Special Needs Project

The Special Needs Project was created to address the needs of families who have children with autism, ADHD, learning and intellectual disabilities, sensory processing disorder and other developmental disabilities.

The Project team offers a variety of services for families and professionals.

Family Therapy for Children with Special Needs

The Special Needs ProjectĀ provides family therapy services to families who have children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this work is to promote family resilience as parents deal with the cumulative challenges they face raising a child with special needs. More specifically, this includes helping families to:

  • Develop more responsive and effective parenting strategies
  • Increase marital satisfaction and co-parenting
  • Improve sibling relationships and attend to the needs of the typically developing child
  • Increase family support, coping, problem solving and communication skills
  • Implement appropriate family routines and rituals
  • Discuss family struggles and the emotional reactions to having a child with a disability
  • Increase skills and confidence to navigate early intervention/special education and medical systems

Parent Discussion Groups

The project team conducts eight-session Parent Discussion Groups and four-session Multiple Couples Groups that address specific themes familiar to parents who have children with special needs. These include, for example, self-care, couple and sibling issues, parenting beliefs and practices. The goal is to promote family resilience by increasing knowledge, skills and self-awareness and provide support, as parents share stories in the company of other families experiencing similar struggles.

Discussion Group for Couples

Ackerman is offering a four-session discussion group for couples who have children with developmental disabilities such as autism, ADHD, learning disability or sensory processing disorder. The group is facilitated by experienced family therapists who understand the needs of these families.Ā  The sessions include discussion and activities to address co-parenting challenges and to promote communication, coping, problem solving and relationship skills. The goal is for participants to nurture the co-parenting relationship and experience support from other parents who share similar challenges and dreams for their children.

Dates:Ā  Wednesdays, September 20, 27; October 4, 11, 2017
Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Cost:Ā  $240 per coupleĀ  (there is a sliding scale option)
Location: Ackerman Institute for the Family, 936 Broadway,Ā NY, NY, 10010
Registration:Ā  For intake and information please contact:
Sara Goldsmith, NCSP, Group Facilitator:Ā  qsarag@gmail.com

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Parent Discussion Group

Ackerman is offering an eight-session parent discussion group facilitated by family therapists who specialize in working with families who have children with developmental disabilities such as autism, ADHD, learning disability, and sensory processing disorder.Ā  The group discussions include parenting beliefs and practices, family routines and relationships, and ways to increase coping, self-care and support.Ā  Take time for yourself and meet other parents who experience similar challenges and hopes for their children.

Dates:Ā  Wednesdays, October 25; November 1, 8, 15, 29; December 6, 13, 20, 2017
Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Cost:Ā  $360 Ā (there is a sliding scale option)
Location: Ackerman Institute for the Family, 936 Broadway,Ā NY, NY, 10010
Registration:Ā  For intake and information please contact:
Judy Grossman, DrPH, OTR,Ā Project Director at 212 879-4900 x121 or email jgrossman@ackerman.org

Training for Professionals

The Special Needs Project offers two workshops per calendar year, as well as a short course on clinical interventions. Please refer to the Upcoming Events page to find out more or contact Brenda Nikelsberg, Center Administrator at 212-879-4900 ext. 108.