A guide for special families raising special children in New York City

Meet Dubbers

 

Dubbers is a newly turned five year old little boy born and being raised in New York City.  We were fortunate to learn about Dubbers’ special needs when he was an infant and therefore able to begin Early Intervention at 9 months.  Three years later, Dubbers continues to be very busy, starting his day at 9am and returning home at 5pm.  He loves his cars, trucks, trains and construction vehicles and I think owns every VTech product on the market!  He enjoys rides in the car, splashing in the NYC playground sprinklers and eating sausage pizza.  Dubbers defines the saying, “To know him is to love him.”  He captures the hearts of all who meet him with his sweet nature, undeniable cleverness and famous hugs and cuddles!

Why I Am Doing This

Special children are not defined by their diagnosis or disabilities.  While no two children are the same, one resounding similarity between children with a developmental delay or disability is that they are some of the hardest working individuals out there.  Forced into therapy early on, these children do not complain and continue to go out into this rough world day in and out.  They are brave and resilient.

They are also still kids and enjoy playing, exploring, and learning.  Their lives extend beyond therapy schedules and doctor appointments.  However you want to define “Special,” I welcome you into the world of Dubbers.  Come and explore this resourceful city he calls home!

 

What’s On My Mind

Dubbers’ Top 10 Things to Miss about NYC

Dubbers was born and raised in Manhattan, and while we are very excited about what the future holds in Dallas, this move will no doubt be bittersweet.  These past five years with Dubbers have certainly allowed us to acknowledge and appreciate New York City through...

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Dubbers and the Dentist

Dubbers’ first time at the dentist was a little over a year ago. Dr. Deborah Pilla at Park View Pediatric Dentistry was recommended by Dr. McCarton, as we definitely needed a dentist who was experienced and comfortable with special needs patients. I was SO nervous,...

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Big Umbrella Festival

If you are in New York City and have the chance, definitely check out Lincoln Center’s Big Umbrella Festival.  It kicked off last weekend and runs through May 6th, in support of Autism Awareness month.  This festival is the world’s first month-long festival dedicated...

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“We’re Different, We’re the Same”

*Our friends Dan and Jami are two of our closest.  We have known each other since college and have shared many life milestones since.  We now continue to make memories with our children.  I have asked them to share how they teach and raise their daughters to be aware...

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Understand, Accept, Appreciate

I have a son with Autism. I still find myself, almost daily, trying to stop my ever-racing mind and acknowledge this truth that is still so hard to believe. Before Dubbers, “Autism” was something I knew very little about, and, quite frankly, I had no reason to know or...

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Center-based Therapy

Dubbers attends a therapeutic center here in New York City that follows a “multidisciplinary approach.” The technical definition states, “A multidisciplinary approach involves drawing appropriately from multiple academic disciplines to redefine problems outside normal...

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Stepping Stones Museum for Children

January of each year is when Phil and I come up with a list of places to visit or things to do, when we do not otherwise have plans. This can be especially important in the winter months to escape the unavoidable “cabin fever” when outside temperatures are below...

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Santa Cares

Taking Dubbers to “meet” Santa Claus was something we had never thought about as an option. When you have a child with special needs, holidays, whether it be Halloween, Christmas or 4th of July, are a different experience. By no means is it a bad experience, it is...

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Haircuts

“The things you take for granted might be major accomplishments for someone else...”, Adam J. Kurtz.      Dubbers’ first haircut was not until he was eighteen months, as he did not have much hair until then. Ironically, it went very well. We went to where Phil got his...

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Prepare to Fly! Blue Horizons for Autism

What a wonderful opportunity for families with children who have never flown before and/or simply need some practice to better prepare for an upcoming flight.  It is like a social story coming to life! Read about this event in which Blue Horizons, a partnership...

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