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Make a difference in the life of a child with special needs, create an inclusive community and improve yourself!
Types of special needs vary in severity. People with autism, Down syndrome, dyslexia, blindness, ADHD, or cystic fibrosis, for example, may be considered to have special needs. However, special needs can also include cleft lips, or missing limbs.
$345,599
DONATED FOR KIDS WITH SPECIALNEEDS IN 2016
“We have two boys with autism and a typical-needs girl. Behavioral therapists have been in our house for at least 15 hours per week since our sons were diagnosed 6 years ago. We feel exceptionally comfortable with Melissa and her staff.”
How We Help
We work individually with each family to
understand their specific needs
Combining evidence-based techniques custom to each client’s needs and personality
Using play as a foundation for behavior therapy to create lasting impacts
Working with all caregivers to provide a nurturing environment across schools, play areas and home
Our Facilities
Form real friendships within a non-judgmental
environment
Everyone can
make a difference
Mission
We are a non-profit organization. Our goal is to provide every individual with special needs the support, friendship and inclusion that they deserve.
The term Special Needs is a short form of Special Education Needs and is a way to refer to students with disabilities. The term Special Needs in the education setting comes into play whenever a child’s education program is officially altered from what would normally be provided.
More narrowly, it is a legal term applying in foster care in the United States, derived from the language in the Adoption and Safe Families Act. It is a diagnosis used to classify children as needing “more” services than those children without special needs who are in foster care.
In the United States, special needs is a term used in clinical diagnostic and functional development to describe individuals who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, or psychological. For instance, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
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Get started
There is a 3 step process to get
started at our program.
Our programs
Make a difference in the life of a
child with a need
In-Home Therapy
Visiting homes is fundamental to our therapy methods we provide. While convenient for parents, with an already busy schedule, it brings an important comfort for kids as well. In-home therapy tends to be most effective through techniques applied to actual situations in the home and repeated by caregivers. Children can learn through play, with applications branching to real-world situations, through…
Telehealth
It’s also important that all children have access to quality care, no matter where they live. Unfortunately autism resources can be limited, especially if living outside urban areas. We offer remote services as a solution, evaluated for effectiveness on a case-by-case basis. This can include consultations or parents training. While in-person visits remain a preferred method of long-term therapy, there…
Parent Training
Studies show parents who receive professional training see improved behavior in their children. Moms and dads can personally experience a greater sense of mental health and well-being as well. Participating in training can give children a greater chance of success throughout the program. The need for consistency — like, recreating the same positive reinforcement techniques as a child’s therapist —…
BCBA Supervision
Each client at Helping Hands Behavior Therapy receives a program under BCBA supervision, All cases are overseen by the owner, Melissa McIntosh. BCBAs bring expertise outside a solely clinical experience, abide by a strict code of ethics, and continue education to keep accreditation and stay informed on the latest research and development in the field of behavioral analysis. Guidance from…
School Collaboration
Creating a collaborative network between children, therapists, parents, teachers, counselors and school administrators is essential in offering kids the best opportunities for success. Building a relationship between a teacher and student with autism means creating a strong understanding of each child’s unique personality. This can take place by identifying and highlighting strengths in a student, while providing tools to address…
Early Intervention
The earlier children on the autism are diagnosed and participate in therapy, the greater chance development milestones can be reached. Early intervention has shown to have long-term benefits for functionality and IQ. Young children, with actively developing brains, begin to adopt important life skills and social behaviors. At this critical time, the impact of treatment is heightened and more likely…
Testimonials
We have two boys with autism and a typical-needs girl. Behavioral therapists have been in our house for at least 15 hours per week since our sons were diagnosed 6 years ago. We feel exceptionally comfortable with Melissa and her staff.”
It’s so great to work with a team that truly cares for their clients, led by a highly experienced BCBA who understands the value of respectfully including people of all abilities in our community.”
Melissa and her staff are able to work on our sons’ ABA goals in a natural environment (ex. our home, school, in the community). They’ve taught our sons natural language – they even use slang now and understand sarcasm!”
News & Updates
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Our Staff
Meet our best and executive
management team
Melissa McIntosh
Caylee Carter
Contact us
ADDRESS8500, Lorem Street, Chicago, IL, 55030
PHONE(123) 456-78-90(123) 456-78-91
EMAILinfo@example.com
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