Resources for Families with Special Needs Children

ABS Kids provides autism diagnosis, ABA therapy, and community integrations to support you and your child every step of the way. We collaborate with doctors, caregivers, schools, and family members to provide the most comprehensive care possible, focusing on skill development, independence, school readiness, and reduction of challenging behaviors.

Parents, caregivers and guardians, does your kid with “different” needs have difficulty sitting upright in a chair, gripping objects without dropping them, playing with a ball, climbing stairs, walking in the community without falling, running with classmates on the playground, sleeping, maintaining a healthy weight, or tolerating medication? Holistic play therapy is a superpowered combination of physical therapy, therapeutic yoga, and clinical Pilates that improves physical and mental health. It is exclusively provided by Dr. Nekita Sullivan in the natural environment of your home. Dr. Nekita recognized during 25 years of practice that kids are more likely to participate in therapeutic exercise that is play-focused.

She is currently accepting kids with “different” needs. Each holistic play therapy session is 60 minutes of one-on-one prescribed exercise for a flat fee. Kids with “different” needs can make great progress with therapeutic exercise that is not cookie-cut. Kids deserve to thrive and not just get by. Contact Dr. Nekita Sullivan by email at info@yogatherapybar.com or text (864)906-5045. Movement is medicine for the body and mind!

Dr. Nekita Sullivan:

• Doctor Physical Therapy
• Certified Yoga Pilates
• Certified Hand Therapist
• Certified Health Education Specialist
• Early Intervention Professional
• CPR Certified

Kyo is a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for individuals with autism. We offer high-quality, effective, and convenient ABA therapy services in homes, schools, and the community.

Our expert clinicians collaborate with families to create customized learning goals. Kyo therapy sessions are guided by each child’s unique interests. By incorporating their favorite activities, and by using a fun, quick pace of instruction, kids are engaged immediately, maximizing their learning.

Kyo’s goal is to make every moment count for the children and families we serve. Learn more and enroll at www.kyocare.com.

Surpass Behavioral Health is committed to empowering children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to reach their fullest potential through high-quality, personalized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Recognizing that every child is unique, Surpass creates individualized care plans tailored to each child’s specific strengths, needs, and goals. With a strengths-based approach, Surpass focuses on creating lasting, positive change—helping children overcome challenges while fostering meaningful growth.

Core Areas of Focus Include:
Communication and language skills
School readiness skills
Daily living skills
Social skills
Play and leisure skills

Surpass is currently accepting full-time, clinic-based ABA therapy clients in Greenville. Surpass accepts most major insurances including Medicaid, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Tricare and more.

Located in the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library, families can borrow materials covering a variety of disability-related topics. Materials are available to any resident of the United States, with lending in-person or via mail.

Through Evely’s Eyes is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families with children facing rare medical conditions. Their mission is to provide comfort, guidance, and practical assistance to these families as they navigate their unique journeys.

The ImmUnity Play Circle program offers safe and inclusive playdates for families with immune-compromised children.

An educational academy offered through Project HOPE Foundation, the school offers education for children on the autism spectrum, preschool through high school. ABA therapy services are provided, with classes Monday through Friday.

Offers early intervention, case management, and speech therapy services to individuals with disabilities and special needs in the Upstate.

Providing support and advocacy for families in the Carolinas to meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families

Offers educational programs for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities. The campus is designed with specialized rooms that explore various courses, including adapted arts, music, physical education, daily living, library, and environmental science. The staff is fully trained and qualified. They also offer over a dozen distinguishing programs. They offer special education for ages 3-21. The Washington Center is a separate school associated with Greenville County Schools.

This informal organization is comprised of self advocates, service providers, families, and community stakeholders working to make the community better a place to live for people with disabilities. You’ll find resources on everything from housing and employment to recreation.

This parent- and volunteer-run organization serves over 300 families in Greenville. They support new and expectant parents of children with Down Syndrome, advocate and educate for inclusion in the community, and provide services and online resources to assist families.

A resource for families who have children with autism spectrum disorder working to improve their lives.

The Center for Developmental Services houses many partner services for children with special needs in one location. They offer a wide range of therapy for developmental delays, speech, hearing, behavioral and more, including family programs and educational programs. The Center for Developmental Services also connects families with the services suitable for their needs.

Offering early intervention case management and special instruction for families who qualify. PlayWorks provides a developmental team for children in need of early intervention services.

The state agency that oversees and funds services for those with disabilities and special needs.

Speaking Life LLC offers speech and language therapy services for children in Greenville County. The service can be provided at home and in a community setting.

Designed for children aged 3.5 through 19, Brain Balance works with students who may have ADHD, Asperger’s, processing challenges, trouble making friends, and/or a learning disability like dyslexia. Brain Balance identifies academic, social, and/or behavioral, then sets a plan to help address specific needs.

Family Connection of SC supports families of children with special needs. Programs and services provide parents with support and guidance in locating helpful services for their children, as well as parent-to-parent mentoring.

Thrive Upstate offers many services for people with disabilities in the Upstate. These services include early intervention for children, but also pre-vocational and vocational training, residential housing, and more. In KidVentures, the early intervention program, an early interventionist works with parents and children on the child’s developmental goals, as well as coordinating necessary services and therapy.

The Meyer Center offers and an early education program for preschool children with developmental delays and disabilities. The program includes occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and music therapy, as well as academic and developmental programming. Admission requires evaluation by an admission team to determine if the child qualifies for these services

Camperdown Academy is a special education school located in Greenville that offers education and support for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences in grades 1-8.

The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind, located in Spartanburg, offers a specialized school for children from preschool through grade 12.  The school provides vision and hearing services in communities and schools throughout South Carolina.

Help Me Grow is a free resource for parents with children age 5 and under. They provide free developmental assessments and then help connecting families with the necessary resources, therapy and information.

BabyNet is South Carolina’s system for children under 3 years old with developmental delays. Parents, friends, doctors, teachers, and caregivers can all refer a child to BabyNet. Once referred children will be evaluated to see if their delays qualify for services. The evaluation and services are free to all families and funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and managed through the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

How to Get Started with Babynet

Child Find is an intervention program for school-aged children needing intervention for developmental delays and special needs. Evaluations and services are provided through Greenville County Schools and individual districts within the Spartanburg County School system.

Einstein Academy is a non-profit private school for 1st-8th graders who have been diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, Autism and/or similar challenges.

SC 2-1-1 is a South Carolina resource database to help individuals find assistance. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 2-1-1.

A Spartanburg organization working to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs, from newborns to seniors. Offers an early intervention program called Can Do Kids as well as day programs, work programs, employment services, and living options.

A website with a wealth of resources for parents and teachers of children with learning disabilities, disorders, and differences. The website offers resources for learning disabilities and ADHD.

University of South Carolina School of Medicine giant online resource guide searchable by topic. This database offers links and explores topics for early childhood screenings, assistance services, and various resource solutions.

Dr. Nekita Sullivan provides holistic pediatric house calls for kids with and without special needs-physical, play, and yoga therapy in the home, facility, or playground.