AHRC New York City

SERVICES - SUSPECT A DISABILITY?

If you suspect that your family member or someone else you know has an intellectual or developmental disability or delay it is important to have that individual evaluated. An evaluation can confirm or weaken suspicions and put the individual on the road to obtaining appropriate assistance. The evaluation process will consist of a psychological evaluation and a psychosocial evaluation that will include an assessment of adaptive behavior. Signs of delayed develop are different at every age but indicate that an individual is having difficulty doing what is expected of others in the same age group. For example, a toddler who has difficulty sitting or moving or walking or eating; a young child who does not understand spoken language or cannot communicate; a school-age child that cannot learn to read or do other school related tasks; an adult who cannot be toilet trained or engage in any meaningful activities or speak in more than one word utterances.

Children aged birth - 3 years can receive evaluations at no direct cost to families through the Early Intervention service system – these services are funded through the state and city in accordance with federal law. The child with a suspected developmental delay will need an Early Intervention Services Coordinator. A Service Coordinator can be obtained by calling the New York City Totline at 1-800-577-2229.

Children aged 3 - 5 years can be evaluated at one of three AHRC evaluation centers. These services are funded by the New York State Department of Education and with the approval of the New York City Department of Education. For an evaluation in Manhattan call 212-780-2755, in Brooklyn call 718-388-4890, and in the Bronx, 718-409-1450.

Children of school age 5 – 21 years, need to be evaluated by their local Committee on Special Education (CSE) in order to receive services.

Individuals 21 through the senior years can be evaluated at AHRC New York City’s Article 16 Clinic. Request evaluations for suspected intellectual and developmental disabilities by calling AHRC’s Referral and Information Center, Luis Martinez 212-780-4491 or Hernan Amorini 212-780-4493 or by email.