FROM THE EDITOR
W
Specializing in
Special Needs
For over 20 years YWCA Bergen County’s
specialty classes have helped mentally
and/or physically challenged individuals.
Group & Private Swim Classes
Ages 6 months to adults
Our one-on-one or group instruction for
children and adults
• Improve coordination and body control
• Build self-confidence and self-esteem
• Develop socialization skills & have fun
e are pleased
to bring you
(201) Family’s
2016 edition
of The Special Parent.
This has proved to be an
important resource for our
readers and their families,
as well as organizations in
the area that provide services
for children with special needs.
As my own children head off to college
this fall, I think back on what the last 13
years of education has meant to them and
what lies on the horizon. It’s time for them to
make a quantum leap into their future. I
think of some of the hurdles they experienced, including diagnosing and addressing
a learning disability for one of them, and I
am grateful that I was able to find the programs and services that matched specific
needs. We have created a comprehensive
resource guide which includes information
on transportation, support services and
private schools in the northern New Jersey
and Rockland County, N.Y. area.
The term “gifted child” might imply that a
child with a high intelligence level would be
assured of success, both academically and
in daily life. In reality, to reach their full
potential, gifted children often need proactive
nurturing to evolve their intellectual skills
and emotional well-being at the same rate.
The Gifted Child Society helps children with
asynchronous development to find balance
in their lives.
Families know that children with special
physical, developmental or emotional needs
require significant care and attention.
Parents, in particular, devote considerable
time to providing a nurturing environment
for these kids. But, what about the siblings
of these children? How do families strike a
balance to ensure that all of the children
are receiving the care and attention that
they need to thrive?
Our cover story is a profile of Allendale’s
Diana Stolfo, a successful young woman
with Down syndrome, who serves as an
inspiration for all and proves what can be
accomplished with grit and determination.
Her upbeat personality and her own commitment to excellence making a role model
for children who are trying to find their
path to achievement. ❖
For details call 201-444-5600 ext. 348
or visit www.ywcabergencounty.org
112 Oak Street
Ridgewood, NJ
4
eliminating racism
empowering women
S P E C I A L PA R E N T | 2 0 1 6 E D I T I O N
ywca
bergen county
AMELIA DUGGAN
201magazine.com/family