufondu, PhD - Educ. Psychologist 1914 Santa Anna dr Arlington Tx 76001 (817) 866-044 (310) 5905898 [email protected] ARD representation, independent educational/vocational assessments, transition planning. One on One Instruction, counseling. Educational Diagnostician and Counsultant 600 S. Denton Tap Rd, Suite 122 Coppell Tx 75019 (214) 674-0881 GoToFocus Centers 7405 Lola Dr N. Richland Hlls Tx 76180 (817) 706-2562 www.gotofocuscom [email protected] Consulting is Developmental Disability and Developmental Delay. we help you find what is blocking your child’s development and you put the developmental process back on track.

Johnson Neuropsychology 1422 W. Main Street Suite 205 Lewisville Tx 75067 [email protected]

(See Our Ad on pg 15)

Learning Legacy, Inc 8816 Ashcraft Dr. N. Richland Hlls Tx 76180 (817) 498-6133 www.learninglegacyline.com [email protected] Professional development for educations, agencies and families on a specialized topics re: special education issues. Little Giant Steps 3364 Lanarc Dr. Plano Tx 75023 (972) 78-1260 www.littlegiantsteps.com [email protected] An educational consulting group who eliminates learning issues utilizing the Neurodevelopmental Approach. Little Giant Steps has provided effective non-drug programs since 1992.

Join the Conversation Today! Become Our Fan On Facebook!

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Rich Educational Consulting, LLC (972) 447-8390 www.richeducationalconsulting.com Perform psycho-educational and autism evaluations, behavior screenings and social thinking groups.

Special Education Solutions 8816 Ashcraft dr Ft. Worth Tx 76180 (817) 498-6133 [email protected] Fee based consulting with specialty in Assistive Technology evaluations, training, and ongoing support as well as all Autism Spectrum Disorders. RESNA certified Assistive Technology Practitioner. The Learning Center of North Texas 1701 River Run Road, Suite 710 Ft. Worth Tx 76107 (817) 336-0808 www.thelearningcenterofnt.org The Learning Center is a Regional Resource Center for children and adults with learning differences.

Johnson Neuropsychology 1422 W. Main Street Suite 205 Lewisville Tx 75067 (469) 549-4200 www.johnsonneuro.com [email protected]

(See our ad on pg 15)

Home School Resources Texas Special Kids P.O Box 151335 Arlington Tx 76015 www.txspecialkids.org [email protected] Serving families who home school children with learning differences and disabilities with curriculum advice, service provider resources, emotional support, and seminars.

Specialized Schools / Private Schools / Preschools A Child Can Do All Things - Conductive Educational Center 12870 Hillcrest Rd, Suite H-101 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 788-2856 www. accdat.org

Join the Conversation: www.giveachildavoice.blogspot.com



Bibleway Church Day Care 2930 Ann Arbor, East Dallas Tx (214) 374-1961 Inclusive day care for 0-12 years of age

Achievement Center of Texas 2950 N. Shiloh Road Garland Tx 75044 (972) 414-7700 Daycare and a learning center for children and adults with disabilities18 months to adult.

Bridge Builder Academy 520 E. Central Pkwy E, #313 Plano Tx 75075 (972) 516-8844 (214) 529-4596 www.bridgebuilderacademy.com [email protected] BBA is a new kind of school…a PRIVATE SCHOOL, that specializes in individualized “Full Time” Programs, “Home School Assistance” programs, “Supplemental Education” programs for those who need to catch up or get ahead, and “Homework Assistance” for those working in other schools already and needing a little reinforcement after hours. We are the “third option’ beyond public and private schools for your child’s education, and our primary goal is to blend the authenticity of individualized education with the validity of accredited curriculum and certified instruction.

(See Our Ad on PG 20)

Chases’s Place 14210 Marsh Lane Addison Tx 75001 (972) 243-2676 www.chasesplace.org [email protected] Chase’s Place is a private school serving kids with a variety of special needs including autism, mental retardation and traumatic brain injury. Covenant Presbyterian Weekday School 1700 S. Josey Lane Carollton Tx 75006 (972) 242-2259 Serves 6 months - 4 years. Program is for typical children, but has a very small ration. The director and teachers have accommodated children with special needs and behavioral issues with warmth and enthusiasm. Dallas Day School (214) 828-9900 www,myschoolonline.com [email protected] A program offered by Dallas Services serving those with developmental disabilities of all ages. fees are based on a sliding scale. Also see Dallas Services.

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DFW Center for Autism 303 W. Nash St Grapevine Tx (817) 424-977 (817) 424-9792 www.dfwcenterforautism.org [email protected] Inclusion ABA preschool, staff training 9both on and off site), community education, research, awareness events. E’s Haven Academy 813 Ryan Rd Dallas Tx 75224 (214) 374-7443

Inclusive day care for 0-6 years. Family Play School 10453 N. Central Expressway Dallas Tx 75231 (214) 265-8585 Inclusive day care for 0-12 years. Medications, breathing treatments given. Grayson County Rehabilitation Center 1216 Hillcrest Box 453 Sherman Tx 75090 (903) 893-7457 Serves 2 to 5 years.

Great Lakes Academy 6000 Custer Rd. Building 7 Plano Tx 75023 (972) 517-7498 ext. 103 www.greatlakesacademy.com [email protected] For children with various Learning Differences, Asperger’s Syndrome and or AD/HD, Great Lakes Academy, an accredited, non-profit, K-12 private school, offers its’ students a positive school experience. GLA also provides its’ students the opportunity to develop: • An appreciation for their own uniqueness • Self-confidence and self-worth via successful learning experiences, social skills lessons and positive reinforcement. • Coping skills to assist them in becoming effective students. • A sense of accountability and responsibility for their own academic experience. Utilizing small class sizes, multi-sensory teaching methods and a well trained and caring faulty, Great Lakes Academy is an excellent alternative school choice!


Green Oaks School 5508 Chaperito Trail Arlington Tx 76016 (817) 496-5100 www.greenoaksschool.org



Head Start of Greater Dallas 3954 Gannon Lane Dallas Tx (972) 283-6400 www.hsgd.org HEAD START of Greater Dallas, Inc (HSGD) is the seventh largest nonprofit program in Dallas. The agency currently serves more than 4,000 children and families at 37 centers located throughout Dallas County. Jewish Community Center Preschool 7900 Northhaven Dallas Tx 12 months-5 years (Some Special Needs)

L’abri Learning Center 13408 Kit Lane Dallas Tx 75240 (972) 235-4791 Inclusive daycare and after-school care for 12 mo to 12 years. (Speech) Meadowview School 2419 Franklin Dr Mesquite Tx 75150 (972) 289-1831 www.meadowviewschool.com [email protected] Small, nonprofit private school for kindergarten - 8th grade students with learning differences. After school and summer tutoring program, including TAKS diagnostic evaluations. Newfound School 2206 Heads Lane, Suite 11 Carrollton Tx 75006 (214) 390-749 www.newfoundscool.com newfoundschool.com Newfound School teaches students in grades K - 12 with learning and/or behavior challenges. New-found School specializes in high functioning autism. Newfound also offers Advocacy.

Notre Dame School of Dallas 2018 Allen Dallas Tx 75204 (214) 720-3911 www.notredameschool.org [email protected] A private, nonprofit developmental day school approved by the Texas Education Agency to provide students 9ages 6 - 21) with disabilities with the academic and vocational training to enable them to live independent lives upon graduation.

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Our Children’s Center at Irving 3337 Stovall St Irving Tx 75061 (972) 790-8505 Day care and academy for pediatric therapy. Birth to 18 years Learning centers for children. 0-4 yrs. Shunn’s Place Preschool Academy 2200 E. Ledbetter Dallas Tx 75216 (214) 376-7050 Inclusive day care. G-tube feeding available. Accepts medically-fragile children. No age limit T.L. Walker Child Care 1121 Reynolds Lane Dallas Tx (214) 371-1717 Inclusive day care for birth-12 years of age. Texas School of the Deaf 1102 South Congress Ave Austin Tx 78764 (512) 462-5300 www.tsd.state.tx.us The ARC of Dallas (214) 634-9810, ext 106 [email protected] The Flint Academy 2111 Roosevelt Dr Arlington Tx (817) 277-0620 www.Flintacademy.com [email protected] Inclusive-model school for students PK -3 - 12th grades, with or without disabilities Accepting stu-dents who are advanced, typically developing, and/or have special education needs.

The Jane Justin School at The Child Study Center 1300 W. Lancaster Fort Worth Tx 76102 (817) 390-2831 www. cscfw.org [email protected] The school provides a nurturing educational environment for children with developmental disabilities including learning, emotional, behavioral nd attention disorders. The Little Lighthouse - Denton 37 Oak Forrest Circle Denton TX (940) 591-7092



The Rise School of Dallas 5923 Royal Lane Dallas Tx 75230 (214) 373-4666 www.riseschool.org/dallas [email protected] Offers early education services to children with Down Syndrome, other developmental disabilities and children without disabilities. The Shelton School 15720 Hilldrest Rd Dallas Tx 75248 (972) 774-1772 UCP Dallas/preschool program 8802 Harry Hines Blvd Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 247-4538 [email protected] The UCP Preschool is open to children age 18 months to 6 years of age. The preschool operates year around (52 weeks) with hours of 7 am to 6m, Monday through Friday. Children are provided individual attention and supervision with a staff to student ratio no greater than 1:3.

UTD/Callier Center - Dallas 1966 Inwood Rd Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 905-3000 (214) 905-3030 - appointments www.callier.utdalls.edu For hearing impaired and regular students. UTD/Callier Center - Richardson 811 Synergy Park Blvd Richadson Tx 75080 (972) 883-3630 Appointments TDD: (972) 883-3605 www.callier.utdallas.edu For hearing impaired and regular students

Wayman Learning Center 5170 Village Creek Dr. #200 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 735-9050 Wayman Learning Center offers comprehensive ABA services, to address the behavioral needs of children with autism and other disabilities in order to decrease problem behaviors, and increase skills in areas of deficit, especially language, communication, and social skills. Our large modern facility includes an indoor activity area and a large outdoor playground. Our center-based services are all one to one and highly individualized, with measurable goals, to meet the unique needs of each child. Assessment is conducted every 6 months, and parents receive a written progress report every 6 weeks.


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Vanguard Preparatory School 4240 Sigma Road Dallas Tx 75244 www.vanguardprepschool.com [email protected] Our large modern facility includes an indoor activity area and a large outdoor playground. Our center-based services are all one to one and highly individualized, with measurable goals, to meet the unique needs of each child. Assessment is conducted every 6 months, and parents receive a written progress report every 6 weeks.


Special Education Lawyers & Advocates Advocacy, Inc 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 171-E Austin Tx 78757 (512) 454-4816 (800) 252-9108 www.advocacyinc.org The mission of Advocacy, Inc is to advocate for, protect, and shared the legal, human and service rights of people with disabilities.

Advocate - Lone Star Mom 501 Trophy lake Dr, Suite 314-114 Trophy Club Tx 76262 (817) 707-9093 www.lonestarmom.com [email protected] As an Education Advocate, i work with parents to find answers. I believe in advocating for the child to first.

AFNIC (Association for Neorologically Impaired Children) 301 Park Lane Austin Tx 78704-2412 (512) 444-1641 www.afniconline.org AFNIC’s advocates for children with neurological disabilities and provides five main services for these children: parent training, teacher training, peer training, attendance at ARD meetings. Beautiful Minds, Inc P.O. Box 173261 Arlington Tx 76001-3261 (817) 886-0044 www.beautifulmndsinc.com [email protected] Special needs Advocacy emphasizing Educating, Empowering and Exposing the invisibility children with Learning Disabilities encounter in throughout the DFW Metroplex.




Educational Rescue Online 3068 Misty Ridge Lane Rockwall Tx 75032 (469) 879-0014 (469) 293-4697 www.educationalrescueonline.com [email protected] Educational Rescue is fee based business designed to provide information record reviews, assessment and advocacy for students in regular and special education for grades K - 12. LeBeau Consulting and Mediation 5312 Benbridge Dr Fort Worth Tx 76107 (817) 377-8172 (817) 602-5446 [email protected] Special education mediation, IEP/ARD facilitation and consulting for school record review to prepare for ARD meetings for parents with children with special education needs.

Leslie R. Roberts, Esq 8000 Coit Rd, #300-224 Plano Tx 75025 (469) 682-7305 www.leslierroberts.com [email protected] Parent of special needs child and attorney/mediator provides special education legal services, including representation during mediation, to parents of special needs children.

Lolalee E. Livingston 2809 Regal Rd, Suite 103 Plano Tx 75075 (972) 758-9123 www.letseducate.org [email protected] Education/Child Consultant/advocate bringing 28 years experience to providing Advocacy Consulta-tion/Representation in ARD’s. Our goal is to educate parents while assisting them in advocating for their child’s educational needs. Myrna B. Silver, Esq 10501 N. Central Expressway, Suite 301 Dallas Tx 75231 (214) 365-0050 [email protected] Our firm provides legal services to parents of children with special educational needs.

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Partners Resource Network, Inc 1090 Longfellow Dr, Suite B Beaumont Tx 77706 (800) 866-4726 www.partnerstx.org [email protected] Our mission at Partners Resources Network, Inc is to empower parents of children with disabilities to be effective advocates for their children and to promote parent/professional partnerships.


Students 1st 5310 Lafayette Dr Frisco Tx 75035 (469) 363-2247 www.students1st.org [email protected] We are parent advocates. We attend ARD/IEP/504 meetings with the parent and speak on their behalf to the public school.

ISD Support Groups / Special Education PTA’s

Arlington Special Education PTSA www.aseptsa.org

Frisco SAGE www.friscosage.com [email protected] Plano Sage www.pptasage.com [email protected] Collin County Special Education Cooperative 1404 N. McDonald St McKinney Tx 75071 (972) 548-3200 www.ccsec.org [email protected] Provides all special education services including evaluation, therapies and instruction for Anna, Blue Ridge, Community, Farmersville, Lovejoy, Melissa, Prosper and Wylies ISD’s Education Service Center, Region X (10) 400 E. Spring Valley Rd Richadson Tx 75081 (972) 348-1536 www.ednet10.net [email protected] Nonprofit agency that assists school districts and families by providing workshops, information gathering meetings and other resources. Counties that Region 10 cover are Dallas, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, Hunt, Collin, Fannin and Grayson.



Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA 4608 Oak Springs Dr Flower Mound Tx 75028 (469) 293-6343 www.lisd-septsa.org Serving parents, teachers and others who have an interest in Special Education in the Lewisville ISD area. We offer educational programs, parent mentoring, group meetings a local Service Provider Directory and also an online email list.

Berry Family Services 4702 Rowlett Road Rowlett Tx 75088 (972) 412-4707 www.berryfamilyservices.com [email protected] Berry Family Services is an HCS (Home and Community based service), TXML (Texas Home Living), and GR (General Revenue) Provider that Serves individuals with Mental Retardation. Berry Family Services is owned and operated by the Berry Family whose objective is to provide quality services to the “whole” person with disabilities and their family. Our consumers deserve exceptional service and value when it comes to meeting their personal needs. Berry Family Services will take the time to gain a full appreciation of the unique challenges presented by your personal situations. Most importantly, we possess the knowledge and expertise to provide solutions that meet your needs. We are dedicated to helping our consumers help themselves through services and supports designed to meet their individual needs and choices. Programs Serving: Dallas County, Tarrant County, Rockwall County, Collin County, Denton County, Cooke County, Fannin County, Grayson County, Henderson County, Rains County, Smith County, Van Zandt County, Wood County, Camp County, Delta County, Franklin County, Hopkins County, Kaufman County, Lamar County, Morris County, Titus County, Johnson-Ellis-Navarro Counties, and Hunt County.


Transitional Services

College Living Experience (CLE) 1321 Murfreesboro Pike, Suite 702 Nashville TN 37217 (800) 486-5058 Austin Campus: (512) 850-7445, Shelly Underwood www.experienceCLE.com [email protected] College Living Experience (CLE) is the premier college program for special needs students, facilitating independent living for students with learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, autism and nonverbal learning disorders. CLE programs are located around the country, in Texas, Florida, colorado, Washington DC, Illinois and California. Situated near major college and vocational programs, CLE programs facilitate a transition to college and independent adulthood in a supportive, structured environment that emphasizes the development of academic, independent living and social skills.

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Crystal Dyess-Carroll 1221 Goldeneye Dr Aubry Tx 76227 (940) 768-8001 www.cognitivedevelopment.pbworks.com [email protected] My name is Crystal Dyess-Carroll. Being a resource partner is a great opportunity for me because it will give me the chance to better help our community of people with disabilities It is important to me that the passion of advocating is passed on to families and guardians who provide care for individuals with disabilities. Through free consultation over the phone and email, I hope to provide not only advice but ways to better integrate strategies and tools that will help the healthy transition of individuals with disabilities from school into the community.


Daybreak, Inc 3901 N. Dallas Ave Lancaster Tx 75134 (972) 22403554 Operates residential programs serving adults with mental retardation and offers vocational, personal/social and recreational services. Located in the Lancaster, DeSoto, Duncanville area.

Educare - North Texas Office 8925 Sterling Dr, Suite 250 Irving Tx 75063 (972) 929-5000 www.rescare.com Private corporation that provides services for people with developmental disabilities. Specializes in community based residential programs, In-Home and Family support services, foster care and supervised semi-independent living arrangements.

Goodwill Industries of Dallas, Inc 3020 N. Westmoreland Dallas Tx 75212 (214) 638-2800 www.goodwilldallas.org [email protected] Offers rehabilitation services in a vocational workshop for adults (ages 16 and older) with disabilities. Services include vocational evaluation, counseling, training, sheltered and competitive employment and fulfillment/outsourcing opportunities. Goodwill Industries of North Texas 2010 N. Graves McKinney Tx 75069 (972) 542-3721

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Marbridge P.O. Box 2250 Manchaca Tx 78652 (512) 282-1144 www.marbridge.org Offers individualized residential care, education, and training to adults with various cognitive chal-lenges. At lease 18 years of age for training. Summer Camp 16-30 years. Mosaic 2245 Midway Rd, Suite 300 Carrollton Tx 75006 (972) 866-9989 (877) 366-7242 www.mosaicinfo.org A nonprofit, nation-wide organization dedicated to providing supports and advocacy to people with disabilities. Offers supported employment, in home supports, HCS, Texas Home Living Waiver and ICFMR programs, advocacy, day services and Children’s services Funded through Medicaid, corporate/foundtion grants, fundraising and donations. mosaic is affiliated with evangical Lutheran Church of America. My Possibilites 1301 Cluster Road Plano Tx 75075 (469) 241-9100 www.mypossibilities.org [email protected] Non-Profit, Charity for Adults with developmental disabilities. Full Day,full year programs builds independence and pre-vocation skills. Ages 18+. Summer Programs available. nonPareil Insitute P.O Box 260652 Plano Tx 75026 (972) 467-0713 www.npitx.org [email protected] We provide training to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have completed High School. Plans are to provide housing as well. North Texas Rehabilitation Services, Inc 3902 Cavalier Dr Garland Tx 75042 (972) 272-6526 www.ntrsinc.com [email protected] Nonprofit agency providing work adjustment training for adults with physical and mental disabilities through vocational training opportunities, personal-social adjustment classes, on-the-job training, supportive employment and day habilitation services.


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Vanguard, Living for Sucess 4240 Sigma Road Dallas Tx 75244 (972) 404-1616 www.vanguardlivingforsuccess.com [email protected] To provide Adults with the skills to become independent, responsible, members of society.


Brain Balance 1501 Preston Rd STE 550 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 248-9482 www.brainbalancecenters.com [email protected] Brain Balance Achievement Centers offer the Brain Balance Program™ across the continental United States. We work with children who suffer from Developmental Disorders such as Autism Spectrum, Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, and other neurological disorders. The Brain Balance Program™ is a unique program which utilizes a comprehensive multi-faceted approach designed specifically to address the various difficulties exhibited or experienced by each child. We consistently incorporate the latest information available from current brain research as a means to continuously improve our abilities to address these complex conditions. It has been our experience that most of these children suffer in a variety of the aforementioned categories (i.e. motor issues, visual-spatial-organizational issues, social abilities, sensory issues, immunity dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, and/or academic difficulties).


Creative Tutors 4 Kids Plano 5820 Lennox Hill dr Plano Tx 75093 (972) 378-5700 www.creativetutors4kids.com [email protected] Creative Tutors specializes in the provision of in-home, one-on-one tutoring/academic coaching to children with learning differences and special needs, Pre K, 12th.

Tutoring / Brain Training


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Have a product that we should sell? Contact us today: [email protected]


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Fort Worth Scottish Rite Learning center Henderson and Lancaster Fort Worth Tx 76012 (817) 335-6004


Tutoring / Brain Training

We Love Non-Profits!Don’t Forget to look in the Connections Directory under the Parent & Family category to find all sorts of great resources!

• Financial Assistance • Food Pantry’s • Federal Resources

• Respite Providers • Suppory Groups • Local Resources

• Counseling • Free Educational Classes • State Resources

Lindamood-Bell 451 Travis Street Suite 302 Dallas Tx 75205 (214) 358-0688 www.lindamoodbell.com Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes is an organization dedicated to enhancing human learning. We were founded by the authors of critically acclaimed programs that teach children and adults to read, spell, comprehend, and express language.

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Learning RX Frisco 3550 Parkwood Blvd. Plano Tx 75034 (972) 432-6544 www.learningrx.com/frisco [email protected]

Learning RX Keller 423 Keller Parkway Suite A Keller Tx 76248 (817) 562-5558 www.learningrx.com/keller [email protected] Learning Rx transforms a student’s ability to learn at a core, cognitive level. The fundamental building-blocks of IQ are the skills for audilitory processing, visual processing, logic and reasoning, attention, memory and word attack. Each of these skills can be individually tested and trained to expand a person’s actual learning capacity.


Learning RX Plano 5136 Village Creek Dr, Suite 501 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 267-8900 www.leaningrx.com

The Reading Journey 215 Winchester Suite 107 Tyler Tx 75701 (903) 581-4007 www.readingjourneytyler.com readingjourneytyler.com Reading and math tutoring for elementary students, including students with learning disabilities. Study and organizational skills included. Available for parent questions.

The Brain Institute 5207 Heritage Ave. Colleyville Tx 76034 (817) 355-8000 www.thebraininstitute.net Biofeedback Research and Integrated Neurotherapy



Tell Them That Connections Sent You!M

edical Resources Directory


Angels of Care North Texas Office (903) 532-5656 www.angelsofcare.com Angels of Care Medical Equipment and Supplies is a pediatric medical supply company that provides a variety of services to include durable medical equipment, supplies, track lifts, home modifications, counseling, rehab and more. All supplies and equipment are delivered to your door with a personal touch by professionally trained staff. We service over 100 counties in Texas and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accept most commercial insurances, Medicaid and private pay clients. Please call us for a free consultation or visit our website at www.angelsofcare.com.


Medical Supplies / Adaptive Equipment

C&R Medical 1225 Precinct Line Rd, Suite M Hurst Tx 76053 (817) 590-8166 www.candrmedical.com C & R Medical is committed to donating a percentage of our proceeds to find non-profit organizations which provide free outdoor advantages for the disabled.

Medco Medical Supply 4360 Western Supply, Inc. Fort Worth Tx 76137 (866) 956-1435 www.e-medco.com [email protected] Medco Medical Supply has been providing quality medical equipment services and supplies to Texans since 1971. We are proud of our growth from humble beginnings to a leading home health company while maintaining friendly, one-on-one relationship with our customers.

Star Medical Specialties 421 W. Magnolia Ave. Fort Worth Tx 76104 (817) 920-0509 www.star-medical.net Providing over 120 specialty formulas for infants, children and adults. Exclusively specializing in Enteral Nutrition products and equipment.

Assitive Technology

Region 10 [email protected]


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Techno -Tote (800) 375-4520 [email protected] The ARC of Denton County offers to lend items to see a child could use a certain item for independence or pleasure. UCP Assistive Technology Center (Formerly C-CAD) 1950 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 2019 Dallas Tx 75207 (214) 800-2223 www.c-cadorg [email protected] C--Cad is a nonprofit organization that offers technology-related services to individuals with disabilities including training, evaluation, and information and referral as it relates to adaptive devices.

Private Duty Nursing

Epic MedStaff 1341 W. Mockingbird #216 Dallas Tx 75247 Dallas: (214) 637-1300 | Addison: (214) 623-5900 | Fort Worth: (817) 698-9500 www.epicmedstaff.com Epic is a family conscious company that understands the struggles and daily challenges of caring for a medically fragile child in the home. Epic specializes in caring for these children by providing a safe environment that nourishes the physical and mental development of each child with special needs. There is no greater joy than hearing your child laugh, or seeing a smile, and knowing that we were a part o that by providing specialized care that your child needs and deserves.


Angels of Care North Texas Office (903) 532-5656 (903) 532-1400 West Texas Office: 806-353-2700 www.angelsofcare.com Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health is a Licensed & Certified Home Health Agency that specializes in giving loving medical care to Special Needs Children. We are in constant search of the latest programs and resources available to approve the quality of life for our patients. As a Medicaid Provider, we are part of the following programs: CCP, CHSCN, MDCP, CBA, PCS, CDS, & CPW. The services we provide for these programs are Private Duty Nursing, Skilled Nursing, Attendant Care, Therapy (PT, OT, ST, and RT), and Case Management. Please call for a free consultation. ANGELS OF CARE IIS A PROVIIDER FOR: • CSHCN • SUPERIIOR • MEDIICAIID • MEDIICARE • INSURANCE • PRIIVATE PAY • CCP • MDCP • CBA • EVERCARE (ICM) • CDS • PCS • IHFSS





Maxim Healthcare Services 2501 Parkview Dr. Suite 404 Fort Worth Tx 76102 (817) 877-0904 www.maxhealth.com [email protected] Maxim Healthcare Services has two decades of experience providing long-term, continuous care to chronically ill patients. In keeping with the exemplary standards of the homecare industry, our offices are licensed, as required, and are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Our staff is trained to work with the patient’s Physician and family to implement a plan of treatment and ensure continuity of care. Maxim Healthcare Services employees RNs and LVNs specializing in Private Duty Nursing caring for high tech needs such as Ventilators, Tracheotomy, and Gastrostomy.


In Home H-Bot Dallas Tx (817) 400-2762 www.inhomehbot.com [email protected] We are dedicated to providing quality, low cost hyperbaric therapy in your home. Hyperbaric chambers do require a doctors prescription. Please visit our website to learn more www.inhomehbot.com or call us today at 817-400-2762


Hyperbaric Chambers

Allergist

Family Allergy & Asthma Clinic 3051 Churchill Dr, Suite 130 Flower Mound Tx 75022 (972) 539-0086 www.breatheseasy.com Family Allergy & Asthma Care draws people from all over the DFW metroplex precisely because Mary Hudelson, Marie Fitzgerald and Sherry Barnett lead a friendly, dedicated staff providing each patient with the latest, most effective diagnostic and allergy and asthma treatment methods

Viva Pediatrics 8150 N Central Expy Ste. 601 Dallas Tx 75206 (972) 861-1000 www.vivapeds.com [email protected] Viva Pediatrics is a nurse owned provider of Private Duty Nursing for children with special needs. We have created a company that will treat you like family. Our name, Viva, means “A Salute to Life” and has become our mission and goal for each child and family we touch. Viva La Familia!


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Kotasanis Institute 2020 W. State Hwy 114 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 405-0292 (877) 606-7601 www.KotsanisInstitute.com [email protected] See our description on bottom of page


NeuroSensory Centers of America- Trophy 2800 E. Hwy 114 Suite 300 Trophy Club Tx 76262 (817) 430-3330 www.neurosensorycenters.com

Texas Pediatric Cardiology Associates 8210 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 915 Dallas Tx 75231 (214) 363-0000 (214) 3663-5240

Cardiology

Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center, Dr. Rao 3016 Communications Parkway Suite 100 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 964-7373 www.allergyandasthmatreatmentcenter.com

Johnson Medical Associates 997 Hampshire Lane Richardson Tx 75081 (972) 479-0400 www.johnsonmedicalassociates.com

Defeat Autism Now!

Kotasanis Institute 2020 W. State Hwy 114 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 405-0292 (877) 606-7601 www.KotsanisInstitute.com [email protected]

Nutritional and metabolic treatment for symptoms and behaviors. For 25 years we have been treating all forms of the spectrum disorders and have done so since 1983, twelve years before i became a founding member of DAN. My first study in 1992 which connected allergies and digestive disorders to autism came about because I was practicing otolaryngology and allergy. Over the years we have been able to help children and families with spectrum disorders achieve the best possible outcome for their particular diagnosis. Call us today, we will send you our free infomation packet.





Thoughtful House 3001 Bee Cave Rd Austin Tx 78746 (512) 732-8400 www.thoughfulhouse.org Thoughtful House is fighting to recover children with developmental disorders (autism, PDD, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, and NLD) through the unique combination of medical care, education and research.

Whole Child Wellness, Dr. Amber Brooks 4801 Frankford Rd Suite 200 Dallas Tx 75287 (972) 930-0260 www.mychildwellness.co Dr. Amber Brooks, Certified Pediatric Chiropractor, Craniosacral Therapist and Defeat Autism Now! (DAN) Doctor, bridges alternative and traditional medicine by providing individualized and comprehensive approaches to pediatric wellness, while utilizing homeopathic detoxification, necessary nutritional supplements, dietary changes & counseling, Craniosacral therapy, chiropractic adjustments, laboratory testing/evaluation to discover the origination of complications in children, treatment for bacterial/fungus overgrowth, and chelation. Dr. Brooks collaborates with other specialists to help facilitate faster healing. Diagnosing the problem not just treating the symptoms is the focus of Whole Child Wellness!


Children’s Medical Center for Pediatric Dentistry 6300 Harry Hines Boulevard Suite 105 Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 456-8800

Dentist

Dental Care 4 Kids 2900 Long Prairie Rd. Suite C Flower Mound, Tx 75022 ( 972) 874-2800 www.dentalcareforkidstexas.com Dr. Debra Duffy D.D.S. 2849 Morriss Rd. Flower Mound, Tx 75028 (972) 724-1617 www.debraduffydds.com [email protected] Dr. Matthew Coats, Orthodontist 3041 Churchill Drive Ste 100 Flower Mound Tx 75022 (972) 691-8118 www.coatsorthodontics.com [email protected]


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Dr. Yvette V. Dye 2548 Lillian Miller Pkwy, Suite 120 Denton Tx 76205 (940) 380-9050 www.dentonpediatricdentist.com

Just For Kids Dentistry for Children 601 Main St Suite 220 Keller Tx 76248 (817) 741-8390 www.justforkidsdentistry.com Fun, Comfortable Experiances: Over 30 years’ experience caring for patients with special needs

Charles Mike Rios M.D. 1422 West Main Street Suite 206 Lewisville Tx 75067 (972) 786-6665 www.developmentalpediatricstexas.com [email protected] Dr. Mike has practiced developmental pediatrics since 1990. He serves children with ADHD, anxiety, auditory processing disorders, Autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, depression, language disorders, learning disabilities, mood disorders. Dr. Mike works with a team of professionals including Dr. Denise Wooten Child Psychologist and Dr. Maxine Maxfield Speech/Language therapist. We provide diagnostic services, counseling (family and group), and intervention for language and learning disorders.


Child Study Center 1300 W Lancaster Ave # 100 Fort Worth Tx 76102 (817) 336-8611 www.cscfw.org/about Interdisciplinary Dev. Clinic.

Developmental Pediatricians

Daniel Ramirez, M.D. 6200 West Parker Rd. #400 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 608-0200

Developmental Behavioral & Dyslexia Child Development Center (214) 559-7816 Kathryn Akins M.D. Tyler Tx (903) 877-5270





Lisa Genecove, MD 7777 Forest Lane, B-312 Dallas Tx (972) 566-8466

Low Birth Weight Dev. Center 321-A Calumet Ave. Dallas Tx 75211 (972) 740-7445 Peter Ray, MD 8300 Douglas Ave #731 Dallas Tx 75225 (214) 739-8600 LD/ADHD Evaluations

The Center for Learning & Development 190 Civic Circle, Suite 120 Lewisville Tx 75067 (972) 353-0733 (972) 434-4445 www.cldkids.com

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children: Neuro-developmental Pediatrics (214) 559-7855 Requires referral from physician due to orthopedic condition, related neurological disorder or learning disability.


Insurance Plans Aetna Better Health 2777 Stemmons #300 Dallas Tx 75207 (817) 488-8718 1-877-751-9951 www.aetnamedicaid.com [email protected] If you live in the Tarrant service area,* you may be eligible for Medicaid & CHIP Services from Aetna Better Health. The benefits include: • Regular checkups/office visits • Emergency care • Shots/well-child care • Hospital coverage • X-rays/lab tests • Dentist visits, cleanings and fillings • Prescription drug coverage and medical supplies • Mental health and substance abuse services • Eye exams, glasses and much more To apply for Medicaid or CHIP, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW. For more information, please call Aetna Better Health at 1-877-751-9951 or www.aetnabetterhealth.com *Tarrant, Denton, Hood, Johnson, Parker and Wise.




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Annette Whitney M.D. 7777 forest Lane #B-304 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 566-8844

Gastrointestinal

John Anderson, M.D. Dept. of Pediatric Gastro Dallas Tx 75235 (972) 456-8000

John Baker M.D. 4333 N. Josey Lane PLZ 11, #204 Carrollton Tx 75010 (972) 394-5757 Kendall Brown 7777 forest Lane #B-304 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 566-8844 Michael Russo Children’s Medical Center - Dallas 1935 Motor St. Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 456-4463

Genetics

Golder Wilson MD, PhD 3608 Preston Road, Suite 125 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 312-0440

Neurology & Psychology

Charles Pryzant, MD Psychiatrist 3928 Forest Ln., Suite 417 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 661-8739 Children’s Medical Center Psychology Department (214) 456-5900 Cornerstone Assessment & Guidance Center, LP 1215 Hall Johnson Rd., Ste. 100 Colleyville Tx 76034 (817) 428-9810 www.cagclp.com [email protected]





Dallas Pediatric Neurology Associates: Dr. Owen & Dr. Sperry 7777 Forest Ln., Suite A-307 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 566-8600 Dr. Lisa Pierce 105 Kathryn Dr. Suite 300 Lewisville Tx 75067 (972) 221-7722 Dr. Stephen Allen [email protected] Family & individual therapy, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety & mood disorders, substance abuse, school difficulties

H. Denise Wooten, Psy.D. Psychologist 1422 W. Main St., Suite 206 Lewisville Tx 75067 (972) -436-6158 Adjustment disorders, Anxiety disorders, Depression/dysthymia, Psychological testing, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autistic Spectrum Disorders

James Terfruchte, MD Psychiatrist 9400 N. Central Expressway. Suite 1675 Dallas Tx 75231 (214) 696-3161

Johnson Neuropsychology 1422 W. Main Street Suite 205 Lewisville Tx 75067 (469) 549-4200 www.johnsonneuro.com [email protected] Specializing in the diagnosis of children and adults for developmental, mood, learning, memory, and attention disorders. Our assessment approach is comprehensive and individualized- no “one assessment fits all” approach. We provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, parents, and families. We also provide innovative treatment therapies (e.g. Interactive Metronome, Cogmed, Captain’s Log) for all ages to normalize brain systems involved in attention and concentration, aspects of memory, processing speed, and executive function. Call us today to schedule an appointment or free consultation 469-549-4200. Find out more about our services on the web at www.johnsonneuro.com .

(See our ad on Page 15)

Neuropsychology Center 9400 N. Central Expy. Suite 904 Dallas Tx 75231 (214) 373-3607



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Pate Rehab Offers Neuropsychological Assessments- see listing in OT/PT category Texas Child Neurology 1708 Coit Rd., Suite 150 Plano Tx 75075 (972) 769-9000 www.texaschildneurology.com Texas Child Neurology 1643 Lancaster, Suite 304 Grapevine Tx 76051

Optometry Dr. George Beauchamp Pediatric Ophthalmologist Grapevine Tx (817) -329-5433 Neurodevelopmental Sensory Enhancement Center 5934 W. Parker Rd., Suite 500 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 312-0177 www.dr-s.net

Pediatricians Healthy Kids Pediatrics 4851 Legacy Dr. Ste. 301 Frisco Tx 75034 (972) 294-0808 www.healthykidspediatrics.com Healthy Kids Pediatrics is an integrative, holistic pediatric practice, utilizing alternative and traditional approaches to medical care. Your Child’s Health is Our Passion! Board Certified in Pediatrics | Health Care for Infants, Children and AdolescentsHolistic Approach to Health | Special Interest in Autism and Asthma Extensive Counseling and Evaluation for ADHD and Nutrition.


Michael S. McLane Psy. D. 12830 Hillcrest Road Suite 233 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 620-1225 www.dfwpedneuropsych.com [email protected] In-depth evaluations of students’ learning, attention, behavior, and social-emotional development. Psychotherapy to improve mood, self-esteem, executive functioning, family relationships, and academic motivation. Parent and school consultation. Toddlers to young adults. ADHD, Learning Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Asperger’s, and Autism. Formerly at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and Children’s Medical Center Dallas..




Kids First Pediatrics 2280 Highland Village Rd. #130 Highland Village Tx 75077 (972) 317-6000 www.kidsfirstpediatrics.com

Pulmonologists

Copenhaver Pediatric Pulmonary Specialists 8210 Walnut Hill Ln Ste 718 Dallas Tx 75231 (214) 691-6996

Brain Injury Day Rehab

Healthsouth Medical Center Brain Injury Day Treatment Program 2124 Research Row Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 904-6100 www.healthsouth.com Day treatment program committed to the rehabilitation of individuals with various neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, aneurysm, etc.

Children’s Hospitals

Children’s Medical Center of Dallas 1935 Motor Street Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 456-7000 www.childrens.com Offers a full spectrum of pediatric health care for children up to 18 years of age in a hospital and clinic setting. Services includes birth defects cente, genetic counseling, neurology center, physical therapy, physical medicine and rehabilitation and speech pathology Cooks Children’s Hospital 801 Seventh Ave. Fort Worth Tx 76104 (682) 885-4000 www.cookchilrens.org For more than 90 years, Cook Children’s has provided high-level care to patients from 35 states and 120 counties. The 285-bed Medical Center is the cornerstone for Cook Children’s Health Care System, and offers high-tech equipment, surgery, rehabilitation facilities and ancillary services all designed to meet the special needs of children. Medical City Children’s Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 566-8889 www.mcchildrenshospital.com A specialized children’s hospital with an unwavering focus on patient care, Medical City Children’s Hospital offers world-renowned excellence in comprehensive pediatric services.


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Our Children’s House Baylor 1-800-4BAYLOR (422-9567) www.BaylorHealth.com Our Children’s House at Baylor is a licensed pediatric hospital that provides comprehensive care in a family-centered environment for children from infancy to age 18 who need treatment for developmental or birth disorders, traumatic injury, chromosomal abnormalities, or severe illness. Our innovative hospital provides the comfort and support to children and their families during transition from an acute care hospital to home. We have a ventilator program, rehabilitation program and feeding program. In addition, we have sleep study program and a pediatric surgery center. For more information, please call 214.820.9850.


Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children: 2222 Welborn Street Dallas Tx 75219 (214) 559-7477 Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and leaning disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years of age.


Medication Delivery / Pharmacies

Carie Boyd’s Prescription Shop 122 Grapevine Hwy Hurst Tx 76054 (817) 282-9376 www.carieboyd.com We compound medicine to be: Oral, Topical, or Injectible. Preservative-Free / Sugar-Free / Dye-Free

Angels of Care North Texas Office: 903-532-Angel West Texas Office: 806-353-2701 www.angelsofcare.com Angels of Care Medication Delivery Service is a free prescription delivery service that will deliver your medications to your home or office with a personal touch by one of our professionally trained staff.



Tell Them That Connections Sent You!Nutritional Resources Directory


Central Market www.centralmarket.com

Central Market Locations: Plano: 320 Coit Rd. Plano, TX 75075 (469) 241-8300 Dallas: 5750 East Lovers Ln.Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 234-7000 Fort Worth: 4651 West Fwy. Fort Worth, TX 76107 (817) 989-4700 Southlake: 1425 E. Southlake Blvd. Southlake, TX 76092 (817) 310-5600 Central Market, a destination fresh market, is the place for people who are passionate about food. Our goal is to exceed customer expectations with the most creative ideas, the finest imported and domestic products and superior customer service. Our employees, known as Partners, are trained in food safety and cross-trained in departments including produce, seafood, meat, beer/wine, bulk foods, healthy living, specialty grocery, dairy, bakery, deli, cheese, floral and prepared foods. Our Partners in green-striped aprons are called “Foodies” and they’re trained to know every product in the store and to be on hand just to help.


Sunflower Shoppe Sunflower Shoppe Locations: www.sunflowershoppe.com

Colleyville: 5100 Hwy. 121 Colleyville (817) 399-9100 Fort Worth: 5817 Curzon Ave Fort Worth (817) 738-9051 Sunflower Shoppe (formerly Healthy Approach Market) is Northeast Tarrant County’s Leading source for wheat, gluten and casein free foods and other specialized products for kids and adults with Autism, Celiac Disease, Asthma and Allergies. From cake mixes to breakfast bars, we offer delicious, natural options for anyone with diet restrictions. Known for our friendly and knowledgeable staff, we are family owned and operated with a combination 54 year history with our sister store on Fort Worth’s west side. As the area’s premier natural food store, we also offer vitamins, natural foods, all organic produce and many more healthy products for the entire family.


Farmers Markets / Health Food Stores


New

Have a product that we should sell? Contact us today: [email protected]


Shop and Support!




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Sprouts Farmers Market www.sprouts.com

Murphy: 207 E. FM 544 Murphy, TX 75094 Frisco: 5190 Preston Rd. Frisco, TX 75034 Dallas: 11722 Marsh Lane #317 Dallas, TX 75229 Cedar Hill: 362 E. FM 1382 Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Plano: 4100 East Legacy Drive #401 Plano, TX 75024 Southlake: 220 Randol Mill Ave. Southlake, TX 76092 Richardson: 1343 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX 75080 Coppell: Sandy Lake Rd and Denton Tap Rd. Coppell, TX 75019 Flower Mound: 2301 Cross Timbers Rd #200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 At Sprouts you’ll find mountains of farm-fresh produce. USDA Choice natural meats. Thousands of natural, organic AND great-tasting mainstream groceries (including more than 1,500 gluten-free options). Even a scoop-your-own wonderland of bulk rices, spices, nuts and sweet treats. What you won’t find at Sprouts are those crazy-high prices from conventional supermarkets and natural foods megastores. It’s all part of our belief that shopping for food should be one of life’s pleasures… and that healthier eating shouldn’t have to cost more. That may be an “unconventional” way to run a business, but then Sprouts is no conventional supermarket.


Nutritionist Kotasanis Institute 2020 W. State Hwy 114 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 405-0292 (877) 606-7601 www.KotsanisInstitute.com [email protected]


Whole Child Wellness, Dr. Amber Brooks 4801 Frankford Rd Suite 200 Dallas Tx 75287 (972) 930-0260 www.mychildwellness.com


Financial Planning

Stevens Financial Group 777 Main Street Suite 2260 Fort Worth Tx 76102 (817) 332-4451 www.stevensfinancialgroup.com

Tell Them That Connections Sent You!Parental &

Family Resources Directory


Aaron Dunn of New York Life 12201 Merit Dr. Suite 1000 Dallas Tx 75251 (214) 228-8308 www.newyorklife.com [email protected] Providing a caring approach, valuable information, strategies, and solutions for the unique financial circumstances that special needs families face.

Nexus Advisors, LLC 10000 N. Central Expressway, Suite 12000 Dallas Tx 75321 (972) 348-6368 www.nexusadvisorsllc.com [email protected] If you are caring for a person with a disability or other special need, you should consider SpecialCare Life Planning with Nexus Advisors. Our SpecialCare Planning Team can provide access to information, specialists, and financial solutions that can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and special needs. SpecialCare Planning assists caregivers now, and in the future, when you are no longer able to provide care. We can show you ways to help improve your quality of life and that of other family members, now and in the future.


Life Planning for Families of Special Needs 3939 Beltline Rd #310 Addison Tx 75001 (972) 964-3444 www.txlifeplanning.com [email protected] A non-profit organization dedicated towards the advancement of programs to assist families develop care plans that maximize disabled individuals opportunities, goals and objectives, while protecting their government benefits and ensuring future care.

Guardianship & Estate Planning Blankenship, Wiland & O’Connor Dallas Tx (214) 691-3400 Estate Planning - Special Needs Trusts

Chris W. Mimms, Mimms & Rochelle, LLP 3102 Maple Avenue Suite 625, LB 8 Dallas Tx 75201 (214) 855-5160

Denton County Guardianship Services, Inc 220 E. McKinney St, Suite 220 Denton Tx 76201 (940) 387-5788 www.dentonguardianship.org



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Robert C. Ramirz, Esq.Coorpender & Ramirez, PLLCGuardianship Issues

3000 S. Stemmons Fwy Suite 200 Lake Dallas Tx 75065 (214) 850-8156 www.denton-law.com [email protected] Our lawyers provide focused knowledge and compassionate counsel in all facets of legal guardianship. Whether you are planning ahead for a child with disabilities or making arrangements for an elderly parent incapacitated by illness or dementia, we guide you to informed decisions that serve the best interests of all involved.


Stephen E. Dubner 3000 S. Stemmons Fwy, Suite 200 Lake Dallas Tx 75065 (940) 239-7568 www.dubnerlaw.com [email protected] We recognize that families who have children with special needs face unique challenges, which requires an experienced attorney. The Law Office of Stephen E. Dubner represents clients in the areas of guardianship, probate, family law, and collaborative law. We pride ourselves on professional representation in focused areas of the law and maintain the highest level of personalized service to our clients. For uncontested guardianships, we provide services on a low flat rate so our clients do not need to worry about uncertain legal expenses.


The Law Office of Jeffrey P. Bates 101 South First Street Lufkin Tx 75901 (936) 639-2900 Areas of Concentration: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning (including Special Needs Trusts), Small Business and Corporate Law. The Duran Firm 3102 Maple Ave., Suite 625 Dallas Tx 75201 (214) 227-6400 www.duranfirm.com [email protected] Guardianship is a legal process designed to allow parents of children with special needs to continue to make decisions for their son or daughter after their son or daughter reaches adulthood. The Duran Firm can help you obtain legal guardianship over your incapacitated son or daughter so that you can ensure that his or her health, finances, and well-being are protected. The firm is often able to assist parents for a low fixed fee. Please contact The Duran Firm today to see if you qualify.





*** For special education advocates and attorney’s please see Educational Resources

Queen of Declutter DFW Metro Area Tx (817)349-3799 (817) 999-0481 www.thequeenofdeclutter.com [email protected] Is important paperwork escaping you? Do you spend too much time looking for things? Is the clutter overwhelming? Who is in control - you or your space? The Queen of Declutter focuses on creating organizational systems that save YOU time, money and sanity. As both a mother of a special needs child and a Six Sigma Expert, I specialize in the organizational needs of home office owners and families with non-typical children. So let’s declutter and get your space working for you!


Home Services

Childcare & Nanny Placement

Beyond Sitters 5209 Threshing Fort Worth Tx 76179 (817) 944-3153 www.beyondsitters.com [email protected] A babysitting database that connects families with college students

Child CareGroup 8484 N. Stemmons Freeway #500 Dallas Tx 75247 (888) 8childs or (214) 630-7911 www.childcaregroup.org [email protected] Child CareGroup is dedicated to promoting, delivering and expanding the best childcare services avail-able outside the home. Child CareGroup helps families find appropriate child care.

Sitters Are Us, Inc 1900 S. Main, Suite 103 Grapevine Tx Allen: 214-495-8809 Grapevine: 817-410-2866 Inclusive drop-in day care. Children with special needs accepted on an individual basis. Friday & Saturday until Midnight 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

Sitter City Nationwide Website www.sittercity.com




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“Harvey Kid” Holy Covenant United Methodist Church 1901 Peter’s Colony Rd Carrollton Tx 75007 (972) 492-1371 [email protected] Saturday once a month, 6 - 9 pm

Adventure Kids Playcare 690 Parker Square Flower Mound Tx 75028 (972) 899-2060 www.adventurekidsplaycare.com Open evenings and Saturdays. Reservations only necessary Friday and Saturday night: $10 per child per hour and $3 each additional sibling

AptG: A Place to Go First United Methodist Church of Allen 601 . Greenville Ave Allen Tx 75002 (972) 727-8261 [email protected] Respite for children grades 6 - 12 on the 3rd Saturday of the month from August to May

Our Children’s House Baylor www.BaylorHealth.com (972) 790-8505, ext 258 www.OurChilrensHouseIrving.org [email protected] Age 6 weeks to 12 years of age plus siblings - $5 per child and include a light dinner


Christian Adult 1655 N.Jim Miller Rd Dallas Tx 75217 (214) 391-2178 Provides assisted living, adult daycare and respite services for elderly persons with disabilities. No transportation provided. Private pay.

Christian Heights 4708 Wdsworth Dr Dallas Tx 75217 (214) 371-4285 Provides day care services for adults with physical and cognitive disabilities (ages 18 and up).





Denton State School - Emergency Respite P.O. Box 368 Denton Tx 76202 (940) 891-0342 Specialized respite services for children, teens or adults who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems. Respite not to exceed 10 days.

Fellowship Church Friday Night Respite 2450 Hwy 121 North Grapevine Tx 76051 (972) 471-6828 (214) 636-289

First United Methodist Church of Arlington 313 N. Center St, corner of Center and Division Arlington Tx 76011 (817) 274-2571 www.ArlingtonMethodist.org [email protected] First Fridays of the month

Friday’ Kids First United Methodist Church 201 s. Locust Denton Tx 76201 (940) 382-5478 Provides Friday evening repite care from 6pm - 10 m for children with special needs and their siblings.

Friday NITE Friends, Custer Road United Methodist Church 6601 Custer Rd Plano Tx 75023 (972) 618-3450, ext 247 www.fridaynitefriends.org [email protected] The program’s mission is to provide medically supervised childcare to the parent of these special children. Parents entrust their children to our care on Friday evenings from 6 - 10pm so they may have a ‘respite’ from the almost continuous job of taking care of their child.

Irving Bible Church 2435 Kinwest Pkwy Irving Tx 75063 (972) 831-8777 Provides respite services the fourth Saturday of each month from 6pm - 9pm for children of all ages.

Kids’ Night Out Resurrection Lutheran Church Resurrection Lutheran Church Plano Tx 75075 (972) 867-0460 Provides respite care on the second Friday of each month from 6:30 - 9:30 pm



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L.A.M.B.S. Valley View Christian Church 17601 Marsh Lane Dallas Tx 75287 (214) 731-1748, ext 410 (voicemail) Provides respite service on the fourth Friday of each month from 6:30 - 10 pm.

Mesquite Adult Day Care 229 Barnes Bridge Mesquite Tx 75150 (972) 266-2131 Day program for adults (18 and up) with disabilities or debilitating conditions. Requires medical diagnosis. Provide transportation in the Dallas area.

National Respite Locator Service (800) 677-1116 www.respite locator.org Operate 8:30 am - 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday Service for parents and professionals caring for children with disabilities, terminal illness, or at-risk child of child abuse or neglect

NIGHT Owls Highland Park United Methodist Church 3300 Mockingbird Lane Dallas Tx 75205 (214) 523-2284 Provides free respite services on the first and third Friday of each month for children with disabilities and their siblings.

Sunshine Saturday 3030 Saturn Rd Garland Tx 75041 (972) 271-2444, ext 283 www.saturnroad.org/html/ministrie/specialneedministry/index.html [email protected] Respite services provided on the third Saturday of each month from 5 - 9 pm/ Additional information and application available on the web site.

Family Counseling Johnson Neuropsychology 1422 W. Main Street Suite 205 Lewisville Tx 75067 (469) 549-4200 www.johnsonneuro.com [email protected] Individual & Family Counseling (See our main listing on Page 40)




Divorce Attorney / Mediation / Collaborative Law Robert C. Ramirz, Esq.Coorpender & Ramirez, PLLCGuardianship Issues

3000 S. Stemmons Fwy Suite 200 Lake Dallas Tx 75065 (214) 850-8156 www.denton-law.com [email protected] Collaborative Law: A Commitment to Work it Out


Stephen E. Dubner 3000 S. Stemmons Fwy, Suite 200 Lake Dallas Tx 75065 (940) 239-7568 www.dubnerlaw.com [email protected] Collaborative Law: A Commitment to Work it Out


Adaptive Birthday Parties Noah’s Ark Animal Creations DFW Metro Area (972) 286-8808 www.kidstufftexas.com Party With Us! We Come to You! Call us today to book your child’s special day! Our parties are completely adaptive to the abilities of those in attendance. We have over 30 years experience with children who have learning differences and special needs.


Photography Bella Mia Portraits (214) 407-2359 www.bellamiaportraits.com As a mother of a son with autism, I understand the joys and frustrations of capturing the perfect picture, or just capturing who your child is in general. There is nothing more stressful and frustrating than getting your entire family dressed for family pictures only to walk away empty handed. We get that it’s not easy; our passion is to work hard with patience and understanding so that doesn’t happen. We guarantee all our sessions. If we don’t deliver the results you were looking for, we will re-shoot your portrait session so that you are 100% happy. We love and have such a heart for special needs children. We will capture what makes your family unique and special. Desiree’ Chapman, Professional photographer & mom to Joshua who has Aspergers Syndrome. (See Our Ad on PG 39)



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Dawn Michelle Photography 3108 Stonehenge Dr. Richardson Tx 75082 (214) 783-9691 www.dawnmichellephoto.com [email protected] Dawn Michelle Photography comes to your home or any local indoor or outdoor location to photograph your children and family. On-location photography is much less stressful on your family than taking ev-eryone to a crowded studio or mall. You will cherish these portraits for a lifetime. Make them special!

City Programs

Dallas Ramp Project, The P.O. Box 832006 Richadson Tx 75083 www.dallasrampsorg [email protected] Started in 1985, The Dallas Ramp Project builds access ramps for Dallas resident and its surrounding areas. The Dallas Ramp project i 100 percent volunteer staffed and works with the City of Dalla, social-services organizations and hospitals to identify clients who need a ramp. Access their Web site for more information.

Dallas Service 4242 Office Parkway Dallas Tx 75204 (214) 828-9900 www.dallasservices.org [email protected] Dallas Services offers the Dallas Day School, the Dallas Services Therapies Clinic and the Low Vision Clinic serving those with developmental disabilities of all age. All fees are based on a sliding scale.

Dallas, City of Department of Environmental and Health Services 1500 Marilla St, Rm 7A North Dallas Tx 75201 (214) 670-3696 (214) 670-3848 Provides health care for Dallas residents. Clinics, home visits, health assessments, immunizations, and education programs are available. A comprehensive screening program for children, the elderly and those suspected to have, or be at risk for, developmental delays is also available, as well as wellness programs for adult.

Child Find

ECI Local Public Awareness Contacts www.dars.state.tx.us/eci/resources/childfind.shtml





Disability Services

Department of Aging and Disability Service (DADS) 701 W. 51st St Austin Tx 78751 (512) 438-3011 www.dads.state.tx.us [email protected] Created during the reorganization of state health and human service agencies. It is now responsible for programs for people with mental retardation and related conditions that were formerly offered by Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. DADS is also responsible for programs for senior citizen. For specific eligibility requirements and program information, please either call or visit the Web site.

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) 5501 Abrams #115 Dallas Tx 75214 (214) 378-2600 (800) 687-7019 www.dars.state.tx.us [email protected] Services for people who are blind: (800) 252-2246. Services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: (512) 07-3250 or TTY: (512) 407-3251. Earl childhood intervention services (800) 250-2246. Created during the reorganization of state health and human service agencies. It is now a centralized agency for programs formerly provided by Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Texas Commission for the Blind, Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Interagency Council on Early Childhood In-tervention. For specific requirements and program information, please either call or visit the Web site.

Department of State Health Services 1100 W. 49th st Austin Tx 78756 (512) 458-7111 (888) 963-7111 or TDD: (800) 735-2989 wwwdshs.state.tx.us [email protected] The mental health program formerly provided by the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation are now offered through this agency.

Texas Advocates Supporting Kids with Disabilities (TASK) P.O. Box 162685 Austin Tx 78716 (512) 336-0897 (V or FAX) [email protected]

Texas Center for Disability Studies 4030 W. Braker Lane, Building 2, Suite 220, Mail code L4000 Austin Tx 78759 (512) 232-0740 (512) 232-0762 (TTY) tcds.edb.utexas.edu [email protected]



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Texas Commission for the Blind P.O. Box 12866 Austin Tx 78711 (512) 377-0500 www.dars.state.tx.us/dbs/index.html [email protected]

Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing P.O Box 12904 Austin Tx 78711 (512) 407-3250 (512) 407-3251 (TTY) www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/index.shtml

Texas Council for DD 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600 Austin Tx 78741-7509 (512) 437-5432 (800) 262-0334, (512) 437-5431 (TTY) www.txddc.state.tx.us [email protected]

Texas Department of Health 1100 w 49th St Austin Tx 78756 (512) 458-7111, ext 3110 www.dshs.state.tx.us/chen/default.shtm

Texas Education Agency: Deaf Services 1701 N. Congress Ave Austin Tx 78701 (512) 463-9424 (512) 475-3540 (TTY) www.tea.state.tx.us/deaf/

Texas Education Agency: Division of IDEA Coordination 1701 N. Congress Ave Austin Tx 78701 (512) 463-9362 (512) 475-3540 (TTY), (800) 252-9668 (Parent information line www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed [email protected]

Texas Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 2438 Austin Tx 78757 (512) 407-8844 (512) 944-9972 www.txffcmh.org TXFFCMH is the state-wide family network They help parents learn how to advocate for their child with education, legislative updates, help with the IEP process, and linking them up with local resources.

Texas Organization of Parent Attorneys and Advocates www.topaaorg [email protected] An independent, non profit, 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization of advocates, attorneys, and parents.




Texas Parent to Parent 3710 cedar St, Box 12 Austin Tx 78705-1449 (866) 896-6001 (512) 458-8600 www.txp2p.org/index.htm Created by parents for parents of children with disabilities, chronic illness and other special health care needs. Offering information and support to families throughout Texas

Educational Agencies

NICHY (National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities) P.O. Box 1492 Washington, DC 20013 (800) 695-0285 www.nichcy.org [email protected] Serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in youth and Toddlers, IDEA, the No Child Left Behind Act and provides research-based iinformation on effective practices for children with disabilities.

Programs for Children With Disabilities: Age 3 to 5 1701 N. Congress Ave Austin Tx 78701-1494 (512) 463-9414

Programs for Children with Special Health Care Needs 1100 W. 49th st Austin Tx 78756-3179 (512) 458-7355

State Department of Education Career and Technology Education www.tea.state.tx.us/cte/index.html

State Department of Education: Special Education 1701 N. Congress Ave Austin Tx 78701-1494 (512) 463-941

TEA Special Education www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed Links to: *A Guide to the ARD process *Preschool programs for Children with Disabilities, *Annual federal Data Reports, *Community Parent resource Centers, *Parent Resource Guide, *Parents’ Right & Procedural Safeguards, Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRGGs) www.tea.state.tx.us/interagency/creg.html

Wrightslaw - www.wrightslaw.com Information on laws, strategies/tactics, IEP development, etc




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Dallas Area Northstar Authority 10056 Marsh Lane, Suite 210 Dallas Tx 75229 (214) 366-9407 wwwdansatx.org DANSA is the Local Behavioral Mental Health Authority for Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall counties.

MHMR Authorites

Denton County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services 2519 Scripture Denton Tx 76202 (940) 387-5555 (800) 762-0457 www.dentonmhmr.org Crisis Hotline: (800) 762-0157 or TTY: (800) 269-6233. Denton county local authority for mental retardation and mental health services. Johnson Ellis navarro County MHMR Services 116 N. Rogers St Waxahachie Tx 75165-3642 (972) 937-7660 Lakes Regional MHMR Center: Kaufman/Rockwall Counties P.O. Box 747 Terrell Tx 75160 (972) 524-4159 TTY: (800) 735-2989 Mental Health and Mental retardation authority for Kauffman and Rockwall counties. Offers programs in early childhood intervention, counseling, in-home and family supports, HCS and CSHCSIFMR residen-tial services, respite, service coordination STAR services, life skills training and vocational services. Life Path Systems of Collin County: MHMR Collin County P.O. Box 828 McKinney Tx 76070 (972) 727-9133 (972) 562-3647 www.lifepathsystems.org Mental Retardation and Mental Health authority for Collin County. Offers Early Childhood Intervention, HCS, Texas Home Living Waiver and ICFMR programs, in home and family support, respite, supported employment and supported living programs. Metrocare Services (Formerly MHMR Dallas County) 1380 River Bend Drive Dallas Tx 75247 (214)-743-1200 1-877-283-2121 www.metrocareservices.org Formerly Dallas County MHMR, Metrocare (a nonprofit organization) is the Mental Retardation Authority (MRA) for Dallas County. An official diagnosis from the MRA is required for state-funded services. For diagnosis appointment call Eligibility & Determination (214-333-7000, 1353 N. Westmoreland, 75211).

Services: Center for Children with Autism, Behavioral Treatment Center, Early Childhood Intervention, Fostering, Home & Community-Based Services, On-site Pharmacy, Therapeutic Nursery, and various therapies (ABA, occupational, physical, speech/language). Find locations online or call 214-743-1200





Child Find / ECI Programs The Warren Center 320 Custer Rd Richardson Tx 75080 (972) 490-9055 www.thewarrencenter.org The Warren Center, for children with developmental differences provides assistance to families in helping their children meet developmental challenges in motor skills, communication, behavior, feeding and cognition. ECI of Richardson/North Dallas is a home-based program for infants and toddlers. The program options include speech, occupational and physical therapy, nutrition, developmental instruction, social work, and play skills.


Early Childhood Intervention (ECI age 0 - 3 screenings) 4900 N. Lamar Blvd Austin Tx 78751 (800) 250-2246 TTY/TDD (512) 424-6770 www.dars.state.tx.us/ecls [email protected] State organization providing programs for children ages birth to three years with disabilities or delays. Home and community services are designed to help children reach their full potential. All services are based on a sliding fee scale. Please call for local offices. ECI programs and services are funded by the state and offered through local agencies.

Non-Profits

Achievement Center of Texas (ACT) 2950 N. Shiloh Garland Tx 75044 (972) 414-7700 www.achievementscenteroftexas.com [email protected] Offers year-round day care and learning center for children and young adult (18month to 30 years old) including individualized programming and recreational activities. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programming and transition services are offered as needed. Parents are asked to send a sack lunch. Hours are 7:00 am to 6 pm Monday - Friday. Funded by corporate/foundation grants and donations

ADA Hotline 2323 S. Shepherd #1000 Houston Tx 77019 (800) 94-4232 [email protected] Hotline for questions regarding the American with Disability Act. Program include the Disability Law Resource Project, Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center.



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ADAPT of Texas 1640 E. 2nd St, Suite 100 Austin Tx 78702 (512) 442-0252 www.adapt.org [email protected] Disability rights advovacy group comprised mainly of individuals with disabilities, focuses on promot-ing services in the community (attendant-care services, accessibility, etc)

Advocacy, Inc. North Texas Regional Office 1420 W. Mockingbird, Suite 450 Dallas Tx 75247 (214) 60-0916 (800) 880-2884 www.advocacyinc.org Nonprofit corporation funded by the U.S. Congress to protect and advocate for legal rights of people with disabilities in Texas. Intake counselor are available Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm at (800) 880-2884. Provides legal service to people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and those receiving or wanting to receive services from the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. (TRC)

American Habilitation Service, Inc (Dallas Branch) 1721 W. Plano Pkwy, Suite 209 Plano Tx 75075 (972) 761-9161 www.ahsonline.com [email protected] Nonprofit provider of person-centered support to people with developmental disabilities in Texas since 1976.

Arc of Denton County P.O. Box 1279 Denton Tx 76202 (972) 436-8471 (800) 375-4520 www.arcofdentoncounty.org [email protected] Nonprofit, volunteer-based organization offering Parent-to-Parent, a support group for parents of children with disabilities, social and educational activities for adults with disabilities and the Sib-Shop, a support group for siblings of children with disabilities.

ARC of Greater Tarrant County, ARC GTC 1300 Lancaster Ave, Suite 104 Fort Worth Tx 76101 (817) 877-1474 www.arcgtcorg [email protected] The ARC GTC i a private, nonprofit organization established in December 1949 that assists in promoting the general welfare of people with mental retardation and their families.




ARC of Texas 8001 Centre Park Dr, Suite 100 Austin Tx 78754 (800) 252-9729 (512) 454-6694 www.thearcoftexas.org [email protected] The ARC of Texas is affiliated with The Arc of The United States and has 49 chapters in Texas working to provide additional supports and services to families throughout the state.

ARC of the United States, The 1010 Wayne Ave, Suite 50 Silver Spring MD 20910 (301) 565-3842 www.thearc.org [email protected] Serves a national headquarters for The Arc and is a national organization on mental retardation. Serve member and non-member and handles public inquires regarding mental retardation. Publication list contains over 100 books, flyers, videos and other resources.

Assistant Center of Collin County 900 E. 18th St Plano Tx 75074 (972) 422-1850 (800) 725-4936 www.assistancecenter.org [email protected] Provides information about and referrals to social services for residents of Collin County. Also coordi-nate financial and material assistance to those in need and adminiters emergency relief funds from local utility companies. Services are free.

Association for Independent Living (AFIL) 2826 Storey Lane #100 Dallas Tx 75220 (214) 351-0798 Private agency providing extensive training for young adults (ages 18 to 30) with developmental disabilities within a residential setting to develop skills for independent living. Residents must be competitively employed and are expected to pay for their expenses.

Autism Treatment Center, Inc Dallas Office 10503 Metric Dr Dallas Tx 75243 (972) 644-2076 www,atciftexas.org [email protected] Private, nonprofit corporation offering supported employment opportunities, educational program-ming and community based group homes for individuals who are autistic and deaf/blind or multi-handicapped (diagnostics and assessments available). ATC serves all age with residential placements beginning at age three. Fees are based on a scale of individual need. Licensed HCS and ICFMR provider. Funding include state agencies, Medicaid, school district and business contract and TRC.



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Center for Accord, The 415 Brooks Ct Roanoke Tx 76262 (682) 831-0664 (800) 294-0422 www.4accord.com [email protected] Center for Accord is a nonprofit organization whose mission i to promote collaboration in special educa-tion among those working on behalf of children with special needs.

Citizens Development Center (CDC) 8800 Ambassador Row Dallas Tx 75247 (214) 637-2911 www.edcdallas.org [email protected] Nonprofit agency that offers vocational rehabilitation services including facility based training, job placement, job coaching, supported employment service, daily living skills training and sheltered work opportunities. Individuals must be 16 yeas of age or older.

Collin County Committee on Aging - CCART Division 600 N Tennessee St McKinney Tx 75069 (972) 562-4275 www.cccoaweb.org/ccart.asp [email protected] A nonprofit division of Collin County Committee on Aging, CCART provides transportation to all citizens of Collin County. Fees are based on distance traveled, but may not exceed $5.00. (Plano riders must be 60 years of age or older. This applies to Plano only.)

Community Council of Greater Dallas, Inc - Community Helpline 211 2-1-1 Relay Texas: 711 (214) 379-4636 Aging Information Provides 24-hour information and referrals to social services in the Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall counties. Special services include Aging Information and Relay Texas (711).

Community Options 4004 Beltline Rd, Suite 155 Addison Tx 75001 (972) 503-3901 www,comop.org [email protected] Nonprofit providing services to individuals with disabilities, including foster care and companion services, supported home living, and 24-hour residential options. Licensed HCS and Texas Home Waiver provider. Funded through Medicaid, HUD monies and donations.





Connect to Care 1380 River Bend Drive Dallas Tx 75247 (214) 743-1273

We make finding local resources easier than ever before. Serves as the Dallas County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Provides information, referral and assistance to caregivers, professionals, older adults and individuals of all ages with disabilities who need assistance navigating the system. Connect to Care is completely VIRTUAL. Individuals seeking assistance can access services by telephone or through the Internet. Self-referrals can be completed online through the website. Phones are answered Monday through Friday from 8am-9pm. www.connecttocaredallas.org


CONTACT Crisis Line P.O. Box 800742 Dallas Tx 75380 (972) 233-086 www.contactdallas.org and wwwteencontact.org [email protected] Adult Help Line: (972) 233-2233, Teen Help Line: (972) 233-TEEN (8336) Free 24 hour immediate, confidential, one-on-one telephone crisis prevention and intervention, information and referral, emer-gency aid and community education. Limited emergency transportation and shelter are available.

Dallas Association for Parent Education (DAPE) 777 S. Central, Building 2, Suite 1-T Richardson Tx 75080 (972) 699-0420 www.dallasparents.org DAPE offers parent education workshops, CPR training and childbirth classes. Some education work-shops include parenting special needs children. Access their Web site for more information on times and dates of workshops.

Easter Seals of Greater Dallas, Tx 4443 N. Josey Lane Carrollton Tx 75010 (972) 394-8900 (800) 580-4718 www.dallas.easterseal.com

Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries of Texas, Inc North Central Texas Division 10810 Sanden Rd Dallas Tx 75238 (972) 386-4834 www,epmi.org [email protected] Nonprofit organization serving people with developmental disabilities. Programs Evergreen is affili-ated with Presbyterian Church USA



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Joni and Friends 6510 Abrams Rd, Suite 125 Dallas Tx 75231 (214) 739-2523 www.dallasjoinandfriends.org [email protected] Nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to accelerating Christian ministry in the disability commu-nity. Service offered include family ummer retreats, newsletters, workshops, resource center and the Christian Fund for the Disabled. Funded solely through donations.

The ARC of Dallas 12700 Hillcrest, suite 200 Dallas Tx 75230 (214) 634-9810 www.arcdallas.org [email protected] Formed in 1951 to improve the quality of ife of people developmental disabilities. A private, nonprofit agency affiliated with United Way serving Collin, Rockwall and Dallas counties. The ARC is also funded by corporate, foundation and individual contributions.

Volunteers of America Texas, Inc (VOA) 1424 Hemphill St Fort Worth Tx 76104 (817) 529-7300 www.voatx.org [email protected] National Christian human service organization providing services to all people across the US to improve the quality of life. Programs for individuals and families with developmental disabilities include HC and ICF-MR residential programs, supported employment and day habilitation.

Support Groups by Diagnosis: ADD / ADHD

ADD ADHD Support Group [email protected]

ADD Association 8200 Walnut Hills Dallas Tx 75253 (972) 458-9226 www.adda-sr.org [email protected] The Dallas support group meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at Presbyterian Medical Center in the Southeast Conference room. ADD Association: North Dallas, Richardson Chapter 4502 River Oaks Parkway Garland Tx (972) 467-9299 The North Dallas support group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 8:30 pm (except December, January and July) at the Richardson Baptist Church, 160 Buckingham Road in Richardson.




ADD/LD Parent Support Group of Collin County 601 Greenville Ave (First United Methodist Church of Allen) Allen Tx 75002 (972) 396-1216 [email protected] Our purpose is to support and nurture parents of children who learn differently by empowering parents through information to be proactive in advocating for their children. Community speakers, videos, and sharing information help our parents stay informed. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) 115 Executive Way, Suite 209 Desoto Tx 75115 (972) 283-7900. [email protected] Meetings held the third Monday of each month from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.

Asthma / Allergies

Allergic Child www,allergicchild.com [email protected] Family support, resources, newsletter Allergy Moms www.allergymoms.com [email protected] Support for caregiver, e-newsletter FAAN Teen www.faanteenorg Support, educations, tips Fan Kids www.fankids.org Games, activities, contests Food Allergy Project www.FoodAllergyProject.org [email protected] Lone Star Celiac Sprue Support Group #51 (214) 274-6094 www.dfwceliac.org president@dfwceliacorg Raising Our Celiac Kids (R.O.C.K.) Dallas Area Chapter 1821 Spinnaker Way Dr Wylie Tx 75098-7855 (972) 489-9915 www.dallasrock.org [email protected] Safe4Kids Asthma/Allergies www.safe4kids.com



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Autism Societies of America Autism Society of America promotes the development of services and resources for individuals with PDD or autism. Call your local chapter for meeting times, locations and additional information. Autism Societies of America P.O. Box 26129 Plano Tx 75026 (214) 925-2722 (voicemail) www.autim-ascc.org [email protected] Autism Societies of America 10503 Metric Dr Dallas Tx 75243 www.autim-ascc.org Autism Societies of America 1300 W. Lancaster Ft. Worth Tx (817) 390-2829 (800) 3AUTISM or (301) 657-0881 www.asgtc.org

AutismSpot 2300 McDermott Dr, Suite 200-113 Plano Tx 75025 (888) 317-8074, ext 703 www.autismspot.com • [email protected] AutismSpot provides unbiased information and expert advice to the Autism Community via streaming media, videos, blogs, forums, and news. Dallas Aspergers Network Information Support Help (DANISH) www.aspergerinfo.org • [email protected] DANISH is a support group for families affected by Asperger Syndrome (AS). Meeting are held at AAA Mental Health 13339 N. Central Expwy, Suite 100, Dallas, Tx 75243.

Allen-Frisco-Plano Autism Spectrum Parent Group 1517 W. McDermott Dr. Allen Tx 75013 www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismsupport The Autism Spectrum Parent Group provides support, resources and presentation for parents of children with Autism and related developmental disabilities. They also provide autism awareness, advocacy and education for their communities. Parents and professionals both are welcome to the meetings Access their Web site for more information.

Autism

Autism Speaks 6380 LBJ Freeway, Suite 285 Dallas Tx 75240 (972) 960-6227 www.autismspeaks.org Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.




Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) 7286 Glenview Drive Richland Hills Tx 76180 (817) 919-2228 www.featnt.org Provides information and support for families with children with autism, professional education, referrals, and publishes a bi-monthly newletter.


Generation Recue www.generationrescue.org [email protected] Generation Rescue is an international movement of scientist, physicians and parent volunteers researching the causes and treatments for autism and mentoring thousands of families in recovering their children from autism.

North Texas Autism Education Center (NTAEC) 2300 McDermott, Suite 200-178 Plano Tx 75025 (469) 682-0350 (voicemail only) www.ntaec.org [email protected] NTAEC is a nonprofit organization founded by parents and professionals. NTAEC hosts parent and professional workshops on applying the science of ABA to teach children with autism and similar development disabilities.

Our Children’s Circle (972) 529-3843 (972) 547-9692 www.occ.deltos.com [email protected] or [email protected] A support group of parents, educators and community leaders that provide resources for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Meets during the months of August through May. general meetings held a Earl H. Slaughter Elementary, 2706 Wolford Ave, McKinney.

Texas Autism Advocacy (281) 686-0103 www.Texas-Autism-Advocacy.org [email protected] or [email protected]




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Texas Parents of Bi-Polar Children 7622 Creek Trail San Antonio Tx 78254 (469) 417-0017 www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Texas_Parents_of_Bi_Polar_Children/ [email protected] Online parents Bi-Polar support group.

Brain Injury Association of Texas 1339 Lamar Square Suite 103 Austin Tx 78704 (512) 326-1212 (800) 392-0040 www.biatx.org [email protected] A nonprofit public service organization providing public awareness, education, support groups, family guidance and resources in an effort to meet the needs of the survivors of brain injury. Family Help Line: (800) 392-0040.

Bi-Polar

Brain Injury - Cognitive Disability

Martha Kate Downey Steps to Support for All 505 Anthony Dr Euless Tx 76039 (817) 283-4114 www.mkdowney.com [email protected] Association of individuals working together in a positive and inclusive way to improve services and funding of program which serve those with disabilities in Texas.

Blind

American Foundation for the Blind-Soutwest 260 Treadway Plaza, Exchange Park Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 352-7222 www.afb.org [email protected]

Reading & Radio Resouce (formerly North Texas Taping and Radio for the Blind) 2007 Randall Dallas Tx 75201 (214) 871-7668 www.readingresource.org [email protected]




Talking Book Program P.O. Box 12927, 1201 Brazos St Austin Tx 78711-2927 (800) 252-9605 (512) 463-5458 www.TexasTalkingBooks.org [email protected] Free library service that provides reading material in large print, braille, and on cassette for loan to individuals with qualifying physical, visual, and learning disabilities.

Texas Commission for the Blind P.O. Box 12866 Austin Tx 78711 (512) 377-0500 www.dars.state.tx.us/dbs [email protected]

Texas parents of Blind Children (TPOBC) P.O. Box 125 Friendswood Tx 77459-0125 (866) 636-3289 www.tpobc.org [email protected] A membership organization of parents working toward a better future for blind children by promoting blindness skills, fostering self-esteem, and utilizing blind adult role models.

Cancer

Candlelighters: Childhood Cancer Foundation www.candlelighters.org

Cerebral Palsy

4 My Child: Help and Hope for Life (800) 4MyChild (800-469-2445 www.cerebralpalsy.org

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) (214) 247-4505 Dallas (817) 692-4430 Fort Worth www.ucpdallas.org

Developmental Delay

Our Special Children at Cook’s Children’s Medical Center 801 7th Ave Fort Worth Tx 76104 (682) 885-4322 Offers supports and friendships of children with developmental disabilities in Tarrant County and its surrounding areas through group meetings. Support meetings offer informative speakers, discus-sions and networking with other parents. Monthly meetings are held at the Child Study Center (1300 W. Lancaster, Ft Worth) from 9:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Sitters are provided form the Child Study Center.



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Down Syndrome Guild 701 N. Central Expressway, Building 5-1 Richardson Tx 75080 (214) 267-1374 www.downsyndromedallas.org [email protected] A nonprofit volunteer organization comprised of parents of people with Down Syndrome. The Guild offers volunteer support for the Down syndrome clinic at Children’s Medical Center, hospital, home and phone visits with parents of newborns, resources, social gatherings, speakers, conferences and an informative newsletter.

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Partnership of Tarrant County (DSPTC) 5508 Chaperito Trail Arlington Tx 76016 (817) 421-1812 www.dsptc.org [email protected] Down Syndrome family support group

Dyslexia Dallas Branch of the International Dyslexia Asociation 140070 Proton, Suite 100 Dallas Tx (972) 233-9107, ext 222 (calls are returned twice a week by volunteer) [email protected] The Dallas Branch of the International Dyslexia Association is committed to leadership and advovacy for people with dyslexia by providing support for individuals and group interactions, programs to inform and educate and information for professionals and the general public.

Dallas Dyslexia Information Group (DDIG) (214) 351-1985 [email protected]

International Dyslexia Association www.interdys.org

LISD Parents of Dyslexia Students www.lisdpods.org groups.yahoo.com/group/LISD-PODS

North East Tarrant County Dyslexia Council 1926 Sheffield Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 481-8978 www.allcanread.net [email protected] Specializing in promoting awareness and acceptance of students with dyslexia through community events and parent support group meeting. No cost. Open to parent, educations and professionals who are interested in helping students with dyslexia.




Epilepsy

Easter Seals Epilepsy Services 2100 Circle Dr Fort Worth Tx 76119-8310 (817) 536-8693 (888) 288-8324 www.fortworth.easterseals.com [email protected]

Hearing Impaired/Deaf

Deaf Action Center Region 3 3515 Crestview Dr Dallas Tx 72335 (214) 521-0407 V/TTY www.deafactioncentertexas.org [email protected]

Deaf-Blind Multi Handicapped Association of Texas 815 High School Dr Seagoville Tx 75159 (972) 287-1904 www.dbmat.org [email protected] State-wide advocacy organization that serve as an information resource for individuals who are deaf, blind and/or multi-handicapped and their families Referrals and peer counseling provided upon request. The Parent Connection links up parents in different geographical area throughout the state to form support groups.

National Association of the Deaf 8630 Fenton St, Suite 820 SilverSpring MD 20910 (3010 587-788 Voice (301) 587-1789 TTY

Independent School Districts

Arlington Special Education PTSA www.aseptsa.org

Collin County Special Education Cooperative 1404 N. McDonald St McKinney Tx 75071 (972) 548-3200 www.ccsec.org [email protected] Provides all special education services including evaluation, therapies and instruction for Anna, Blue Ridge, Community, Farmersville, Lovejoy, Melissa, Prosper and Wylies ISD’s




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Coppell Special Ed Parents Support Group (469) 358-7347 [email protected] [email protected] Riverside Church of Christ, 150 E Beltline Rd, NE Corner Denton Tap and Beltline, Coppell Tx 75109. 10:00 am - 12 pm.

Education Service Center, Region X (10) 400 E. Spring Valley Rd Richadson Tx 75081 (972) 348-1536 www.ednet10.net [email protected] Nonprofit agency that assists school districts and families by providing workshops, information gather-ing meetings and other resources. Counties that Region 10 cover are Dallas, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, Hunt, Collin, Fannin and Grayson.

Frisco SAGE www.friscosage.com [email protected]

Greater Lewisville (LISD) Special Education PTA www.lisdsepsa.txpta.org Email listserve community at: www.group.yahoo.com/group/lisd-septsa Open to parent, professional and loved ones of children with special need. Gifted and talented listserve: www.groups.yahoo.co/group/lisd-gt. Young adults listserve: www.group.yahoo.com/group/septsa-young-adult

Plano Sage www.pptasage.com [email protected]

Texas Education Agency: Deaf Services 1701 N. Congress Ave Austin Tx 78701 (512) 463-9424 (512) 475-3540 (TTY) www.tea.state.tx.us/deaf/

Mental Illness

NAMI Dallas 6510 Abrams Rd #568 Dallas Tx 75231-7275 (214) 341-7133 www.namidallas.org [email protected] Provides support and education to families and friends of people with a serious mental illness. The organization is affiliated with The National Alliance for the Mentall Ill (NAMI) and the Texas Alliance for the Mentall Ill (NAMI Texas).




NAMI of Collin County P.O. Box 867264 Plano Tx 75086 (972) 922-5095 www.namicco.org [email protected] Provides support and education to families and friends of people with a serious mental illness. The organization is affiliated with The National Alliance for the Mentall Ill (NAMI) and the Texas Alliance for the Mentall Ill (NAMI Texas).

NAMI Texas 2800 South IH35, Suite 140 Austin Tx 78704 (800) 633-3760 www.manitexas.org

International Myotonic Dystrophy Organization, Inc P.O. Box 1121 Sunland Ca 91041-1121 (760) 918-0377 www.myotonicadytrophy.org [email protected]

Muscular Dystrophy

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida Association of Dallas 705 W. Avenue B, Suite 409 Garland Tx 75040 (972) 238-8755 [email protected] [email protected] Providing support, information and encouragement to North Texas individuals and families affected by spina bifida.

Siblings

HALO Program Christ United Methodist Church 3101 Coit Rd Plano Tx 75075 (972) 596-4303 A therapist-supported, sibling support group - meets once a week for 6 week sessions after school on Monday and Tuesday afternoons - $120 for 6 weeks.




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North Texas tourette Syndrome Support Group 2315 Daybreak Dr Dallas Tx 75287 (214) 808-6626 www.tourettetexas.org [email protected] Local Support Group provide education services, support services, ARD and IEP Assistance for members, their families, schools, etc and fun for the entire family.

Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas Support Group (972) 307-1903 [email protected] or Michelle at michells@cubesolutionscom 214(459-0715) Meetings: Second Saturday of every month from 10:00 am - 12 pm. Location Brookhaven College, just north of LBJ Freeway, Interstate Highway 635 at 3939 Valley View Lane between Midway Road and Marsh Lane in Farmers Branch, Dallas Tx.

Tourette Syndrome Association of Texas Support Group (817) 925-7004 [email protected] Location: Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth, 1400 Eighth Ave, Fort Worth, Tx

Tourette Syndrome

Unknown Syndromes

Global Health Network, The 3604 Hendrick Dr Plano Tx 75074 (972) 943-0588 www.GlobalHealthNetwork.org [email protected] The Global Health Network is a world wide web community dedicated to providing disease-specific support groups. The GHN currently offers more than 1000 disease-specific support groups and other groups for people who share a common language or culture.

Toys

Discovery Toys www.discovery.toysinc.com Has a line of toys for children with Autism-spectrum disorders.

Our Stop Sensory Shop www.onestopsensoryshop.com Weighted lap pads, blankets, vests, resistance tunels, body socks and more.





Crystal Dyess-Carroll 1221 Goldeneye Dr Aubry Tx 76227 (940) 768-8001 www.cognitivedevelopment.pbworks.com [email protected] My name is Crystal Dyess-Carroll. Being a resource partner is a great opportunity for me because it will give me the chance to better help our community of people with disabilities It is important to me that the passion of advocating is passed on to families and guardians who provide care for individu-als with disabilities. Through free consultation over the phone and email, I hope to provide not only advice but ways to better integrate strategies and tools that will help the healthy transition of individuals with disabilities from school into the community.


Berry Family Services 4702 Rowlett Road Rowlett Tx 75088 (972) 412-4707 www.berryfamilyservices.com [email protected] Berry Family Services is an HCS (Home and Community based service), TXML (Texas Home Living), and GR (General Revenue) Provider that Serves individuals with Mental Retardation. Berry Family Services is owned and operated by the Berry Family whose objective is to provide quality services to the “whole” person with disabilities and their family. Our consumers deserve exceptional service and value when it comes to meeting their personal needs. Berry Family Services will take the time to gain a full appreciation of the unique challenges presented by your personal situations. Most importantly, we possess the knowledge and expertise to provide solutions that meet your needs. We are dedicated to helping our consumers help themselves through services and supports designed to meet their individual needs and choices

Programs Serving: Dallas County, Tarrant County, Rockwall County, Collin County, Denton County, Cooke County, Fannin County, Grayson County, Henderson County, Rains County, Smith County, Van Zandt County, Wood County, Camp County, Delta County, Franklin County, Hopkins County, Kaufman County, Lamar County, Morris County, Titus County, Johnson-Ellis-Navarro Counties, and Hunt County.


Transitional Services

Home Business Opportunities SOZO The Functional Beverage www.SoZoLife.com/WancataFreedomTeam [email protected] Become a SOZO team member today! Work from home & experience freedom. Let us help you get started, call Nanaa Wancata 817-975-8449(after 4pm) or Carole Conway (817) 905-3839 SOZO the Functional Beverage: 3 oz daily serving equals 20 servings of organic fruits and vegetables *Coffeeberry ® —Natures most powerful anti-oxidant *Organic—No preservatives, sugar or fillers *Caffeine Free *Exclusive Patented Process *110,014 ORAC* units per liter



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Challenge Air www.challengeair.com [email protected] Challenge Air for Kids and Friends, a not-for-profit organization, offers motivational, inspirational and life-changing experiences to physically challenged children and youth through aviation.


Adaptive Adventure Sports

It’s A Sensory World 13617 Neutron Rd Farmers Branch Tx 75244 (972) 239-8100 www.itsasensoryworld.com [email protected] “It’s a Sensory World!” caters to the recreational and social needs of children with special needs. Our facility is intended to fill the gap between therapy and main stream recreation, where children regardless of their developmental level can participate in fun-filled activities. Our MISSION is to provide a high-quality, affordable, venue for children who present sensory dysfunction and thus better assist them in meeting their sensory needs. To provide an appropriate, parent guided sensory-motor and social-skills program for children of all abilities.


Adaptive Sports Foundation Windham Mountain, upstate New York (518) 734-5070 www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org 1:1 winter program for skiing and snow boarding - summer program for horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, golf, tennis, cycling, camping, sled hockey & special hockey

Frisco Miracle League (214) 296-2017 (877) 683-6085 www.FriscoMiracleLeague.org The Miracle League of Frisco is a sports league for special-needs children, ages 5-18, from throughout North Texas. We offer spring/fall baseball and soccer, winter/summer bowling and other sporting opportunities to children with all levels of disabilities. We are a “no practice” league – we just focus on having fun at game time! Registration fees (per six-week season) run about $35 and include uniform and a trophy. However, scholarships are available to all who need them – simply ask! The Miracle League of Frisco: “Because every child deserves the chance to play.”


Tell Them That Connections Sent You!Recreational Resources Directory


University of North Texas Physical Activity Program (940) 565-3403 The program provides physical activity services to reinforce what your child is learning in PE or at home. Children are partnered up with 2+ undergraduate students who are enrolled in Movement for Special Populations. The students will then write lesson plans and teach your children skills/games etc across the course of the semester.

Cheerleading

Special Needs Cheerleading “Texas Cutez” (469) 233-2882 www.here4kids.com [email protected] Classes are held at Rosemeade Recreation Center in North Carrollton on Sundays from 2:30 to 3:00 pm. Fee is $50 for a 9-week session, scholarships are available. Dr. Angela Patton For all ages and abilities Teams for typically developing children/siblings also available.

Cooking Classes

Cooking Capers 801 S. Greenville, Suite 103 Allen Tx 75002 (972) 822-1659 www.cookingcapers.com [email protected] Cooking Capers offers cooking parties specifically tailored to special needs children.

Dance

Footlights Dance Studio 1165 S. Stemmons Frwy. #154 Lewisville Tx 75067 (972) 436-7455 www.footlightsancestudio.com

Frisco Dance Force: Creative Movement Class 3221 Preston Rd, 33 Frisco Tx 74034 (972) 712-6829

The Dance Space 1681 Justin Road Suite 102 Flower Mound Tx 75028 )972) 899-3032 www.thedancespace.org (Not just for special needs but able to accommodate some children in typical classes)




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The Dancer’s Workshop 750 S. Mill St. Lewisville Tx 75057 (972) 420-1314 www.dancers-workshop.com New creative movement class for mid-to high-functioning children called “Move With the Flow” Wednesdays from 4:14 to 5:15 3:1 ratio

Fitness Center

Angel League Athletics Association of Texas 1404 Pearson Avenue McKinney Tx 75069 (972) 548-7898 www.angelleague.com [email protected] Committed to providing athletic programs and recreational services that meet the needs of children with mental and physical disabilities nation wide. Cost is $40 per child per season, scholarships available

Bachman Recreation Center 2750 Bachman Drive Dallas Tx 75220 (214) 670-6266 [email protected] Offers recreation programs specifically for individuals (ages 6 and up) with disabilities. Program offers arts and crafts, sports, fitness, aquatics, socialization, music, drama and outdoor activities. Call for specific information regarding programs. Program fees are based on a sliding scale. Part of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department.

Coppell YMCA Lewisville YMCA “Buddy Sports” 2021 Cross Timbers Road Flower Mound Tx 75028 (972)539-9622 (972) 393-5121 www.lewisvilleymca.org Contact: Bryce Merrill [email protected] , Parent coordinator: Keny McClurg [email protected] Offers soccer, basketball and baseball. Special Needs Programs Available

Dore Achievement Centers 4851 Merlot Ave., Suite 530 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 526-1337 (866) 784-4377 www.doreusa.com [email protected] A clinically proven, drug-free treatment for children and adults focused on the root cause. Specialized, tailored exercises can enable you to maximize your potential.

EveryBody Fits 200 Fitness Court Coppell Tx 75019 (972) 471-2345



Excite Gym “Superkids” 32510 Parker Square (972) 874-9663 Offering classes for children with special needs with an OT, with or without parent participation. Wednesdays and Fridays $75/month

Therapeutic Recreation Programs offered by Plano Park and Rec. (972) 941-7327 [email protected]

Therapeutic Recreation Programs offered by Plano Park and Rec. Class on Sunday Afternoons Carrollton, TX 75005 P: 214-731-1108 (972) 941-7272 [email protected]

WinKids 3000 Waketon Road Flower Mound Tx 75028 (972) 355-9988 (972) -899-9991 www.winkids.net [email protected]

Gymnastics

North American Gymnastics Special Needs 1023 E. Seminole Trail Carrollton Tx 75005 (214) 731-1108

Play Options – in partnership with ASI Gymnastics P.O. Box 1777 Wylie Tx 75098 (214) 207-6161 Wendy Williams - [email protected] Cari Harvey - [email protected] www.playoptions.com Locations in Allen, Arlington, Cedar Hill, Lake Highlands, Mesquite, Plano West, Rockwall, and Wylie

Special Needs Gymnastics Denise Anderson (806)438-3227 (214) 813-7047 www.specialneedsgymnastics.com Currently meeting at North American Gymnastics. New location to open in old Hobby Lobby on Main St. in Lewisville

The Little Gym of Carrollton 1025 W. Hebron #148 Carrollton Tx 74010 (972) 446-1122 Kay LeBlanc-Owner (Masters In Special Education with 16 years experience working with special needs students in the public school setting)



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Red Tiger Karate [email protected] $35 for an 8-10 week session Taught at different schools and community centers throughout Denton County and now into Tarrant County. www.redtigerkarate.com

Movies for families with Autism & other Special Needs Plano Studio Movie Grill Reagan Roth www.studiomoviegrill.com Saturdays at 11 am. Call for scheduling: Brandon Jones, 972-964-3789

Karate / Martial Arts

Movies & Special Screenings

Horse Riding

Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship P.O. Box 192747 Dallas Tx 75219 (972) 412-1099 (800) 208-2136 www.equest.org [email protected] A therapeutic horseback-riding program for children and adults with developmental, physical or emotional disabilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with sessions in fall, spring, and summer. Funded through donations

Rocky Top Therapy Center 660 Keller Smithfield Rd. Keller Tx 76249 (817) 379-5717 www.rockytoptherapy.org Taught by NARHA-certified instructors, Trail Blazers is a developmental riding therapy program. The Trail Blazers program utilizes horseback riding for clients with physical, mental, cognitive, social or behavioral problems, and often serves as a continuation of the treatment an individual received previously in hippotherapy. Beyond just improvement in the individual’s confidence and discipline while improving gross and fine motor skills, posture, balance, and coordination, Trail Blazers participants develop more refined horsemanship skills and many go on to compete in are and state Special Olympics, Top Hands in Houston or Chisholm Challenge in Fort Worth.


Roller Skating

Roller Skating Lessons for Special Needs 1408 S State Highway 121 (just west of I-35) Lewisville Tx 75067 (972) -221-4666 Shona $5 for a 15 minute lesson, $10 for a 30 minute lesson once a week



AquaKids Swim School 3409 Cross Timbers Rd Flower Mound Tx 75028 (972) 724-1528 www.aquakids.com [email protected]

AquaKids Swim School 4313 Heritage Trace Parkway Keller Tx 76248 (817)745-1000 www.aquakids.com [email protected]

Swimming

Coppell Aquatic and Recreation Center (972) 304-7032 [email protected]

Coppell Family YMCA 146 Town center Blvd Coppell Tx 75019 (972) 393-5121, ext 220 www.coppellymca.org [email protected] This program provides swim instruction and water exercise for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. It is a one on one instructional program. Contact Mary Blankenship.

Paige’s Swim School 2301 N_ Central Expwy_ # 140 Plano Tx 7575 (214) 558-7946 www.paigesswimschool.com [email protected]

Water Skiing

You Can Ski- Adaptive Water Sports (214) 634-9810 ext. 106 [email protected] Wayne Holt, Speaker E: [email protected]





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ARC Day Camp Plano and McKinney www.arc.dallas.org [email protected] Runs during summer and spring break

ARC of Dallas Summer Adventure Camp www.arc.dallas.org [email protected]

Camps / Summer Camps

ARC of Denton County Sibling Camp www.arcofdentoncouty.org One weekend each May

Bachman Therapeutic Rec Center 2750 Bachman Drive Dalllas Tx 75220 (214) 670-6266

Camp Broncho - Asthma 3818 Cedar Springs Rd. Suite 101-343 Dalllas Tx 75219-4169 (469) 766-1509 [email protected]

Camp Friendship (972) 633-8244 [email protected] Week-long day camp for kids with Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism

Camp Peace [email protected] Summer day camp for kids 6 years or older with AS, HFA, PDD, autism

Camp Summit 2915 LBJ Freeway, Ste 185 Dalllas Tx 75234 (972) 484-8900 [email protected] Camp designed for children, teenagers and adults with disabilities. Separate sessions are scheduled for specific ages and level of functioning. One week and weekend sessions provide typical camp activities. Sliding scale fees are available. Camp Summit is a United Way agency and is accredited by the American Camping Association.




Charis Hills Camp P.O. Box 1377 Ingram Tx 78025 www.charishills.org [email protected] Charis Hills is a special needs, recreational summer camp which helps children with learning differences build confidence and find success. We serve campers ages 7-25. We welcome campers with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, speech/language and hearing impairment, emotional/behavioral challenges including high functioning Autism and Asperger’s. Camp is a great place to teach social skills. Campers also receive academic instruction for one activity period each day. Located one hour from Dallas & Fort Worth in the beautiful Cross Timbers or Northern Texas Hill Country! We also have spring and fall Family Camp programs that are both educational and recreational for the whole family.


Down Home Ranch www.downhomeranch.org/camps Ranch Camp offered Near Austin, Tx

Focus on the Future Adventure Special Ed Summer Camp 3405 Custer Road, Suite 100 Plano Tx 75023 Primary and Secondary Grade Levels

Friend to Friend Social Camp (214) 684-8940 [email protected] 18

FUMCR Richardson GEMS Special Needs 503 N. Central Expy. Richadson Tx 75080 (972) 996-0120 www.fumcr.com/ pages/childrenspecialneeds

FUNTASTICS Camp (972) 466-9151 For individuals with disabilities ages 8 – 21 years. $50 per week

North Texas Conductive Education Camp (469)964-1216 www.ntxce.org [email protected] Conductive Education for children with motor disabilities

Plano Parks and Recreation Department - Therapeutic Program (972) 941-1216 [email protected]



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Riverside Church of Christ Texoma Youth Camp [email protected]

SEEK Camp – Coppell 420 S. Heartz Rd Coppell Tx 75019 (972) 462-0471 [email protected]

SEEK Camp - Dallas “Summer Experience for Exceptional Kampers” www.fumcdal.org

Special Summer Friends www.pptasage.com/ SummerFriends.htm (case sensitive)

Texas Lions Camp For children with physical disabilities, diabetes and cancer P.O. Box 290247 Kerrville Tx 78029 (830) 896-8500 www.lionscamp.com [email protected]

Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation 6555 Sierra Dr Irving Tx 75039 (800) 942-8476 www.texasnf.org [email protected] *Parents’ Night Out / Respite Care see Parental Resource

Yoga

Special World Yoga Dallas Tx (804) 714-7167 [email protected]


Tell Them That Connections Sent You!Therapeutic Resources Directory


Autism Concepts Fort Worth Tx (817)-845-1629 866-540-3687 www.autism-concepts.com Autism Concepts Incorporated specializes in language and communication, play skills and social skills using research based interventions. We utilize the principals and procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a focus on verbal behavior. We set up in-home ABA programs.


Therapy Resources: Applied Behavioral Analysis

Autism Solutions 1540 Southtown Dr. Suite 113 Granbury Tx 76048 (817) 894-7469 www.autismsolutionsofgranbury.com [email protected] ABA therapy to reach your child! Progress which can be seen and measured: As said by one of our parents, “My child is more vocal, makes better eye contact, is calmer and sociable and hardly ever stares at ceiling fans or lights anymore. His progress has been remarkable.” * Board Certified Behavior Analyst collaboration * Registered Nurse on premises * Comprehensive program: behavioral, social, academic, communication * Embedded Speech in program design * Parent training and workshops * Complimentary initial consultation and assessment * Insurance accepted as applicable * After-school, weekday and weekend programs.


Behavior & Education Specialist of Texas, LLC (B.E.S.T) 505 Lexington Lane Richardson Tx 75080 (972) 742-0807 www.bestaba.com [email protected] BEST Provides in home ABA program consultation, assessment, training & therapy for children with special needs by a board certified Behavior Analyst. We passionately approach education and interven-tion with the focus on communication, behavior and social skills. We also provide school consultations, training workshops, parent training and behavior intervention plan. Behavior Exchange 900 E. 17th St Plano Tx 75074 (972) 312-8733 [email protected] Based out of a historic home in downtown Plano, The Behavior Exchange serves children with special needs, particularly autism. They specialize in early intervention utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis, precision teaching and positive behavior support.

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Behavioral Innovations, Inc 6301 Campus Circle Drive East Suite 100A Irving Tx 75063 (469) 374-0700 www.behavioral-innovation.com [email protected] Maximizing your child’s potential through compassionate, evidence-based ABA Therapy. BI offers hope and help for your child! Our parents say it all, “Her resulting progress has been no less than astonishing!” If your child suffers with Autism or another behavioral disorder, time is your most valuable asset. Don’t wait, call today! • Complimentary admissions screening with Board Certified Specialists • Flexible, center-based therapy programs incorporating Speech & Occupational Therapy • Empowering parent education • Comprehensive data tracks child’s progress • SAIL – Social Skills aftercare program


Center For Children with Autism at Metro Care

CCAM is reaching out to the Metroplex to offer, quality, affordable ABA services. Our goal is to lead each child to his or her potential through evidence based therapy founded on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) including Verbal Behavior (VB). We provide a hands on approach with assessments, 1:1 therapy, and parent training to maximize progress. Each program is tailored to the behavior, social, and language needs of the child; while also maintaining a creative, energetic environment. All services are directly implemented by highly qualified, specialist with ongoing BCBA supervision. *Funding available for Ages 3 and under. (see our ad on page 54) Call us today to Schedule your tour 214-333-7032


Consulting 4 Children on the Spectrum P.O. Box 250543 Plano Tx 75025 (214) 498-3778 www.consulting4childrenonthespectrum.com [email protected] We provide ABA in-home consultation, treatment, assessments, training and ARD/IEP support for children diagnosed with Autism/PPD. DFW Center for Autism 303 W. Nash Street Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 424-9797 www.dfwcenterforautism.org [email protected] DFWCFA is a Non-Profit organization that serves the Autism community through 3 programs- an inclusive Preschool, Outreach, and Training. All overseen by a BCBA.



Hope Center 4 Autism Fort Worth 3704 Hwy 377 South AB Fort Worth Tx 76116 (817) 560-1139 www.hopcenter4autism.org [email protected] The Hope Center 4 Autism offers behavioral intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as well as other behavioral issues. Our services include, Initial treatment Consultation, 1:1 be-havioral therapy, Social Skills, Transition therapy, Parent training, Support Groups, Speech, Language, Music and Occupational Therapy

Pumpkin Littles 5452 Glen Lakes Dr, Suite 201 Dallas Tx 75231 (972) 569-7141 www.PumpkinLittles.com [email protected] Learn the signs, Act Early! Pumpkin Littles is a multi-combination approach to early intervention for children with Developmental Delays, Sensory Integration, Asperg-ers and Autism. Using a unique one on one approach combing ABA, TEACCH, PECS, Floortime, Behavior Modification, Sensory Integration, Data Collection and other theories of practice, each child’s session is uniquely tailored to match his/ her needs. Parents are able to observe sessions through a two way mirror. Servicing children 2 to 8 years. Let Pumpkin Littles work with you to find the right path for your child.


Teach Me Behavior and Educational Consulting 1422 W. Main Ste. 205 Lewisville Tx 75067 (972) 704-4410 www.teachmebec.com [email protected] We are a group of Certified Behavior Analysis, passionate about teaching others to learn. While our focus on language, behavior, social, academic and life skills, we strive to make it meaningful and fun! We provide continuous training, and closely monitor progress through on going assessment, observation, and direct 1:1 sessions to get to know each learner. The science of Applied Behavior Analy-sis (VB-identifying functions of language) is used to facilitate the development of socially significant skills needed to succeed at home, school and the community. (see our as on page 66)




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Mustard Seeds New Location Coming Soon Tx (469) 995-4051 www.mustard-seeds.org [email protected] Mustard Seeds provides a 5 star therapy center for pre-school children who have Autism spectrum disorders. We also have summer camp, weekend and after-school programs. While the overall focus of our therapy is ABA/Floortime DIR based, we also provide Equestrienne, Aquatic, Music, Speech, Occupational, & Physical therapies. Most importantly, we believe in using the Walden Model. By providing a combination of therapies in one familiar, comfortable location, the children maximize their development potential in a peaceful, faith-based environment. Parents must no longer travel everywhere to get the therapy their child needs.


Aquatic Therapy

AquaKids Swim School 3409 Cross Timbers Rd Flower Mound Tx 75028 (972) 724-1528 www.aquakids.com [email protected]

AquaKids Swim School 4313 Heritage Trace Parkway Keller Tx 76248 (817)745-1000 www.aquakids.com [email protected]

Coppell Family YMCA 146 Town center Blvd Coppell Tx 75019 (972) 393-5121, ext 220 www.coppellymca.org [email protected] This program provides swim instruction and water exercise for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. It is a one on one instructional program. Contact Mary Blankenship.




Art Therapy

The Art Station 1616 Park Place Ave Fort Worth Tx 76110 (817) 921-2401 www.theartstation.org The art station provides outpatient mental health services through art therapy to clients aged 6 and up. Medicaid, CHIPS, Private Insurance & Sliding Scale accepted

Auditory Integrative Therapy Integrative Pediatric Therapy 12840 Hillcrest Road Suite E104 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 404-3077 www.integrativepediatric.com

(see our main listing on page 156 )

Kotsanis Insitute 2020 W. State Hwy 114 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 481-6342 www.kotsanisinsitute.com


The Listening Centre-Tomatis Dallas 12810 Hillcrest Rd B-101 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 404-8152 (281) 788-8386 www.tomatis.com [email protected] Providing Tomatis Listening training for all ages. Kids diagnosed with PDD, Autism, ADD, Dyslexia, enrichment programs for sports, self esteem, singing and language learning.

Therapeutic Life Skills 915 Syline Dr. Suite 100 Arlington Tx 76011 (817) 461-6200 www.lifeskills.us



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Brain Training Associates, Inc 2301 Ohio Dr, Suite 130 Plano Tx 75093 (972) 964-8510 www.braintraining.com [email protected] Assessment, consultation and cognitive rehabilitation therapy for children with autism or PDD, sensory processing disorder, developmental delay, brain injury, CP, genetic errors or metabolic disorders.

Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy

Cranial-sacral Chiropractic & Natural Medicine Clinic 3530 Forest Lane, Suite 104 Dallas Tx 75234 (972) 332-2280 (214) 350-9777 www.DavidRosenthal.com Dr. Rosenthal focuses on improving the overall brain and neurological activity of your child. If your child suffers from ADD/ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, birth traumas, behavioral disorders and other learning disabilities Dr. Rosenthal may be able to help. By using chiropractic, neurological and nutritional testing, he can help you ut together a treatment program that helps. He works closely witih other professionals including M.D.’s, optometrist, opthamologists, speech pathologists and others. he implements chiropractic, cranial acral, neurology, sensory integration and nutrition as parts of his therapy. Please call 214-350-9777.

(See our ad on pg 65)

Integrative Pediatric Therapy 12840 Hillcrest Road Suite E104 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 404-3077 www.integrativepediatric.com

(See our main listing on page 156 )

Whole Child Wellness, Dr. Amber Brooks 4801 Frankford Rd Suite 200 Dallas Tx 75287 (972) 930-0260 www.mychildwellness.com





Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship 3800 Troy Road Wylie Tx 75098 (972) 412-1099 www.equest.org [email protected] A therapeutic horseback-riding program for children and adults with developmental, physical or emotional disabilities in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area.

Equine Angels Special Therapy Center 329 County Ct. Bartonville Tx 76226 (214) 212-4107 www.equineangels.org

Frisco Horse Park 13100 S.H. 121 Frisco Tx 75035 (972) 335-8000 www.friscohorsepark.org [email protected]

Hippotherapy (horse therapy)

Reata Rehabilitation 9203 T.N. Skiles Rd Ponder Tx 76259 (940) 479-2612 www.reatarehabilitation.org [email protected]

Riding Unlimited 9168 T.N. Skiles Rd Ponder Tx 76259 (940) 479-2016 www.ridingunlimited.org [email protected]

Rocky Top Therapy Center 660 Keller Smithfield Rd Keller Tx 76248 (817) 379-5717 www.rockytoptherapy.org [email protected] Hippotherapy is a term that refers to the use of the movement of the horse as a medical tool. The horse’s walk provides sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the patient are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. Licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants use the horse and the ranch setting to accomplish treatment goals are specified by a physician’ prescription.



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Spirithorse 1960 Post Oak Rd Corinth Tx 75210 (940) 497-2946 www.spirithorsetherapy.com [email protected]

Stajduhar Stables 816 West L.D. Lockett Rd Colleyville Tx 76034 (817) 849-1999 www.stajduharstables.org

Therapeutic Riding of Texas (TROT) Gemini Farms 1701 S. Duncanville Rd Cedar Hill Tx 75104 (972) 293-3388 www.trottx.org [email protected]

Walk On! Therapeutic Riding Center Willow Wood Ranch 5513 Smiley Rd Celina Tx 75009 (972) 347-9616 www.therapyriding.com [email protected] A short drive from Denton, McKinney, Frisco, Little Elm, The Colony, Carrollton and surrounding areas.

Hyperbaric Chamber Rentals In Home H-Bot Dallas Tx (817) 400-2762 www.inhomehbot.com [email protected] We are dedicated to providing quality, low cost hyperbaric therapy in your home. Hyperbaric chambers do require a doctors prescription. Please visit our website to learn more www.inhomehbot.com or call us today at 817-400-2762


Music Therapy

Kathleen Coleman Prelude Music Therapy www.preludemusictherapy.com [email protected]




Sisson Piano Studio 1401 Sweet Gum Dr. Lewisville Tx 75067 (469) 948-0428 www.sissonpiano.com [email protected] Creative, individualized piano lessons offered for students of all needs and abilities.

S.T.A.R. Music 2035 McDermott, Suite 450 Allen Tx 75013 (972) 839-0312 www.startherapyprograms.com [email protected]

Southwestern Music Therapy DFW Metro Area (214) 227-1006 www.southwesternmusictherapy.com Southwestern Music Therapy, L.L.C. is a private practice, established to provide consultative and collaborative music therapy services for clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Our highly trained Board Certified Music Therapists develop and implement goal driven individualized programs that benefit those that are non-musical as well as musical, and are determined upon the therapists’ assessment of the client’s overall cognitive, language and motor abilities. Musical interventions involving neurological therapy techniques, including rhythmic auditory stimulation and instrumental improvisation can be adapted to elicit positive results in overall


Therapeutic Associates of Plano 2300 Coit Rd, Suite E Plano Tx 75075 (972) 569-7244 [email protected]

Neurofeedback Training

Richard E. Davis M.S. Hurst Tx (817) 589-1300

Dr. Jackie Keish LMFT, LPC, BCIA-EEG 420 N. Carroll Ave. Suite 140 Southlake Tx 76092 (817) 421-5555 www.neurofeedbackoftexas.com Providing Neurofeedback therapy may be the answer for ADHD, Impulse control, anxiety, and other Issues.


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Electroacupuncture Kotsanis Insitute 2020 W. State Hwy 114 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 481-6342 www.kotsanisinsitute.com


Interactive Metronome Excel Pediatric Therapy 789 Justin Rd Rockwall Tx 75087 (972) 771-5731 www.excelpediatric.com



(See our main listing on page 156 )

Johnson Neuropsychology 1422 W. Main Street Suite 205 Lewisville Tx 75067 (469) 549-4200 www.johnsonneuro.com [email protected] Individual & Family Counseling (See our main listing on Page 101)

Therapeutic Life Skills 915 Syline Dr. Suite 100 Arlington Tx 76011 (817) 461-6200 www.lifeskills.us




A to Z Pediatric Therapy 5612 Davis Blvd. North Richland Hills Tx 76180 (817) 581-0111 www.a-ztherapy.com [email protected]


A Child Can Do All Things - Conductive Education Center 12870 Hillcrest Road Suite H-101 Dallas Tx 75230 972-788-2856 www.accdat.org Caleb, Inc 2400 E. Arkansas Lane Arlington Tx 76014 (817) 633-8511 www.calabinc.com [email protected] Caleb, Inc offers case management, residential support, occupational therapy, physical therapy, day services, psychological services, respite and much more to people with disabilities. Licensed HCS and ICFMR provider

Physical, Occupational, & Rehab Services

Comprehensive Therapy Services 2201 N. Central Expwy. #110 Richardson Tx 75080 (214) 265-1819 www.comptherapy.com [email protected] Provide Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy for the pediatric population. Medicaid and some other insurance accepted. Second location in McKinney.

Dallas Occupational Therapy Services for Kids - PLLC 4530 Beltway Dr Addison Tx 75001-3707 (214) 505-2963 www.dotsforkids.com [email protected] Clinic based Pediatric Occupational Therapy provider. Please visit our website for detailed information.



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Easter seals of Greater Dallas 1424 Hemphill Street Fort Worth Tx 76104-4703 (817)332-7171 (888) 617-7171 www.ntx.easterseals.com Outpatient therapy services are provided to children and adults with disabilities. Physical, occupation-al, speech and hearing therapy are offered along with counseling, high risk-infant screening and social work services. 3 locations to serve you better. Please see website for locations.

Dynamic Therapy 7704 Mapleridge Plano Tx 75024 (214) 566-2687 www.dynamictherapy.net [email protected] Occupational, physical, and speech therapy for children throughout north Dallas. We offer both home and clinic based sessions and accept Medicaid and Insurance. The most up-to-date treatment strategies are integrated with a family-centered approach. You can expect open communication with everyone on the treatment team and most importantly, Results that last a Lifetime.


Excel Pediatric Therapy 789 Justin Rd Rockwall Tx 75087 (972) 771-5731 www.excelpediatric.com Growing in Confidence and self assurance with smiles of happiness is the treatment result at Excel Pediatric Therapy. Traditional and Innovative therapy techniques will allow a child to realize their full potential. Services of Physical, Occupational, and speech Therapy, with a Sensory Integration Emphasis have never been offered in the Rockwall area until now.


Healing hands OT Pediatric Therapy Center 1104 N. Elm St Denton Tx 76201 (940) 206-9009 www.thepediatrictherapycenter.com [email protected] Integrative Pediatric Therapy 12840 Hillcrest Road Suite E104 Dallas Tx 75230 (972)404-3077 www.integrativepediatric.com Integrative Pediatric was founded with a mission to help children express their fullest potential by identifying and filling gaps in the developmental process. We strive to prevent problems later in life by helping each child achieve success and establish a solid foundation for growth. We specialize in sensory integration, Craniosacral therapy, interactive metronome, speech and feeding, and therapeutic listening. Visit our website to learn more about our unique philosophy.




Journey Pediatric Rehabilitation 2100 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 202 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 416-9797 www.journeylearning.org [email protected] Occupational Therapy services for children birth - 18. Specializations in sensory integration, NDT, vision therapy, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Interactive Meteronome, Play Attention and handwriting. Joy Therapy Services (214) 563-4040 [email protected] Private PT and OT provided in your home by an Experienced pediatric Therapist. Medicaid Provider.

Kids Care Therapy 9330 LBJ Freeway Suite 790 Dallas Tx 75243 (214) 575-2999 www.kidscaretherapy.com Kids Care Therapy is a pediatric home health care agency. We are dedicated to providing the best quality therapy to the kids we service in the Dallas/Fort Worth, and surrounding areas. Focusing on Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy and case management we will work with the patients and their doctor to provide the best course of therapy for a child with disabilities or delayed development.


LifeSteps 1500 S Central Expy, Suite 100 McKinney Tx 75070 (214) 385-4066 www.lifestepstx.com At LifeSteps, we have gone above and beyond to give your child the best care necessary to make life more enjoyable and functional. We not only have a heart for your child, we also have state-of-the-art processes and equipment to provide complete assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for children from birth to 21 years of age. Our highly trained therapists work with a full range of disabilities from ADHD and autism, to cerebral palsy and other severe physical disorders. We offer a comprehensive solution for each family and organization that are responsible for the success of our children. When you bring your child to LifeSteps, you are taking a giant step in the right direction!


Little Light House - Denton 37 Oak Forest Circle Denton Tx 76210 (940) 591-7092 www.llhdenton.org [email protected] Educational preschool and Therapeutic Services for special needs children up to age 6.


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Metrocare Services tickler ad (214) 333-7000 www.metrocareservices.org OT & PT services


North Texas Therapy Innovations, P.C. 11880 Greenville Ave, Suite 100 Dallas Tx 75243 (214) 349-6178 www.ntxtherapyinnovations.com [email protected] Pediatric Occupational Therapy practice with 3 locations: Dallas, Plano and McKinney. Specializing in Sensory Integration Therapy and Occupational therapy services for Autism, SI Disorder, Aspergars Syndrome, Fine Motor, Gross Motor delays.

OT at Home, Inc 2400 Hwy 287 North Suite 116 Mansfield Tx 76063 (817) 689-2295 (888) 864-3572 www.otathome.com [email protected] Private in-home and in-school OT

Our Children’s House Baylor (800) 4BAYLOR (429-9567 www.BaylorHealth.com OUTPATIENT CARE AT OUT CHILDREN’S HOUSE Our Children’s House at Baylor offers outpatient services including pediatric specialized physical, occupational and speech-language therapies for children from birth to age 18 with a variety of diagnoses including neurological, orthopedic, and developmental disorders such as motor/speech delays, chromosomal abnormalities, feeding disorders, congenital disorders, disorders resulting from a traumatic injury, and disorders reflecting disturbance of the nervous system. Our clinics are conveniently located throughout the DFW Metroplex and include facilities in Allen, Dallas, Frisco, Grapevine, Irving, Las Colinas, Plano, Rockwall and Waxahachie. For more information, please call 1-877-820-9061.


Pate Rehabilitation 2655 Villa Creek, Suite 140 Dallas Tx 75234 (972) 241-9334 (800) 992-1149 www.paterehab.com [email protected] For age 12 - 22. Offering Day Treatment Programs, Transitional Impatient Programs, Neuropsychological Assessments. Admission criteria: brain injury



Pediatric Therapy & Activity Center 1406 N. Corinth St, Suite 405 Corinth Tx 76208 (940) 497-3003 www.mypediatricttherapy.com Free evalutions, SL oral motor and feeding, hand function, vision therapy, contracture managment, myofascial release, dysraxia, infant massage, speech and social groups.

Personal Touch Home Health Services 8200 Brookriver Drive Suite N503 Dallas Tx 75247 800-237-9820 214-678-0507 www.pthomecare.com The Pediatric division of Personal Touch Home Care acknowledges the uniqueness of pediatric home care. We offer compassionate community based pediatric care that is family focused.We understand that children with complex, long term as well as short term medical needs have a right to be surrounded by the family love and support that is inherent in the healing process. Personal-Touch Home Care is committed to work in tandem with family members as partners to care for these children with special health care needs.


Rehab Services Unlimited, Inc Pediatric Occupational and Physical Therapy 1301 W. hwy 407, #206 Lewisville Tx 75077 (972) 317-7775 www.rehabservicesunlimited.com [email protected] S.P.O.T.S> (Solari Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Services 12850 Hillcrest Rd, Suite 108 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 404-1718 Occupational and Physical Therapy for children infancy through adolescence. Fine and Gross Motor De-velopment, Coordination, Visual-Motor Integration, Visual-Perception and Sensory Integration Therapy.

SANTE Pediatric Services (800) 340-4098 www.santepediatrics.com Santé Pediatric Services is the one name to call for pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapies. Our goal is to help your child reach their highest potential. Since 1988, Santé has provided quality, pediatric focused services to children from birth to 20 years of age throughout North Texas. Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of children by helping them reach their highest functional potential. Using a team approach, our therapists develop custom treatment plans for each child and provide compassion-ate support for the child’s family.




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Speech & Language Services of North Texas LCC 3880 Parkwood Blvd,Building 5, Suite 502 Frisco Tx 75034 (972) 424-0148 www.eastsidespeech.com Speech and Language Services of North Texas, LCC provides speech/ language therapy and occupational therapy for all children including those with ASD, cognitive challenges, sensory challenges, oral motor difficulties and feeding. The Handwriting Clinic, Inc 1506 Capital Ave, Suite 150 Plano Tx 75074 (972) 633-1974 www.thehandwritingclinic.com Therapedia 1101 Keller Parkway Keller Tx 76248 (817)-310-3457 www.therapediacenter.com [email protected] Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy uniquely planned and developed to address the special needs of children ages birth to 18 years. Theraplay Associates Preston Doctors Center 8215 Westchester Dr, Suite 131 Dallas Tx (214) 360-7500 www.theraplayassociates.com [email protected] Also offering handwriting and social skill groups. Second located inside Behavioral Innovations, see ad.

Therapy 2000 2535 Lone Star Dr Dallas Tx 75212 (877) 626-7003 (214) 467-9787 www.T2000.com THERAPY 2000 is a pediatric home care agency providing PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL and SPEECH THERAPY to children from birth to 21 years! Our 160 therapies, who collectively speak 18 languages, provide services to well over 1000 children across North Texas in homes, schools and childcare centers. For career information or to refer a child for therapy services, please call (214) 467-9787, toll free (877) 626-7003, fax (214) 741-3655 or visit us on the web at www.T2000.com. In-home or in-daycare, ST, OT & PT





Tritrax Rehabilitation 1140 W. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite E Arlington Tx 76013 (817) 275-4744 [email protected] Tritrax Rehabilitation is a pediatric provider of physical, occupational, and speech therapies servicing the Dallas / Fort Worth and surrounding areas with our focus being children from birth to 20 years of age. We understand the importance of flexibility in today’s world and offer therapy services in the patient’s home, school, daycare, or at one of our two locations. We understand the urgency in having your child assessed to assure developmental milestones are being met; therefore, we do not believe in “waiting lists”, as the earlier our children with developmental delays or special needs receive therapy the better.


UCP of North Texas 8802 Harry Hines Blvd Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 351-2500 (214) 247-4501 www.ucpnorthtexas.org [email protected] Provides services for children, adults and the families of people with cerebral palsy and other severe disabilities. Services include CLASS, HCS and Texas Home Living Waiver Program. Programs include Children’s & Therapy Services, IMPACT Adult Day Program, C-CCAD, case management, transportation, public education and related services. UCP is a United Way agency.

Sandra J. Shields RN, MW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker P.O. Box 126 Rockwall Tx 75087 (972) 772-4006 [email protected] Provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families since1992. Fifteen years of experience and training in play therapy. Background prior to mental health includes pediatric nursing and parent education. Strong advocates for special needs kids.

Play Therapy

Relationship Development/Social Skills Best Buddies of Texas 5646 Milton Street LL 100 Dallas Tx 75206 (214) 979-1113 www.bestbuddiestexas.org • [email protected] Offers recreational opportunities through matching young adults with developmental disabilities and college students. The buddies engage in social activities such as bowling, eating out, shopping, mov-ies, etc. throughout the year. Callier Center for Communication Disorders 166 Inwood Rd Dallas Tx 75214 (214) 905-3140 Berkeley Williams Phone: (972) 883-3582


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Echidnas - Social skill group for kids age 10 years through high school seniors 904 Abrams Richardson Tx 75081 (972) 348-1620 [email protected] Social Skills groups for kids age 10 through High School Seniors with Aspergers Syndrome. IASIS Learning Center 1301 FM 407 Suite 104 Denton Tx 75077 (214) 395-3045 www.iasislearningcenter.com [email protected] IASIS offers a creative social skill instructional program through acting and drama techniques. Adaptive dance, creative play, artistic activities and video-modeling workshops are offered. The Academy of Social and Sensory Development 2035 Central Circle, Suite 205 McKinney Tx 75069 (214) 733-8870 www.socialskillsacademy.com [email protected] Social Skills building for ages PK- 9 Years of age.

The Warren Center 320 Custer Rd Richardson Tx 75080 (972) 490-9055 www.thewarrencenter.org The Warren center, for children with developmental differences provides assistance to families in helping their children meet developmental challenges in motor skills, communication, behavior, feeding and cognition. Rollercoaster kids serves children 3 - 16 who have trouble relating and communicating with others and who may have autism or sensory-regulatory disorders. Services at the center include speech and occupational therapy, and social skills groups.


University of North Texas Center for Play Therapy 1400 Highland Street Room 114 Denton Tx 76203-0829 (940) 565-3863 [email protected] UTD/Social Communication Group SLP UTD Clinical Faculty (972) 883- 3654 [email protected] For high school seniors and young adults



Young Actor Studio in Dallas 11496 Luna Rd, Suite G Farmers Branch Tx 75234 (972)401-2090 www.youngactors.org Providing Children with Autism and ADD social skills education through Dramatic arts.

Calming Hugs 2201 Long Prairie Road Flower Mound Tx 75022 (214) 405-1029 www.calminghugs.com • [email protected] Stylish Sensory Integration Solutions. Durable denim weighted vest, shoulder wraps, lap pads and blankets. Unique and custom designs featuring optional embroidery, chenille patches and rhinestones.

Excel Pediatric Therapy 789 Justin Rd Rockwall Tx 75087 (972) 771-5731 www.excelpediatric.com (See Our Ad on PG 67)

Sensory Integration

Focus On Sensory Center 2002 S. Stemmons Fwy Suite 600 Lake Dallas Tx 75065 (877) 498-7767 www.focusonsensory.com • [email protected] Provides Drug Free solutions for pediatric learning disorders with a unique and intensive focus on Sensory Integration. We also offer the ONLY complete Sensory Learning Program in North Texas.

Integrative Pediatric Therapy 12840 Hillcrest Road Suite E104 Dallas Tx 75230 (972) 404-3077 www.integrativepediatrics.com

(See our ad on PG 61 )

It’s A Sensory World 13617 Neutron Rd Farmers Branch Tx 75244 (972) 239-8100 www.itsasensoryworld.com • [email protected] “It’s a Sensory World!” caters to the recreational and social needs of children with special needs. Our facility is intended to fill the gap between therapy and main stream recreation, where children regardless of their developmental level can participate in fun-filled activities. Our MISSION is to provide a high-quality, affordable, venue for children who present sensory dysfunction and thus better assist them in meeting their sensory needs. To provide an appropriate, parent guided sensory-motor and social-skills program for children of all abilities.



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Pediatric Therapy & Activity Center 1406 N. Corinth St., Suite 405 Corinth Tx 76208 (940) 497-3003 www.mypediatrictherapy.com Free evaluations, SI, oral motor & feeding, hand function, vision therapy, contracture management, myofascial release, dyspraxia, infant massage, speech and social groups. Sensory Integration Center of Coppell 1203 Crestside Dr Coppell Tx 75019 (972) 745-8087 Specializing in Sensory Integration Therapy The Frisco Listening and Learning Center Frisco Tx www.thefriscolisteningcenter.com Sensory Integration, Social Skills groups, 1:1 School Readiness, ABA therapy for children with ADD/ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Speech and Developmental Delays.

Therapeutic Life Skills 915 Syline Dr. Suite 100 Arlington Tx 76011 (817) 461-6200 www.lifeskills.us Our approach to therapy intervention is unique and involves a duality of caregiver involvement and the application of new technologies. We believe greater progress is possible when caregivers gain knowledge of the disability. Therapy sessions incorporate specialized equipment to address both the neurological and cognitive areas of treatment. We incorporate listening therapy based upon the Tomatis Method in conjunction with the Interactive Metronome to provide measurable postitive outcomes, which demonstrate improvements in quality of life while shortening the treatment perios. This results in a substantial savings for health care.


Speech and Language A to Z Pediatric Therapy 5612 Davis Blvd. North Richland Hills Tx 76180 (817) 581-0111 www.a-ztherapy.com [email protected] A to Z provides exceptional services to children with special needs. We are therapist owned and operated to provide occupational, physical, speech and language therapy for children from birth through 20 years of age. Experienced pediatric therapists strive to improve the life of your child and family, challenge your child’s abilities, encourage your child’s progress, and celebrate your child’s achievements. Services are provided in your home at your convenience. Call today to refer your child.




Beyond Speech Therapy Learning, LLC (866) 395-1911 www.bstlearning.com and www.beyondspeechtherapygroup.com A web based program helps children with language, pre-reading and articulation. Demo: www.bslearning.com, user name is demochild2, password i democild2. Child Centered Therapy Associates 9330 Amberton parkway, Suite 2330 Dallas Tx 75240 (469) 330-9930 Offers occupational and speech therapy in a child-centered environment. Individual and collaborative therapy, communication, use of visual strategies and fine motor development. Dallas Therapy 4629 Oak Shores Dr Plano Tx 75024 (469) 569-9120 [email protected] Pediatric in home speech therapy services. Specializing in language and learning delays/disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Central Auditory Processing Disorders, Articulation and Phonological Processing difficulty. Dynamic Therapy 7704 Mapleridge Plano Tx 75024 (214) 566-2687 www.dynamictherapy.net [email protected]




Kids Care Therapy 9330 LBJ Freeway Suite 790 Dallas Tx 75243 (214) 575-2999 www.kidscaretherapy.com


LifeSteps 1500 S Central Expy, Suite 100 McKinney Tx 75070 (214) 385-4066 www.lifestepstx.com (See Our Ad on PG 64)


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Metrocare Services (214) 333-7000 www.metrocareservices.org Speech Therapy Services


Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy 481 A Harwood Rd Bedford Tx 76054 (817) 282-7251 www.monkeymouths.com [email protected] Experienced SLP’s, provide pediatric speech therapy in a family-centered clinical setting. Expertise in children with Down Syndrome, autism, apraxia and related disorders. Pathway Speech and Language 206 E. College St, Suite 200 Grapevine Tx 76051 (817) 913-4999 www.pathwayspeech.com [email protected] Also offers Reading Readiness classes and Social Skills groups

Personal Touch Home Health Services 8200 Brookriver Drive Suite N503 Dallas Tx 75247 800-237-9820 214-678-0507 www.pthomecare.com


Pine Cone Therapies 594 Garden Ct. Southlake Tx 76092 (817) 488-1267 www.pineconetherapies.com [email protected] Speech Therapy using ABA/Verbal Behavior to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disability and communication disorders.

Sally Walden, MS CCC/SP 8680 Main St, Suite 4-W Frisco Tx 75034 (972) 562-2130 (972) 335-2175 [email protected] Provide Speech-Language Therapy, educational assistance and advocacy for children with special needs. Thirty years experience in both private and public Sectors.



SANTE Rehabilitation Pediatric Services In-home or in-daycare ST, OT & PT Offices in Richardson and Ft Worth (800) 340-4098 www.santepediatrics.com (See Our Ad on PG 62)

Speech & Language Services of North Texas LCC 3880 Parkwood Blvd,Building 5, Suite 502 Frisco Tx 75034 (972) 424-0148 www.eastsidespeech.com Speech and Language Services of North Texas LCC Locations in East Plano and Frisco.

Therapy 2000 2535 Lone Star Dr Dallas Tx 75212 (877) 626-7003 (214) 467-9787 www.therapy-2000.com In-home or in day-care ST, OT & PT See our full description on page


Tritrax Rehabilitation 1140 W. Pioneer Pkwy. Suite E Arlington Tx 76013 (817) 275-4744 [email protected]


UTD Callier Center for Communication Disorders 1966 Inwood Rd Dallas Tx 75235 (214) 905-3000 (214) 905-3129 www.callier.utdallas.edu [email protected] The UT Dallas Callier Center provides audiology and speech-language pathology asessment and treatment services for children and adults.

Speech TX 1517 Winding Hollow Lane Plano Tx 75093 (214) 336-9342 www.julieslp.com • [email protected] Speech TX is a private practice specializing in providing speech and language assessment and intervention. Areas of expertise include Autism and articulation. Located in West Plano and traveling to daycares/ private schools depending on availability. Sessions are tailored to meet students unique needs and are dependent on parental involvement.

Sensory Overload As Viewed By An Interior Designer

It is my strong belief that most children are trying their best to learn in classrooms, finish meals at the table, play nicely in game rooms and sleep peacefully in bedrooms. I recently watched

a training film created for parents and teachers, everyone was trying very hard to create this sense of harmony for the children and students.

The film addressed mostly how to help children focus in a classroom and touched on a few issues at home. It went into great detail about how to get rid of all that extra energy before the learning begins. A couple of ideas caught my attention. My favorite was being able to sit on a ball for those who need to move or rock while listening and learning. However, I did notice the tremendous amount of negative energy created by the disarray in the classrooms. Inter-estingly, that was never brought up and from my point of view; it is a crucial element in the equation towards success. Imagine what it must be like when an entire classroom is full of sensory disruptions for a child. Shaking, jumping, wiggling or sitting on balls will not correct that if the room is messy and very loud. The design of the classroom itself must be quieted down, or sensory neutral in order for the children to benefit from these other techniques. Once this is accomplished both students and teachers will benefit. Most classrooms are screaming with over stimulation. The ever present white board may have eliminated the use of chalk but it has brought in tremendous glare. The unfortunate solution is to over decorate it with bright paper, artwork, lesson plans and then enhance it all with the ubiquitous and unnecessary border. Colors and shapes accompanied by harsh artificial lighting are all coming at the students from every direction. To that I say...Ouch! Isn’t it is amazing that in spite of all of this, most of these students are able to learn something. Unfortunately, most of what is learned is how to cope. You have seen these kids trying to cope by tuning it all out, screaming, humming constantly, or acting out because the room and it design actually become painful. Does anyone ever ask children what they would like to see, hear, smell or feel in a classroom? Rooms seem to be set up with an adult’s idea of what a child should or should not like. It is very important that parents, teachers, and therapists understand that the sensory environment determines the amount of receptiveness to any instruction or therapy given. In other words the therapeutic environment has a direct correlation with how one absorbs information.It is my hope and intent to bring this fact to light with parents, teachers, and therapist with the intent to assist them in designing environments that are sensory friendly to our very special children

Carolyn Feder TBAE & TAID Registered Interior Designer (972) 965-2674 Website: sensoryinteriordesign.com Email: [email protected]

SENSORY OVERLOAD?


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Connections Spring Summer 2010