You’re Not Alone – A Special Needs Resource Guide For Caregivers
When my son was five, he was diagnosed with a rare neurogenic syndrome after our new pediatrician investigated the chronic symptoms he had since birth.
Our relief and joy at a diagnosis (finally) was quickly replaced with anxiety and a million questions as we navigated the new reality of caring for a child with invisible special needs.
What now? Where do we go from here?
As most parents of a newly diagnosed special needs child would do, I spent hours researching medical articles, specialists, advice, and resources for families living with the same diagnosis.
Review this guide for a list of programs, agencies, and services that provide support to parents of children with special needs in the Kalamazoo area. And remember, you’ve got this!
Kalamazoo Offers a Phenomenal Community of Resources
No doubt about it, being a parent is hard.
This guide is by no means complete. Help grow this list. Do you know of other resources available in Southwest Michigan? If so, please leave a comment below the information and we’ll add it to the guide.
Physical Resources
While there’s often an overlap in multiple areas for kids with each diagnosis, the following organizations can help with physical special needs like occupational therapy, mobility and medical equipment, medical treatment and advocacy.
The ARC Community Advocates
Freedom Motors (Mobility Vehicles)
Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan
Kalamazoo Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
Lending Hands of Michigan (medical equipment loan program)
Children’s Special Health Care Services
Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center
WoodsEdge Learning Center
Bronson Health Epilepsy Care
Developmental Resources
From assessments and evaluations to therapy and medical treatment, these Kalamazoo-area organizations can help with autism, down syndrome, dyslexia, processing disorders, and other developmental special needs.
WMed Pediatric Autism Center
Kalamazoo Autism Center
Lighthouse Autism Therapy Center (Portage, Michigan)
Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment & Research
The ARC Community Advocates
KRESA
Kalamazoo Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center
WoodsEdge Learning Center
Kalamazoo Speech Associates
Behavioral + Emotional Resources
When behavioral and emotional disturbances prevent children from succeeding educationally or socially in a school setting, these resources can help.
ASK Family Services
CTAC (Children’s Trauma Assessment Center)
Kalamazoo Community Mental Health PMTO program
Kalamazoo ADHD Consultants
WMU ADHD Evaluation & Treatment Center
Sensory Needs, Language + Communication
It’s hard to learn and communicate when you can’t see, hear, or articulate like everyone else. But it’s not impossible, and these organizations can help provide the therapy and resources your child needs to thrive.
KRESA Deaf/Hard of Hearing Programs
KRESA Visually Impaired Services
Michigan Foundation For The Blind & Visually Impaired
Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center
The Michigan Bureau Of Services For Blind Persons (BSBP)
WoodsEdge Learning Center
Find a Balance with Local Support and Online Groups
Kalamazoo mom, Danielle J., felt isolated when she and her husband found out their son Beckett was deaf. “We knew absolutely no one who was deaf, or had a child who was deaf, or who suffered any form of hearing loss – so we didn’t even know where to start.”
After referrals to audiologists and specialists from their doctor, Danielle quickly sought out a support group. “I eventually found support through Facebook groups which helped me feel less alone, and I was able to ask questions about my son’s diagnosis, the cochlear implant devices, troubleshooting, behaviors, and more.”
A quick search for groups and pages on social media should result in local and national options for any caregiver.
Psychologists & Family Counselors
Your mental health as a parent and caregiver of a special needs child is important. Make the time to speak with a counselor – it’s part of the whole child approach.
Jeff LaPonsie, LMSW – Kalamazoo Child and Family Counseling
Kristy Cavalli, LMSW, RPT-S – Play Therapy Zone (Play Therapy and Family Counseling)
Kelene Rogers, LPC, ADS, IMH-E (II) – Chosen, PLLC (Child and Family Counseling, specializes in trauma and severe behaviors)
Maureen Corts, LMSW – Ready for the World, LLC (Child and Family Counseling – uses Love and Logic® philosophy)
Shelly Woertink, LMCSW – Pediatric Counseling Center, LLC (specializes in medical and complex trauma)
More to Explore
Braintrust Behavioral Health provides both in-home and center-based ABA Therapy to individuals diagnosed with Autism throughout Kalamazoo and neighboring counties.
Thanks for the information!