Expert IEP Support for Children with Autism, ADHD & Learning Disabilities
Expert school advocacy for children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. We help NYC families navigate special education and get the support their child deserves.
Navigating special education in New York City can be overwhelming. Confusing acronyms (IEP, 504, FAPE, LRE). Complicated processes. Schools that don't always volunteer what your child is entitled to.
You know your child needs support—but you're not sure what to ask for or how to advocate effectively.
We help families understand their rights, create appropriate IEP goals, and ensure children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities get the services they deserve in NYC schools.
How We Help NYC Families
School Support & IEP Advocacy for Neurodivergent Learners
If your child has autism, ADHD, or a learning disability, getting appropriate support in NYC schools shouldn't feel like fighting an uphill battle. We guide you through every step of the special education process.
Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
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When schools require FBAs for autism/ADHD behaviors
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Understanding why challenging behaviors happen at school
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Creating positive behavior plans
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Ensuring appropriate supports, not punitive responses
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→ Trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approach that treats behavior as communication, not defiance
Psychoeducation Evaluations
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Comprehensive psychoeducational testing
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Identifying learning disabilities, ADHD, autism
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Creating evidence for school services
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Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) for NYC DOE
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Understanding your child's learning profile
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→ Includes: Cognitive testing, academic achievement, processing speed, memory, and specific learning disability identification
IEP Consultation & Advocacy
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Understanding your child's IEP rights
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Preparing for IEP meetings
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Attending meetings as your advocate
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Translating evaluation results into school recommendations
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Knowing what accommodations and services to request
School Communication Support
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Writing letters to schools on your behalf​
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Explaining your child's diagnosis to educators
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Requesting 504 plans or IEP evaluations
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Problem-solving when accommodations aren't working
Why Families Choose HMV
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We evaluate AND advocate—seamless process
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Deep understanding of autism, ADHD, learning disabilities
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Experience with NYC DOE system and regulations
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We speak both "psychology" and "education" fluently
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Neurodiversity-affirming approach to school advocacy
504 Plan or IEP
What's the Difference?
504 Plan
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Accommodations only (no specialized instruction)
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General education with supports
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Easier to qualify for
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Example: Child with ADHD who needs extended time and preferential seating but can access general curriculum
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
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Specialized instruction + accommodations + related services
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Special education services
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More comprehensive and protective
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Example: Child with autism who needs social skills instruction, speech therapy, and modified curriculum
Not sure which your child needs? We can help you understand and advocate for the right support in NYC schools.
What Can You Request in an NYC IEP?
Academic Accommodations
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Extended time on tests
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Reduced homework
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Preferential seating
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Visual supports
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Frequent breaks
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Assistive technology
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Modified assignments
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Access to quiet space
Environmental Modifications
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Small group instruction
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Resource room support
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CTT (Collaborative Team Teaching) classroom
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12:1:1 or 6:1:1 classroom (smaller class sizes with more support)
Behavioral & Social Supports
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Positive behavior intervention plan
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Social skills instruction
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Counseling services
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Sensory breaks
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Self-regulation strategies​
Related Services
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Speech-language therapy
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Occupational therapy
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Physical therapy
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Counseling/psychological services
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Parent training​
We help you identify which accommodations fit your child's specific needs and advocate for them in IEP meetings.
Professional Services for NYC Schools & Educators
We also provide consultation and training to NYC schools and educators seeking to better support neurodivergent learners:
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Staff training on autism, ADHD, learning disabilities
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Classroom consultation and behavior support
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Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) training and implementation
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IEP goal development training
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) implementation
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Creating neurodiversity-affirming, inclusive classrooms
Contact us to discuss school-wide professional development and consultation services.
When should I request an IEP evaluation? As soon as you have concerns about your child's learning, behavior, or social-emotional development. Don't wait for your child to "fall far enough behind."
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What if the school says my child doesn't qualify? You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense if you disagree. We provide IEEs and can help you navigate this process.
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Can I bring someone to IEP meetings? Yes! Parents can bring anyone they want to IEP meetings—advocates, consultants, friends, relatives. It's your right under IDEA.
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What if accommodations aren't being implemented? Document it, request an IEP meeting to address implementation, and escalate if needed. We can help you advocate for proper implementation.
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My child goes to private school—can they get services? Yes! Students in private schools (including religious schools) in NYC can receive publicly-funded services through their district. We can guide you through the process.