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Hawthorne Country Day
Hawthorne Country Day School (HCDS) is a specialized, nonpublic special education school operated by Hawthorne Foundation Inc., serving children and young adults ages 5–21 with autism and other developmental, intellectual, speech and language, and health-related disabilities. Its school-age programs in Westchester and Lower Manhattan use an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) approach, with individualized instruction aligned to each student’s IEP and related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling. For older students, the school also offers transition planning and work-based learning. Admissions are typically through district referral and depend on availability, families can contact the admissions coordinator to learn about the referral process and arrange a visit.
Email: info@hawthornecountryday.org
Phone: (212) 747‑1174
Gillen Brewer School
Gillen Brewer School is an independent K–8 school in New York City serving students with a broad range of language-based learning disabilities, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory-processing and executive-function challenges, and related learning needs. Its integrated academic-therapeutic program combines individualized instruction with speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups. The Lower School offers two program levels: the Gillen Program for students who benefit from a supportive traditional classroom and the more individualized, highly structured Brewer Program for students needing greater support, students can transition between programs as their needs change. The school serves ages 5–14 and admissions require an application and supporting educational records.
Email: admissions@gillenbrewer.com
Phone: (212) 831‑3667
Gersh Autism Academy
Gersh Autism Academy is an autism-focused school network serving children and young adults on the autism spectrum, with individualized educational programs designed around each student's learning style, strengths, and needs. Programs include academics, therapeutic services, social and life-skills instruction, and vocational preparation, with additional affiliated programs available depending on the student's needs. Gersh has several New York locations, including West Hempstead, West Hills, Queens, Hempstead, and Brooklyn, while AYM in Long Island City operates as a school powered by Gersh. Families can begin by contacting Admissions to discuss their child's needs, schedule a screening and tour, and learn about available placement options.
Email: info@gershautismacademy.org
Phone: (516) 493‑9880
Organizational Skills Training and Executive Functioning Treatment — NYU Langone Child Study Center
NYU Langone Child Study Center offers organizational-skills and executive-function treatment for elementary through college students with ADHD and related difficulties. Clinicians teach practical routines for tracking assignments, organizing school materials, managing time, and planning daily work and larger projects. Parents and teachers may receive guidance on reinforcing these skills at home and school. Individual treatment is available in person and virtually, with virtual groups also offered for middle and high school students. Contact the program to confirm eligibility, current formats, availability, fees, and insurance coverage. Services are offered through offices in Manhattan, Long Island, and New Jersey; confirm the appropriate location and format when contacting the team.
CSC.OrganizedKids@NYULangone.org
(646) 754-5139
NYC Public Schools — Special Education Information and Supports
NYC Public Schools’ special education information hub helps families understand Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), available services, and school settings for students with disabilities. Families can explore supports such as assistive technology, behavior supports, related services, and transportation; learn about specialized programs and transitions from preschool through high school; and find information about their rights, participating in IEP decisions, and getting help with concerns.
General special education assistance: NYC Public Schools Special Education Office
Email: SpecialEducation@schools.nyc.gov
Additional contacts and support are here.
This is a general support contact, not a dedicated help desk for this webpage.
NYC Public Schools — Special Education Glossary
The NYC Public Schools Special Education Glossary provides plain-language definitions of common special education terms, including IEP, CPSE, CSE, evaluation, accommodations, modifications, related services, assistive technology, least restrictive environment, and transition services. Families can use it to better understand the language used during referrals, evaluations, IEP meetings, and special education planning.
General special education assistance: NYC Public Schools Special Education Office
Email: SpecialEducation@schools.nyc.gov
Additional contacts and support are here.
This is a general support contact, not a dedicated help desk for this webpage.
iHOPE
iHOPE (International Academy of Hope) is a highly specialized private school in New York City serving children, adolescents, and young adults ages 5–21 with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple disabilities. The school provides a literacy-rich academic program with individualized instruction and a multidisciplinary approach that includes cognitive strategies, small-group instruction, assistive technology, therapeutic intervention, physical rehabilitation, social interaction, and transition services. iHOPE is designed for students with significant brain-injury-related educational needs who cannot be adequately served in their local school systems. Families begin the admissions process with an initial meeting and tour, followed by document review and an in-person assessment.
Email: info@internationalacademyofhope.org
Phone: (646) 649‑3141
NYC Public Schools — Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL)
NYC Public Schools’ Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning provides information about inclusive education, special education services, IEPs, disability classifications, and assistive technology. The page explains that students with IEPs are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education in the least restrictive environment and describes how families can request an assistive-technology evaluation. It is primarily an educational resource for educators, with family-relevant explanations of special education rights and supports.
NYC Public Schools Special Education Office
Email: SpecialEducation@schools.nyc.gov
For general questions about special education supports or help identifying the appropriate school team or office.
Additional contacts:
NYCPS Special Education Contacts and Resources
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