About Reviews Services FAQ
About Developmental Disabilities Institute
Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) was founded in 1961 to address the special education needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities and provide therapeutic intervention.
Today, DDI is a dynamic, non-profit, multi-site agency, each day serving hundreds of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, prov
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99 Hollywood Dr, NY, 11787
Get in Contact
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(631) 366-2900
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info@ddiny.org
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re interested in understanding the non-verbal experience, we recommend watching The Reason I Jump. If you’re looking for a movie that can help your child understand their emotions, many neurodiverse families love Inside Out. Check out our autism-friendly movie guide here.
For both a scientific and personal look at autism, we recommend reading But You Don’t Look Autistic At All by Bianca Toeps. Check out our full book guide for more great reads.
Hero Elementary is great for the young ones. Songs for Littles is excellent for toddlers learning how to talk. And Ranking of Kings is a great option for anime and fantasy fans. See our full list of the best TV shows about autism and inclusion.
“Early Intervention” might be the provider’s way of describing services that they provide to babies or young children. However, it might also indicate that the provider is a vendor for your state’s publicly funded program. This means the services with this provider might be covered by your state!
The first step in accessing these free services from your state is to get an evaluation. The evaluation will help the state determine what services your child qualifies for, if any. You can find your state’s local EI program by clicking here.
When you contact your local center, say “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated to find out if they are eligible for early intervention services.” They will ask screening questions and arrange for an evaluation, which is provided for free.
Here are a few alternative options to consider:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps by identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It's useful for those dealing with social anxiety or difficulties. CBT addresses cognitive patterns and provides strategies to manage social challenges.
- Group therapy: Group therapy offers a supportive space where individuals can practice social skills. They can feedback from peers and a therapist. It allows interaction with others who understand and learn from each other.
- Play-based interventions: Play therapy or play-based interventions work well for younger children or those who learn through experiences. Play activities target specific social skills like turn-taking and problem-solving in a safe and engaging setting.
Here are a few things you will want to discuss with a potential respite worker: (Keep in mind that the most important step is to observe how the respite worker interacts with your child and your family.)
- Do they have work experience with children with autism?
- How will the respite worker support your child in a group setting?
- Do they have concerns about taking this job?