Special Needs

The YMCA of Greenville has multiple programs and opportunities for children and families with special needs to enjoy. These include Camp Greenville, iCan Bike, RECESS and swim lessons.

Camp Greenville  

Camp Greenville, operated by the YMCA of Greenville for 110 years, offers family camp weekends for families with members who have Down syndrome and Autism. Spectrum & Stargazer Family Camp offers a spring and a fall weekend in a fun and safe environment to have amazing family fun. Enjoy the beauty and adventure of camp with others who understand how amazingly unique and talented we all are in our different ways. 

Spring Spectrum & Stargazer Family Camp is May 6-8, 2022.
Fall Spectrum & Stargazer Family Camp is September 16-18, 2022.
Registration for both weekends is currently open. 

iCanBike 

A vast majority of people with disabilities have never had the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this.  YMCA of Greenville collaborates with iCan Shine to defy these odds by running a 5-day camp called iCan Bike, which teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a conventional, two-wheel bike. 

Camp host: Eastside Family YMCA
Camp dates: July 25, 2022 – July 29, 2022
Camp location: Taylors First Baptist Church 200 West Main Street Taylors, SC

RECESS

RECESS (Recreation, Education, Community, Exercise, Social and Service) is a signature program of The YMCA of Greenville for post-high school adults with diverse abilities. During programming, participants learn about nutrition, fitness, social responsibility, community outreach, and independent living skills. RECESS allows adults with diverse abilities not only a place to continue to learn new skills, but also gives them a place to connect with friends and gain a sense of belonging.

Swim Lessons

The YMCA of Greenville offers their own swim curriculum for those with diverse abilities. The Caine Halter Family branch and Prisma Health Family branch offer private lessons in addition to a monthly swim with YMCA RECESS participants. Contact your branch to set up an introductory session!

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.

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

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

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Pediatric Therapy Office

Did you know 1 in 6 children are affected by a mental health disorder? That is over 32% of children nationwide. However, with early diagnosis, families can make a huge difference in the lives of their children. This starts with finding the right Provider. When your child is struggling, the whole family is struggling, and we are passionate about walking alongside you and your child so that you can experience a more healthy and vibrant family dynamic. Our providers have client-centered approaches and often use experiential therapy, play therapy, and/or art and creative therapies to help children on their path to healing.

VIVE also offers several specialized treatment options for pediatric clients, including PCIT (Parent-Child Interactive Therapy) and Parent Management.

● PCIT is a proven, evidence-based approach to treating young children (ages 2-7) with behavioral problems. Working with our certified therapist, a parent and child are observed while the therapist provides in-the-moment coaching.
● Parent Management is a behaviorally-based treatment that helps parents learn to positively shape their children’s behaviors, promote compliance, and encourage growth. If you have any questions or want more information about counseling services for children, adolescents, or adults, please give us a call. We would be happy to discuss how we can come alongside you and your family to create positive growth and change.

Visit vivepsych.com or call 864.239.4110

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.

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.

The WNC Nature Center is certified as “sensory inclusive” and offers kits to guests with sensory issues such as autism and PTSD. The center has collaborated with KultureCity, a non-profit organization specializing in sensory challenges, and has trained the staff to accommodate those with special needs. The kits can be borrowed while at the center and consist of noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, and cue cards.

Upstate Carolina Adaptive Golf offers adaptive golf therapy for individuals with special needs.

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

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.

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 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.

Summer camp for special needs and children in foster care.
Cost: $175 per child (contact if there’s financial hardship you’d like them to consider)

Camp runs from 9 am – 4 pm
Camp is a week-long and is organized by the Selah Grey Foundation.

ABLE Kids offers a full-day immersive program for children between the ages of 2 -6 who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder level 2 -3 and who require 35 or more hours of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. In addition to ABA therapies, ABLE Kids also provides occupational and speech therapies.

Word Play Therapies offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy services for children. Parents and caregivers are involved during sessions with the therapists. Sessions are play-based, creative, and interactive.

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

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.

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

ABC Early Intervention offers home and community-based early intervention services through BabyNet. Using a coaching model, we provide Caregivers with ideas and evidence-based strategies to use with their child at no cost to you.

Organized baseball designed for children with mental and physical challenges. A specially equipped field called “Miracle Park” is utilized to maximize the experience for those involved, including wheelchair accommodations and walking assistance devices.

Both TCMU- Greenville and TCMU – Spartanburg occasionally offer special sensory-friendly times at the museum. TCMU-Spartanburg holds a monthly Sensory Wednesday session where the lights are dimmed, the water table is turned off, and rotating activities in the classroom are self-guided for learning and play.

Keep an eye on the TCMU calendar for more specific sensory-friendly events.

The WNC Nature Center is now certified as “sensory inclusive” and is offering new kits to guests with sensory issues such as Autism and PTSD. The center has collaborated with KultureCity a non profit organization specializing in sensory challenges and has trained the staff to accommodate those with special needs. The kits will be on loan while at the center and will consist of noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, and cue cards.

The Carolina Dance Collaborative is a mobile dance outreach 501(c)3 organization that seeks to make dance accessible to all people regardless of location, ability, or resources. They aim to serve the whole student and provide enriching dance education opportunities beyond the classroom and into their lives. They offer the Connect Class for ages 5-11 and 12+.

McCulloh Therapeutic Solutions offers the speech and language services you are looking for to help your child continue his or her development. For the past 15 years, MTS has been the recognized name in motor planning, speech, sensory, and oral-motor therapies for the Upstate of South Carolina. The best part is your child’s speech or language screening at our locations in Spartanburg and Greenville is FREE! If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, fine or gross motor skills, picky-eating or feeding habits, or if your child has been diagnosed with apraxia, autism, auditory processing, we can help. You are not in this alone! Our team of speech-language pathologists is ready to work with you and your child to reach your goals. MTS accepts many forms of speech coverage including SC Medicaid, SC BabyNet, private pay, Health Savings accounts, private insurance, and TRICARE. It’s easy to schedule an appointment to learn more. 

Spartanburg office: call (864) 576-7188

Greenville office: call (864) 244-3474

Email us anytime at info@mtskids.com

Whispering Pines offers classes for small ruminant care. They also use their sheep for therapy for children with special needs.

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.

Carolina ADHD Coaching helps students (middle school through young adults) with ADHD and executive function challenges through personalized coaching in Charlotte, Fort Mill, Upstate SC, and virtually.

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s Pediatric Rehabilitation offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy for newborns through age 21.

HALTER (Healing And Learning Through Equine Relationships) is a therapeutic horseback riding program for children with disabilities in the Spartanburg area. They offer equine-facilitated psychotherapy, equine-assisted learning, hippotherapy, and adaptive riding.

Camp Spearhead is Greenville County Recreation’s camp for children and adults with special needs ages 8 and up. They offer 8 one-week-long residential camps in the summer and two different seasons of a weekend program throughout the school year.

BlueSprig Autism provides applied behavior analysis (ABA), behavioral services and autism therapy.

BlueSprig Greenville exists to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder reach full potential through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment strategies. We work to increase communication, independence, and life skills.

A to Z Speech Therapy welcomes children, teens, and adults that need help with communication.  Their team has experts for articulation, language development, stuttering, social skill development, and more. A to Z has extensive experience working with children with Autism and Down syndrome. Therapy is offered in English or Spanish.

Home to the Greenville County Parks & Rec office, you will find the Boundless Playgrounds, a fully-accessible, sunny playground beside a preschool playground and lots of swings at the entrance off Old Spartanburg. If you go in the Scottswood entrance, you’ll find an enclosed, sunny playground with swings, sandbox, and a grassy space. With a dog park, tennis courts, paved trail and even an ice rink and bounce house inside, you will find something for everyone to love.

• Bounce house, ice rink, paved trail, dog park, tennis courts, grassy space
• Two Playgrounds: One fully-accessible with preschool area and one enclosed playground, both in the sun
• Restrooms
• Free parking lot

Read our review on Kidding Around Greenville of the Pavilion.

NCG Cinema offers sensory-friendly movie viewings. They have a new movie screened each month. These movie viewings do not include previews, sounds are not as loud, and lights are not as dim.

Aqua Angels is a nonprofit swim program committed to water safety and inclusion. We offer affordable and adaptive swim lessons for children and adults of all abilities across Greenville County.

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.

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.

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.

Happy Hooves Therapeutic Equestrian Center is located at Eden Farms. They offer horse-centered programs for special needs children and adults. Programs include riding and caring for horses while developing physical, social, and emotional skills.

Chuck E. Cheese opens two hours early on the first Sunday of the month for Sensory Sensitive Sundays. During these events, lighting and noise will be reduced, while the usual food and games are available.

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.

The City of Fountain Inn’s Miracle League is an inclusive youth sports program that gives every child the chance to experience the joy of playing baseball. Games take place at the Miracle League field at the Emanuel Sullivan Sports Complex.

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

We are a BN and DDSN approved provider serving children birth-6 with developmental delays and disabilities.

We are an art studio offering approachable art making to all ages and abilities! Paint, craft, and create with us at a class, camp, or special event!

Offers pediatric therapy services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy.

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.

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.

A special Easter event for those in the Spartanburg community with mental and/or physical disabilities. Hunts are divided into age groups, and a Parent Buddy is allowed for children under 6.

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.

Project HOPE Foundation offers ABA therapy and autism-specific classrooms. It also offers training and ancillary services for clients. Campuses can be located in Anderson, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Greenwood counties.

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.

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.

Offers year-round academic and therapeutic services to neurodivergent middle school students in Upstate, South Carolina.
Students will participate in activities in an outdoor farm setting.
Currently offering enrollment for 5th – 8th grade, with a plan for high school services in the coming years.

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.

Offers swimmings lessons and classes for athletes diagnosed with developmental challenges, including Downs Syndrome and individuals on the Autism spectrum.

The Bon Secours Wellness Arena has an enclosed Sensory Suite that blocks out the noise of a typical arena show that might cause difficulty for sensitive individuals. The suite has soft seating, low lights, and a quiet space with sensory accessories.  Tickets can be purchased in the sensory suite for selected shows. This is located in section 105.

Additionally, the arena offers a Sensory Kit that is free and available at all arena events. The kit includes noise-reducing earmuffs, antiglare glasses, a sensory fidgit toy, sanitizing wipes, and more.

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.

Empowering families of children with special needs through hands-on coaching from behavior guidance, skill acquisition to potty training, Personalized support, creative strategies, including family and respite coaching.

Offers: 1st-8th grade

Curriculum: Multi-sensory curriculum that works with children with Dyslexia/SLD.

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.

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.

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

Home to a fully accessible playground, this park is located in Boiling Springs.

This park includes:

• Baseball/Softball Field
• Bicycle Motocross (BMX)
• Outdoor Fitness Equipment
• Parking
• Picnic Shelter
• Playground
• Restrooms
• Swings
• Trails

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.

Kidnetics is a department of the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. They offer a wide range of therapeutic services to children, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy.

Advanced Therapy Solutions Pediatrics has two Greenville locations and three Spartanburg locations. They provide a wide variety of services to children with special needs and developmental delays including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Therapists at ATS also use specialty programs that can help with auditory processing, feeding difficulties, and more. These include the Interactive Metronome (IM), Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), and Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) Feeding.

Mountainside 28 Jimmy Doolittle Drive, Greenville
864.679.8606
Seaside 10 Jimmy Doolittle Drive, Greenville
864.520.8910
Westside 8811 Warren Abernathy Hwy, Spartanburg
864.574.7282
Willow Lane 100 Willow Lane, Spartanburg
864.641.3125
Spartanburg Pediatrics 2400 Winchester Place, Suite 102B, Spartanburg
864.576.7188

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.

Offers pediatric services including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, and aquatic therapy. Pediatrics Unlimited has locations in Greenville and Spartanburg.

Dance Without Limits serves dance students ages 18 months and up, including adults and students with disabilities. The staff has extensive experience with students of all abilities. They offer a class specifically for students with different abilities called Limitless Friends. Dance Without Limits is also an inclusive dance studio, encouraging dancers of all abilities to participate in any of their dance classes.

We are a private practice providing speech therapy services, developmental/autism evaluations, and testing for ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.

Kids Golf and Fitness Academy offers a variety of fun classes such as golf, Mom/Dad and me, American Sign Language, Art, design, fitness, dance specific fitness, golf specific fitness, sports specific fitness, and more! Ages 3 and up. All skill levels, learning styles, and physical abilities welcome.