Staten Island has fewer specialists than the other boroughs — so knowing exactly who's good here (and which nearby options are worth the trip) matters even more. This is Staten Island's own credential-vetted directory: the best local evaluators, schools, therapists, and doctors.
✓ Every provider here is vetted by credentials, never pay-to-play. How we choose →
A Staten Island nonprofit (since 1976) and a national leader in autism — its NYS-approved school serves students ages 5–21 with evidence-based, ABA-grounded instruction aligned to each child's IEP, including those with significant needs.
The New York State Education Department's official list of approved private special-education (853) schools — to find and confirm options on Staten Island and nearby.
New York State's first public charter school dedicated to students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities, using a Science-of-Reading curriculum rooted in the Orton-Gillingham approach (grades K-8, free, NYC lottery with Staten Island preference).
A NYSED-approved private school serving students ages 5-21 with autism and related developmental disabilities through evidence-based, applied-behavior-analysis (ABA) instruction aligned to each child's IEP.
A NYSED-approved Chapter 853 private day school (operated by AHRC NYC) with an on-site BCBA, ABA/STAR curriculum and sensory room, serving students whose IEPs classify autism, intellectual/developmental, learning, emotional, or multiple disabilities.
A nonprofit, non-sectarian private special-education elementary school providing 10- and 12-month programs for students ages 5-14 with significant learning and developmental needs.
A private special-education high-school program for students ages 14-21 focused on functional, age-appropriate skills, academic enrichment, and independence/transition.
A NYC Department of Education District 75 public school serving students (grades 6-12) with significant disabilities across multiple Staten Island campus sites, with specialized, highly supportive instruction.
A free, inclusive K-12 public charter school in central Staten Island where most teachers are dually certified in special education, with a trauma-informed wellness model designed to support students with emotional challenges and IEPs.
The NYC DOE's specialized special-education division offering autism-focused programs (ASD Nest, Horizon, and the District-75 AIMS program using ABA/Verbal Behavior) within Staten Island schools such as I.S. 075 Frank D. Paulo.
A well-established Manhattan private day school for bright students with learning differences that uses the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading, a reputable option for Staten Island families willing to commute or seek tuition reimbursement.
A Staten Island child psychologist with a post-doctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychological assessment (formerly at Staten Island University Hospital) — comprehensive evaluations for learning, attention, and autism, right on the island.
A Staten Island practice offering school neuropsychological evaluations — the kind of thorough learning/attention testing that drives a strong IEP.
The American Board of Professional Psychology's directory lists clinicians who passed board certification in clinical neuropsychology — the real credential to look for.
The Academy's directory lists accredited Orton-Gillingham practitioners — the gold-standard credential for a private dyslexia tutor near you.
A huge audiobook/highlighting library — free for students with a qualifying reading disability, so your child keeps up with grade-level books while they learn to decode.
A Staten Island practice evaluating and treating speech and language delays — with occupational and physical therapy too, all in one place on the island.
A private, family-based Staten Island practice specializing in pediatric speech therapy and occupational therapy (sensory integration) with a warm, individualized approach.
A BHCOE-accredited ABA provider with a Staten Island location, serving children birth–21 with BCBA-led, individualized autism programming.
For more options, the BHCOE directory lists every accredited ABA provider on Staten Island — the real quality bar for choosing ABA.
Led by Dr. Michele Dehnert, this Northwell team (584 Forest Ave) provides board-certified developmental-behavioral evaluation and care — autism, ADHD, developmental delay, and learning problems — right on the island.
Northwell's larger Cohen Children's developmental-behavioral team is another board-certified option for diagnosis and ongoing management.
A long-established NYC special-education advocacy practice that guides families through evaluations, IEPs, placement, and the city's complex process — serving Staten Island families.
For more options, the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates' directory lists active, vetted special-education advocates and attorneys serving New York.
Staten Island has no on-island sliding-scale evaluation clinic, but Columbia's Teachers College training clinic offers psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments on a sliding scale that can go remarkably low — worth the trip for a gold-standard evaluation.
Another nearby sliding-scale option (in the Bronx): full child psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations, with fees set by need — they state they'll never turn a family away for money.
Federally funded and free — they help New York families understand their rights, the IEP/504 process, evaluations, and meetings. A great first call.
New York's protection & advocacy agency — free legal-rights information and help if your child's rights are being denied.
When you’re ready, an expert can review your child’s IEP and build your plan. See how it works →
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Your state's free programs · Find help by ZIP · Explore the tools →
How do I start the special-education process in Staten Island?
Put your request in writing to your child's school, asking for a full special-education evaluation — that is the legal first step. On A New Story you'll find a free, ready-to-send evaluation-request letter you can use today.
How long does a special-education evaluation take?
Once you give written consent, the school generally must complete the evaluation and hold an eligibility meeting within a set timeline (often around 60 days, though it varies by state). Putting your request in writing starts the clock.
Can my school district pay for a private special-education school?
Sometimes. If the public school can't provide an appropriate education, the district can be required to fund a state-approved nonpublic placement. It isn't automatic — it takes the right evaluation and advocacy — but families do it every year, including ones with limited funds.
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services under IDEA; a 504 plan provides accommodations under civil-rights law. A New Story's free guides walk you through which one fits your child.
Where can I find free special-education help in Staten Island?
A New Story lists credential-vetted schools, evaluators, therapists, advocates, and the free public programs and parent centers in New York — searchable by ZIP, and free forever.