Services for Families

We offer services for families which include:

  • Parent discussion groups for parents who have a child with special needs
  • Family therapy for families caring for a child with special needs


Parent Discussion Groups for Parents Who Have a Child with Special Needs

The Special Needs Project team conducts eight-session Parent Discussion Groups and four-session Multiple Couples Groups that address specific themes that are familiar to parents who have children with special needs. These include, for example, self-care, couple and sibling issues, and 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


Family Therapy for Families Who Have a Child with Special Needs

The Center offers family or couple therapy under the umbrella of the Ackerman Instituteā€™s Treatment Center. Sessions take place at the Ackerman Institute with Project Faculty and Associates on a weekly basis. Specializing in working with families with young children (birth to five years old) and families who have a child with special needs, the Center is committed to helping families as they navigate the life challenges they face.

For more information about family therapy, please call Brenda Nikelsberg, 212-879-4900 ext. 108.