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Top Special Needs Programs in New Jersey

Special Olympics New Jersey offers a variety of sports programs for all ages and abilities across the Garden State. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics New Jersey
Special Olympics New Jersey offers a variety of sports programs for all ages and abilities across the Garden State. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics New Jersey
8/23/22 - By Laurie Rein

If you are looking for special needs programs in New Jersey, here are our top two dozen to look into. 

Parents of children with special needs often face a great challenge in finding after-school and weekend enrichment courses. Luckily, New Jersey is a very inclusive state that offers many special needs classes, social skills groups, and enrichment programs. These classes provide structured, supportive, and judgment-free environments where children with a range of abilities can grow and learn while having fun. Here, we've compiled a list of classes and activities throughout New Jersey where your child will always feel welcomed and loved.

You can find more special needs programs for kids–and even book a class online–in our directory of classes and listings. Check out our New Jersey Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

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Friendship Circle of Central NJ offers special needs programs, inclusive classes, and after-school activities. Photo courtesy of the venue
Friendship Circle of Central NJ offers special needs programs, inclusive classes, and after-school activities. Photo courtesy of the venue

Group Enrichment and Special Needs Programs in New Jersey

Friendship Circle of Central NJ

Manalapan
Friendship Circle features programs like the 2-hour Sunday Circle, where kids are divided into age groups for music therapy, yoga, Zumba, martial arts, and more. The weekly Young Adult Division gives adults and teens with special needs the opportunity to hang out with friends in a safe environment. READ MORE

The Arc of Essex County

Livingston
When you need to run some errands or simply need a break, send your little one to the respite program at the Arc of Essex County. The program includes transportation, lunch, and a host of activities, such as visits to parks, festivals, arts and crafts, and cooking. The Arc also provides early intervention and educational programs.  READ MORE

Avidd Community Services & Bethel Ridge

Denville
Reading, math, and computer courses are offered at Bethel Ridge for kids 11 and up, as well as cooking classes, driver’s ed, and yoga. Social events include bingo, dances, dinners, and movie nights.  READ MORE

The Connection

Summit
Kids of all ages can enjoy The Connection’s swimming, dance, yoga, and sports special needs classes, which have been slightly modified and adapted to accommodate any and all abilities.  READ MORE

Educational Programs of Children Handicapped (EPOCH)

Madison
Kids ages 6 and up can head to the Madison Community House after school for crafts, swimming, cooking, bowling, and other activities that rotate on a monthly basis.  READ MORE

Union County Office for People with Special Needs

Various Union County locations
Horseback riding, archery and summer camp are just a few of the affordable, and often free, special needs programs offered by the Recreation Department at different sites around Union County.    READ MORE

JDK Social Station

Secaucus
JDK Social Station offers an inclusion-based social skills program throughout the school year along with private therapy and spring break and summer camps. Offerings include weekly social skills classes and camps that focus on individualized social skills for each student and follow JDK Social Station's 7-step model and curriculum.  READ MORE

New Jersey Special Needs Programs in Creative and Performing Arts

The Art School at Old Church

Demarest
Hands-on activities involving mixed media and paint inspire creativity at this nonprofit cultural arts center. The Saturday special needs art workshop runs for 10 weeks and is tailored to the needs of students with autism, delayed communication skills, physical challenges, or learning disabilities. READ MORE

FilmAcademy360

West Orange
Learn how to act, produce, and make movie magic at this filmmaking program through Spectrum360, which has been providing special education service in New Jersey for more than 50 years. In classes after school and on weekends, students 14 and up with autism spectrum disorders and other related behavioral disabilities complete a short film project at the end of their experience. READ MORE

Dance and Music Special Needs Programs in New Jersey

Broadway Bound Dance Center

Dumont
The innovative Beyond Boundaries program provides dance instruction for children with autism and other disabilities in a relaxed studio setting. Each student is assigned a shadow to help him or her succeed in class. READ MORE

Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio

East Brunswick
Owner Robin Kaye believes that everyone deserves a chance to dance. The 30-minute creative dance movement classes pair special needs students with a buddy and moves at a slower pace. One hour lessons, paired with a licensed therapist, are also available.  READ MORE

Octopus Music School

North Brunswick, South Plainfield, Hillsborough, Middletown
Nearly one-quarter of the 200 students at the inclusive music school has a disability. One-on-one guitar and piano lessons provide the foundations and basics of rhythm and note reading, and an added benefit of improved motor and communication skills. READ MORE

New Jersey Workshop for the Arts

Westfield
The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts is one of Union County's top centers for arts education. Program offerings for children (and adults) of all ages include music lessons on all instruments and voice, toddler and preschool classes, performing ensembles, music therapy, summer camps, fencing club, scholarships for children with special needs, and more. READ MORE
Riding with HEART has therapeutic instructors to support kids with different challenges in class and give them self-confidence. Photo courtesy of Riding with HEART
Riding with HEART has therapeutic instructors to support kids with different challenges in class and give them self-confidence. Photo courtesy of Riding with HEART

Horseback Riding Special Needs Programs in New Jersey

Riding with HEART

Pittstown
Flush with certified therapeutic riding instructors and therapists, this ranch features 29 acres of preserved farmland for riding lessons, hippotherapy, and social skills groups for children with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities.  READ MORE

Equine Tranquility Wellness Center

Andover
This facility emphasizes social skills as well as horsemanship with an array of programs for kids of all ages with emotional, psychological, and/or physical disabilities or impairments. Riders are paired with rescued horses plus a certified instructor or therapist. An indoor ring allows students to ride all year round. READ MORE

Special Needs Cooking Classes in New Jersey

HealthBarn USA

Ridgewood
HealthBarn USA offers a variety of hands-on, fun, and educational seasonal programs year-round for children ages 3-15. The Seedlings program for 3- to 5-year-olds introduces children to a variety of natural foods in an outdoor setting. Special needs programs include developing cooking skills, gross motor skills, and self-esteem. READ MORE

CulinaryAcademy360

West Orange
Beginner chefs ages 14 and up learn culinary techniques, try new foods and recipes, master hand-eye coordination, and practice social skills like sharing and following directions. Classes are limited to eight–10 students to allow for increased hands-on participation. READ MORE
Special Olympics New Jersey sponsors thousands of athletes state-wide and hosts more than 250 athletic competitions annually. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics New Jersey
Special Olympics New Jersey sponsors thousands of athletes state-wide and hosts more than 250 athletic competitions annually. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics New Jersey

Sports Special Needs Programs in New Jersey

Special Olympics New Jersey

Various NJ locations
With sports for all seasons, such as cycling, golf, skiing, skating, swimming, tennis, and more, Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to thousands of athletes and Unified partners throughout the state.   READ MORE

Inclusive Movement Center

Montclair
Twist, turn, swing, bend, and jump during an hour-long Ninja Warrior class at this super-cool gym. The Center's mission to be “for everyone, with everyone” uses these unique gym classes as a vehicle to help children and young people develop physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.   READ MORE

TOPSoccer

Montclair and Mount Laurel
The motto "Game for All Kids" truly means all. Sponsored by U.S. Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer teaches soccer to boys and girls with mental or physical disabilities. Youth volunteers buddy up with players to provide support, and special accommodations can be made, like shorter game times.  READ MORE

Martial Arts Special Needs Programs in New Jersey

Mayer's Karate & Fitness

North Haledon
Separate and specialized group classes on Saturdays instruct students from extremely low functioning to high functioning with experienced instructors who understand the needs and behaviors of children with special needs. In addition to exercise, kids work on focus, concentration, coordination, and balance. READ MORE

Princeton Academy Martial Arts

Princeton
Princeton Academy's special needs martial arts program was developed in conjunction with a pediatric occupational therapist. Each child is personally evaluated to determine if private lessons, small group sessions, or a transitional program into group classes are the best course of action. READ MORE

Special Needs Yoga Classes in New Jersey

Be Inspired Yoga

Pennington
Therapeutic yoga for children on the autism spectrum starts with movement that improves coordination, low muscle tone, and other physical issues. In the process, it also helps address emotional and behavioral issues.  READ MORE

Pediatric Therapy & Yoga of Morris

Morristown
All of the therapists at this therapeutic yoga center carry dual yoga certifications and professional degrees in physical therapy and occupational therapy. The result is an interdisciplinary practice that focuses on enhancing fine and gross motor skills, as well as guiding each child to find his or her own inner peace and serenity. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Avidd Community Services & Bethel Ridge
Union County Department of Human Services
Octopus Music School
Equine Tranquility Wellness Center
Montclair United Soccer Club
Pediatric Therapy & Yoga of Morris