Finding the right support, services, and activities for children with special needs can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone! Our Special Needs Resource Guide is here to help families in Dutchess County connect with essential programs, inclusive activities, and expert support.
Whether you're looking for therapy services, sensory-friendly events, educational resources, or community programs, this guide is designed to make life a little easier and ensure every child has access to the care and opportunities they deserve.
💙 Inside the Guide:
✔️ Local therapy & support services
✔️ Inclusive recreational programs
✔️ Special education resources
✔️ Parent & caregiver support groups
Together, we can create a supportive community where every child can thrive. Explore the guide and find the resources your family needs today!
💙 Featured Organizations and Resources 💙
Would you like us to share information about your camp or program? Be featured in this guide!
Please email pamelao@macaronikid.com
Advocacy
Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate
Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley
Open Doors Educational Advocates
Paige Fitzgerald, Special Education Advocacy & Tutoring Services
Special Education Solutions of the Hudson Valley
Taconic Innovations Inc.
Taconic Resources for Independence
Camps, Classes & Events
*Offers Summer Camp
Abilities First Day Camp*
AQMAI’s All Abilities Martial Arts*
Cherilyn School of Dance*
Club COOL by Greystone Programs
Community-Based Services, Cultivating Dream in Hopewell Junction
C.O.P.E. Learning Lab at Cat's Ranch
Disability Dream & Do Camp Baseball Camp
Gold's Gym, Lagrange*
Hudson River Performing Arts Center Sensory Sensitive Class
Hudson Valley's BEST*
Hudson Valley Applied Behavior Analyst, PLLC
Hudson Valley Swim
LaGrange Challenger Leagues: Baseball, and Bowling
LaGrange Soccer Club, Special Stars
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue*
Mindful Yoga with Liz*
Pied Piper Youth Theater*
Rhythm Works Integrated Dance at River Valley Arts Center
Sensory Stepping Stones
Spring into Soccer, Millbrook
Taconic Resources for Independence
The Fine Motor Promoters
The Sensory Space
TOPSoccer
Town of Wappinger Little League Challenger Division
TRAC (Teen Resources Activity Center) at Family Services
Trinity Martial Arts
Early Intervention
Astor Services For Children & Families
Mid Hudson Valley Early Education Center
The Dutchess County Early Intervention Program
Parent Support
ACSD Special Education PTA
Astor Services for Children & Families
The ARC of Dutchess
Cornell Cooperative Extension's Parenting Skills
Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley Applied Behavior Analyst, PLLC
Taconic Innovations Inc.
Schools
Abilities First
Anderson Center for Autism
Anderson Early Learning Academy
Astor Services For Children & Families
Carriage House Preschool River Valley Speech and Language
Mid Hudson Valley Early Education Center
Sensory Gyms
Abilities First Preschool Sensory Gym
The Sensory Space
Therapists
Abilities First, Inc.
A Balanced Child Speech & Language Therapy, LLC (at daycare/preschool only)
A Bit of Communicating Speech and OT Services (ABC)
All About Rehab Management
Capri Speech and Language Therapy
Center for Physical Therapy
Greystone Programs
Jessica Flanagan, OT
Mid-Hudson Behavioral Health Group, LLC
Mid-Hudson Speech & Language Pathology
PM Pediatric Care: Behavioral Health
Sensorimotor Connections
Sensory Stepping Stones
SLP Communications Foundations
Southern Dutchess Behavioral Group, LLC
Sun River Health
The Sensory Space
Sensory Friendly
Finding sensory-friendly professionals and events that cater to the unique needs of individuals with sensory sensitivities can be challenging. To assist families in Dutchess County, we've compiled a list of top-rated sensory-friendly professionals and events, as voted by local parents. This guide aims to connect you with trusted resources and inclusive activities, ensuring enjoyable experiences for everyone.
Activities
- Sensory Friendly Mornings at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
- Regal’s My Way Matinee Sensory-Friendly Movies, Poughkeepsie
- Sensory Safe Suite at Heritage Financial Park
- Julie's Jungle Fully Accessible Playground
- The Bardavon's Sensory Friendly Performances (specifically The Nutcracker)
- Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, June 14, 2025
- The America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass
- Sensory Friendly Egg Hunt at Tymor Park
- Other events to keep an eye out for in 2025 include:
- ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness and Field Day, usually at Bowdoin Park
- ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday at the Dutchess County Fair
- Disability Awareness Fair at the Poughkeepsie Galleria
- Hudson Valley Walk for Autism
Dentists
- Fishkill Dental Group
- Pediatric Dentistry of Poughkeepsie
- Seven Seas Pediatric Dentistry
- Valley Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatricians
- Bambini Pediatrics
- Diane Cicatello of Optum (Developmental Pediatrician)
- Dr. Mezzone of Ennabi Pediatrics (Developmental Pediatrician)
Salons and Barbers
- In The Cut Barbershop
- The Wolf's Den Barbershop
ThinkDIFFERENTLY: Dutchess County's ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative promotes inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs, offering information on sensory-friendly events and resources.
Macaroni KID is an online resource for all things family-friendly in Dutchess County featuring a FREE kid-friendly events calendar. Subscribe to the free weekly e-newsletter and website for the latest in local kid-friendly things to do, places to go, activities, crafts, recipes, giveaways, and more! Macaroni KID Dutchess County is published by a local mom who lives, works, and raises her children in the community. If you'd like to join our network of family-friendly businesses and connect your brand with local parents, please email the publisher.
