According to the CDC, the national rate of children identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder is 1 in 59 while New Jersey has the highest rate of Autism with 1 in 34 children. In addition, many other children struggle socially, academically, and behaviorally from other Neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADD/ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Dyslexia, and other Learning Disabilities. Also, the increased pressure on kids to perform academically, athletically, and socially can be over- whelming and anxiety-producing for any child.
Children may have problems regulating their emotions, struggle in the classroom, or find it hard to make friends. Many children may also have underlying nutritional, sensory, and cognitive deficiencies that contribute to their struggles which need to be addressed so they can reach their greatest potential. Fortunately, many therapies, educational resources, and specialized programs that serve Bergen County residents exist to help these children overcome their struggles and succeed.
Here are just a few of the resources that serve Bergen County that can help children overcome academic, behavioral, and social challenges:
Behaved Brain Wellness Center Holistic, pediatric counseling practice that integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy with brain health concepts to help the child as well as the family.
Katie Gately, LPC, BCBA 110 Warren Avenue Suite 6 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 201-857-5380 wellness@behavedbrain.com www.behavedbrain.com Bergen Family Wellness
Individualized chiropractic care with a focus on pre/post-natal and pediatric patients as well as the whole family.
Dr. Briana Clauss 667 Pine Lake Dr. Township of Washington, NJ 07476 Katie Gately, LPC, BCBA 201-497-6266 drbri@bergenfamilywellness.com www.bergenfamilywellness.com
Brain Balance Achievement Center of Bergen County
Personalized, drug-free program that takes an integrated approach to strengthening brain connectivity through sensory engagement, physical development, academics, and nutrition. Betsy Stoeber, Center Director
140 Hopper Avenue
Waldwick, NJ 07463
201-825-1030 bergencounty@brainbalancecenters.com www.brainbalancecenters.com
Chakra Wellness
Health and nutrition coaching, yoga instruction, reiki
Vinni Taneja, Certified Holistic Health Coach, Reiki Second Degree
201-306-4303 chakrawellnessnj@gmail.com @vinni.taneja
Hudson River Dental Arts Specially trained to treat patients with special needs, whether they be physical, mental or developmental needs. The com- passionate team will give each patient their undivided attention throughout every step of their care and will work with a gentle hand to ensure their ultimate safety and comfort.
Dr. Jennifer Sunkin, DDS 630 E. Palisade Ave. Suite 2 Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 fax: (201) 431-9683 HudsonRiverDentalArts@gmail.com www.hudsonriverdentalarts.com
Leigh Muro, O.T.R. Cranial Sacral Therapy, Rapid Resolution Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy 845-548-1187 leighmuro@gmail.com leighmuro.com Marble Jam Kids 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and State of NJ authorized service provider, that offers psychotherapeutic services and therapeutically support- ed enrichment programs to meet the challenges of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, emotional & social challenges, and other special needs.
Anna Villa-Bager. Founder and Executive Director 214 State Street Suite 204 Hackensack, NJ 07601 201-497-6512 marblejamkids.org
1Gym4All Inclusive gym that incorporates sensory equipment, so all children are given the ability to reach their full potential emotionally, socially, and physically.
Kim Casey, Owner 10 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick, NJ 07463 201-857-0922 kim@1gym4all.com 1gym4all.com
Wertheimer Center for Functional Medicine Board Certified Cardiologist/Inter- nist, FACC, FACP uses Functional/ Integrative approach to finding/ treating the CAUSE of disease rather than just symptoms. David E. Wertheimer, M.D. 801 Franklin Avenue Suite 2, Second Floor Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 201-891-2861 wertheimercenter@gmail.com www.wertheimercenter.com
Mission Kid Success (MKS) is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization that aids children struggling with academic, social, and behavioral challenges due to Autism, ADHD, and other Neurodevelopmental conditions. While many therapeutic services and programs are available to help these children improve their quality of lives and outcomes, many families cannot afford these services and programs. Many of these services and programs are not covered or only partially covered by insurance and the out-of-pocket costs are overwhelming for many families. MKS’s mission is to issue grants to financially deserving families in the NJ/NY/CT area so they can access specialized medical and educational resources they otherwise could not afford. Please go to www.missionkidsuccess. org for more info and to see how you can help.
Disclaimer: This article contains contact information for providers, therapies, activities, interventions, and modalities which many parents have found to be beneficial. This resource listing is not meant to be exhaustive. It doesn’t contain all the potential therapies and activities which might best suit your child. Similarly, these resources are not specifically tailored to your child. Indeed, some or all of the therapies and activities in this article might not be beneficial for your child. Nothing in this article or any information provided by Mission: Kid Success should be misinterpreted as medical ad- vice, nor as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your child’s physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and the appropriate treatment for that condition. Do not disregard or delay professional medical advice based on anything you read in this article. Mission: Kid Success does not provide medical advice nor recommend any specific treatment for a particular medical condition. Similarly, Mission: Kid Success does not endorse any specific medical providers, tests, products, procedures, or opinions contained in this article.