Special ed advocates & attorneys

From a parent: “Parent1 said her family goes to this tutoring provider, they help with a range of subjects, have tutors who work with kids with special needs, and can be covered by Regional Center.”

From a parent: “List of IFs”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family liked ABA LA. The street address below is the organization's current public registry address and may be administrative or residential; confirm whether services are center-based, in-home, or elsewhere before visiting. Address or provider source: https://npiprofile.com/npi/1306571914”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says her experience as a client has been great with no complaints.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 reports being very happy after the first month, citing an easy app, many existing vendors, straightforward onboarding, and quick responses; the parent reported a 25% co-employer burden rate at the time.”

From a parent: “Is more than OT. Also has Speech, Social Skills, etc. services”

From a parent: “Parent1 shared that this provider has a winter camp.”

From a parent: “Parent1 hired this provider to observe/support her child about once a week at GP and said she is great. Also noted the provider may do parent coaching and is usually busy.”

From a parent: “Helped with supplemental anthem insurance information”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says this doctor, whose practice offers pediatrics and internal medicine, has been kind and helpful with complex pediatric needs. The parent described the new practice as being opened by a friend. Address or provider source: https://aligned-md.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 shared a recommendation passed along by a relative's therapist.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says an introductory call with this special education attorney made a strong impression, but the parent did not report having used her legal services. Address or provider source: https://www.copaa.org/members/?id=16558699”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says this Orange County nurse practitioner is great and noted a long waiting list. The official practice site identifies a focus on PANS/PANDAS care; confirm current availability directly. Address or provider source: https://www.amyjoysmithnp.com/”

From a parent: “Adolescent psychologist, good with girls; helped daughter with anxiety and other issues”

From a parent: “Can mention Alicia McCullough as referral”

From a parent: “They will also be including sports and fitness programs in 2026”

From a parent: “Parent 1 speaks very highly of service and the new portal.”

From a parent: “Parent1 was recommended to her by developmental pediatrician, but never went with her”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: Adjusting parenting methods to align with PDA techniques helped the family.”

From a parent: “Is well connected within SMMUSD. Is pricy, but we found worth it. Barbara helped get our child into the right classroom, and has been helpful on IEP calls to ensure he is getting the right and most services. Can share the full 2023 fee sheet if requested. 2025 price increases: "we will be increasing the price of our Consultations to $375 and IEP rates to $4,800 effective January 1, 2025. "”

From a parent: “Parent 1 reports a great experience with PALS and says the general-education kindergarten teachers are long-tenured and collaborate closely with special-education staff. The parent notes that families outside the neighborhood may need to apply through Choices because Beethoven is a School for Advanced Studies. Confirm current programs and admissions rules with the school. Address or provider source: https://beethovenes.lausd.org/apps/maps/”

From a parent: “Referred to by Developmental Pediatrician - have not actually gone here”

From a parent: “In addition to karate, offer life skills, tutoring, and summer camp”

From a parent: “Our piano teacher is very good, and extremely patient. Our son is his only special needs student, but so far we have had a great experience. He charges $90 an hour, and $45 for 30 minutes.”

From a parent: “When someone asked about penmanship support for a 4th grader, Parent1 said that is usually OT and shared this provider.”

From a parent: “Supportive private elementary school”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the school supported a transition from PALS into general education and that special-education teachers, general-education teachers, therapists, and aides have been supportive. The parent notes that special-education classes can be crowded while the school works to add support. This is one family's experience, not a guarantee of placement or services. Address or provider source: https://brocktonavees.lausd.org/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says an earlier weekly social skills group, which included calls between sessions and followed a UCLA model, was fantastic and helped her child practice interacting with peers and adults. Confirm whether this specific group is still offered. Address or provider source: https://www.centerforaba.com/socal”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she is happy with this FMS.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the school is small and may have fewer resources, but describes the IEP support as incredible for the family. This is one family's experience and does not guarantee services or placement. Address or provider source: https://www.canyoncharter.com/story/207689”

From a parent: “Parent1 said her family works with this OT and loves her for sensory/deep pressure needs.”

From a parent: “Referred to by Developmental Pediatrician - have not actually gone here”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she had heard great things and suggested this as a possible short-term option for emotional or behavioral support, while noting limited hours. This was not a first-person experience. The program's official site describes a therapeutic preschool through first-grade program; confirm age, schedule, and fit directly. Address or provider source: https://www.cheerfulhelpers.org/contact-us.html”

From a parent: “Out of network. "expensive but highly effective"”

From a parent: “Parent1 shared that a new center is opening in Santa Monica and said it may be a good resource.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says her child received complete dental sedation there. Address or provider source: https://www.childrensdentalfunzone.com/”

From a parent: “Supportive charter school”

From a parent: “Parent 1 said the city has some great options and her child did the Lego camp numerous times.”

From a parent: “Parent1 mentioned this as another group and said she had trained with both this group and Guidelight.”

From a parent: “Is an expert in trichotellomania”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the soccer classes are great and that the coach has also taught children to ride bikes. The coach mentioned core-strength work; ask directly about current bike instruction and venues. Address or provider source: https://www.coachcarlosfundamentals.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the camp was excellent, praises the director, and says staff were willing to work with regional center and SDP funding; she reported November discounts with cancellation terms that should be checked for the current season.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 shared the program link as a social-skills option without adding a personal review.”

From a parent: “Comes to your house”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the stylist was kind and did a great haircut for a child who finds haircuts difficult, though the service cost more. Address or provider source: https://www.crownenvy.com/”

From a parent: “Pack (for Scouts) and Troop (for Scouts) 67 is particularly good for kids and teens with special needs”

From a parent: “Recommended for middle school educational advocacy.”

From a parent: “Advocate”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Debra Young is an amazing lawyer.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 provided this child psychiatrist's website in response to a request for medication support.”

From a parent: “They are a little weird with insurance so double check. They take Medi-cal. They also provide a therapist with the psychiatrist to check in with you as the parent and the child. It's part of the program.”

From a parent: “We’ve used him several times and he’s done a good job. I believe he does procedures in office, but we’ve only used him at UCLA because we have a tough anesthesia kid with a heart condition.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she has been very happy with this psychiatrist for medication management and shared the phone number and email address. Address or provider source: https://www.convergentminds.org/team”

From a parent: “We’ve been w dr gott there and im looking to moving and going private i just dont like the level of care with in person visits or prescribing meds. I feel like i tell her the same info on every call and she doesnt remember what we’ve spoken about previously”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: Dr. Robbins is the best; the practice does not take insurance and provides superbills.”

From a parent: “Dr Syniuta is FANTASTIC with kids during eye exams - especially our wiggly ones”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the pediatric team, including Drs. David Feazell, Jayme Heath, and Sharon Kaminker, is good with autistic children and responsive when families request appropriate lab work. Address or provider source: https://www.uclahealth.org/locations/santa-monica-pediatrics”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she used this clinician for a private psychological evaluation. The chat linked a different site; the current contact page was used to check office addresses. Address or provider source: https://drpaulstebbins.com/contact”

From a parent: “Dr Alice Kuo is not part of dev pediatrics. She’s part of med-peds and leads LEND”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: Dr. West performed adenoid surgery for one child and adenoid-and-tonsil surgery for another; the parent liked her a lot.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 said her child has CAPD and used this provider for assessment. The provider suggested CAPDOTS, which was difficult to complete due to age/attention span at the time.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Dr. Dan is great, but did not know whether the practice accepts Delta Dental. Address or provider source: https://drdanspediatricdentistry.com/contact/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family previously saw Dr. Ingels while discussing functional or integrative clinicians familiar with PANS. The chat did not include a qualitative review, so families should assess current services and fit directly. Address or provider source: https://dariningelsnd.com/contact/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says her child had a full adenoid and tonsil removal after earlier tissue regrowth.”

From a parent: “Parent1 loves her child’s dentist and said he was great when her child was nonverbal and biting.”

From a parent: “Offers evaluations; official diagnoses; makes recommendations re: course of action, IEP, outside therapies, natural supplements; prescribes meds”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Dr. Deitz takes insurance but did not feel he had strong bedside manner with children. Address or provider source: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/luke-deitz-536121.html”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Dr. Mae Huo is a more progressive UCLA pediatric provider and prescribed leucovorin to someone she knows. Address or provider source: https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/mae-huo”

From a parent: “Parent 1 suggested a doctor by this surname at UCLA Semel in response to a request for a child evaluation or psychiatry referral. No first name or direct contact was supplied; confirm the doctor's identity with the referring parent before making an appointment. Address or provider source: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Dr. O'Hara is great and noted that she is outside California and had a waiting list. The parent also recommended her PANS/PANDAS book. The practice currently states that new and annual visits take place in Wilton, Connecticut. Address or provider source: https://www.drohara.com/contact-us”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: The family liked Dr. Shapiro for a second opinion on adenoid surgery and found her conservative about surgery; the family may have submitted a superbill.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says her child had strabismus surgery with Dr. Suh and continues to see her for pediatric vision care.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family liked this pediatric ENT, who took their insurance at the time. Confirm current insurance participation directly. Address or provider source: https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/head-neck-surgery/clinical-services/pediatric-otolaryngology”

From a parent: “Parent1 said this dentist was great helping the family and kiddo practice dental care and get comfortable.”

From a parent: “Supportive private elementary school”

From a parent: “Supportive private elementary school”

From a parent: “Comes to your home; text messages welcomed. I attribute my child's language growth in 6months to her. She is great!”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: Referred to by Developmental Pediatrician - have not actually gone here”

From a parent: “Parent1 said her family does weekly classes here, including 3D printing, cutting, hammering, etc., and that they have summer camps as well.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says past one-on-one bike lessons were great but does not know whether this staff member still teaches. The address below is the cycle shop, not a confirmed lesson site. Address or provider source: https://www.helenscycles.com/about/santa-monica-pg284.htm”

From a parent: “Parent 1 shared the camp information.”

From a parent: “have experience with their social skills summer camp and weekly individual therapy; You’d need to do an evaluation for the first year but insurance offers some partial reimbursement; 310-709-6427”

From a parent: “Suggested as an exercise-type class option when a parent asked for PT/exercise alternatives.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: Santa Monica parent”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family used this online platform for adult assessment-related care and reports that some participating clinicians can assess, prescribe, and provide follow-up. The parent recalled an out-of-pocket session around $350; services, clinician credentials, cost, insurance, and whether a formal autism or ADHD evaluation is available vary by provider and must be confirmed. Address or provider source: https://growtherapy.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 suggested the infant program but did not know current availability. This was a general early-childhood recommendation, not a claim about twice-exceptional support. Address or provider source: https://www.growingplace.org/lab-school”

From a parent: “Parent 1 suggested the infant program but did not know current availability. This was a general early-childhood recommendation, not a claim about twice-exceptional support. Address or provider source: https://www.growingplace.org/marine-park”

From a parent: “Parent1 said this group has many people, can teach you to be an IF, and has a lot of resources. She trained with them.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says H&H Learning accepts SDP funding and reports a positive intake experience. The parent did not report ongoing services, so families should assess fit directly. Address or provider source: https://www.hisawyer.com/providers/hh-learning-llc/264042-h-h-learning”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family used this online platform for adult assessment-related care and reports that some participating clinicians can assess, prescribe, and provide follow-up. The parent recalled an out-of-pocket session around $350; services, clinician credentials, cost, insurance, and whether a formal autism or ADHD evaluation is available vary by provider and must be confirmed. Address or provider source: https://headway.co/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family was considering this winter camp if it was offered again. This is a lead rather than a first-person review; confirm current dates, age or grade ranges, availability, and accessibility supports. Address or provider source: https://healthebay.org/aquarium/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 shared this bodywork and wellness website without an accompanying first-person review. Address or provider source: https://www.healingwithsunshine.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 strongly recommends this private-studio stylist for her compassion and haircuts for the whole family.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says her child is happy at one of the Culver City schools and personally considers the Sherman Oaks campus nicer. The exact school was not named, so confirm which program is appropriate; this is an experience with the Help Group, not every campus or school. Address or provider source: https://helpgroup.org/locations/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the camp was a wonderful experience and helped her child learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle independently and feel proud. Address or provider source: https://icanshine.org/ican-bike-irvine-ca/”

From a parent: “Link: https://www.sleepcountshcp.com/sites/sleepcountshcp/files/2025-12/IHSS.pdf”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Illuminate had been recommended for reading comprehension, writing, and programs such as Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing, and later confirmed that the provider comes to the family's home in Santa Monica.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family used this provider and that the educational therapist brought great positive energy. The chat described the location as near Euclid Street and Broadway; the public business listing below should be confirmed before visiting. Address or provider source: https://firmania.com/santa-monica/inclusiveedu-4232841”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says her child's psychologist shared this provider link, but the parent had not assessed the classes or their fit. Address or provider source: https://inspiretoachieve.setmore.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she recommends JLA Trust for special-needs trust support.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the practice was recommended to her, that she had heard great things about the doctors being open to different approaches, and that the practice has concierge fees. Address or provider source: https://www.jofilipediatrics.com/contact”

From a parent: “Parent1 switched from UCLA to this clinic for audiology/CAPD-type testing and said the testing went very well.”

From a parent: “Teaches parenting classes; does private sessions as well”

From a parent: “Referred by Edelman Mental health clinic. Believe she may be pro bono.”

From a parent: “Specifically familiar with Sylvia Hahn who was incredible at parent coaching and giving us tools to use at home”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says a Kaiser neurologist specializing in sleep helped significantly by working on circadian rhythm. The provider's name was offered by direct message and was not included in the chat export.”

From a parent: “bills privately”

From a parent: “Has parking lot in back. Submit a superbill for insurance.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she did not feel Dr. Kohara had strong bedside manner with children. Address or provider source: https://www.koharaeye.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Kumon gives her child useful reading practice, although a separate tutor appeared to help reading progress more. The branch was not identified in the chat. Address or provider source: https://www.kumon.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the practice is very good, provides dental work under sedation, and has years of experience with children and adults on the autism spectrum. Insurance participation was unknown.”

From a parent: “they let the kids get as dirty as they want and just play with natural materials they find in nature, mud, sticks, splashing in streams. They don’t tell the kids “no” but they do keep them safe and engaged. Typically a high ratio of counselor to camper I think there were 13 or 14 kids with 3 counselors and a junior counselor. They start at age 5. During the year they also run a preschool - fully outdoors. Just the ride in the van to different nature spots and then they just play outside”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: Named as the educational therapist speaking on executive functioning skills for elementary-age children. The event description said she would cover EF skills, lagging skills, and family support strategies.”

From a parent: “She gives straightforward gentle parenting advice (and has twin 17 year olds of her own). Does not observe child with behaviorist perspective”

From a parent: “Dr Alice Kuo specializes in neurodivergent children and runs the LEND group. They give RX and have different therapy modalities. MIXED experiences: "We had a very different experience with Dr. Kuo and the team, which led to a complete off the cuff misdiagnosis"; "I’m also mixed on LEND. I too was told they could do formal evals by Dr melilo but when I met with the psychologist he contradicted pretty much everything Dr melilo had promised. Only informal assessment and no real offer of therapy."; "My experience was that they provided a consultation, but no direct services. I do not think they have the staff or are set up to provide direct services. They provided some generic referrals. They did at one point send out a psychologist and social worker for a one-hour home observation, which was very insightful."”

From a parent: “Phone: 917-697-2227; Referred by Developmental Pediatrician - have not actually gone here”

From a parent: “Parent1 writes: "worked with her through undivided on getting stuff paid via insurance. She is a phenomenon."”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Lisa Klein is knowledgeable and well respected. The family worked with myofunctional therapists Ellen and Seenu and found both thoughtful, kind, and very supportive. Address or provider source: https://www.apraxia-kids.org/slp/united-states/california/los-angeles/lisa-klein/”

From a parent: “Parent1 was reccommended to her by neuropsyche, but never went with her”

From a parent: “Parent1 was reccommended to her by neuropsyche, but never went with her”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: Likely do take insurance”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: As of Jan 2025 she isn't taking any more clients”

From a parent: “Parent1 asked if anyone had experience with this Independent Facilitator. An IF on the existing spreadsheet was too busy but suggested asking this provider.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 said this program is incredible but was not a fit for her child.”

From a parent: “Parent1 was recommended to her by developmental pediatrician, but never went with her”

From a parent: “Supportive private elementary school”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the Beverly Hills salon is great; no specific stylist or accessibility features were shared. Address or provider source: https://local.yahoo.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says the family loved this child-care program and suggested it to a parent seeking infant care. This was a general child-care recommendation, not an assessment of support for twice-exceptional students. Address or provider source: https://myfirstplace.com/”

From a parent: “Parent1 shared a flyer for an OT who works with kids doing surf therapy.”

From a parent: “Phone: 818-568-2872; Referred by Developmental Pediatrician - have not actually gone here”

From a parent: “Supportive private elementary school; has a spectrum program which starts in 6th grade (Very small amount of kids accepted, under 10 students). School is k-12. They have smaller classes and a lot of support but also very high level math and honors classes within their curriculum. The Spectrum kids are integrated into the same curriculum; as of September 2025 the Spectrum tuition was ~$69k/yr, whereas the normal tuition was closer to $50k. There are several kids who have financial aid and/or full scholarship.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: now is in-network with Blue Shield. They are based in SM”

From a parent: “offers an out of network therapists but for fraction of the price they normally charge. They usually charge 50-60$ pers session vs if you go to them directly where they charge 200$+. Open path can be either in person or virtual, you can choose - you can also choose male or female modalities, etc. The only issue is the therapists are interns and when they complete their training they move on to other jobs. But the quality was very good, and I have followed one therapist into private practice. Virtual only/$125 hr.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 travels to the Redondo Beach office with a toddler and describes the practitioner as wonderful. Address or provider source: https://www.orendhealingarts.com/”

From a parent: “Supportive charter school”

From a parent: “They focus on learning differences such as Dyslexia, auditory processing disorders etc. They aren’t great for children with any behavior issues. I was told they often don’t take spectrum kids”

From a parent: “He did a great job on both my boys but his biller is problematic”

From a parent: “Parent 1 recommends this program for learning to ride a bike.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 shared the service link and confirms she has used it; the chat did not provide additional details about the experience. Address or provider source: https://phlebotomyexperts.com/”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she used this mobile phlebotomy service once and had a good experience when someone sought an at-home draw for a toddler. Address or provider source: https://www.phlebotomydirect.com/services”

From a parent: “Heard good things about this for younger kids. They don't take insurance”

From a parent: “Parent 1 recommends this bodyworker for chronic pain, injury, and muscle tension and says he has worked with adults and children with scoliosis or cerebral palsy.”

From a parent: “Parent1 suggested this provider from the spreadsheet.”

From a parent: “very small school; I don’t know a lot about it but a friend’s child is there and they are very happy.”

From a parent: “Parent1 did parenting classes with this therapist and found the approach very helpful. Also noted the provider has a therapy practice.”

From a parent: “Educational psychologist”

From a parent: “Focuses on ages 8-17; Offers therapies for kids, as well as parent coaching; offers UCLA PEERS Social Skills programming”

From a parent: “She was trained by Dr Joshua Durbin, a world renowned expert in ASD Psychology.”

From a parent: “Supportive charter school”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says EPIC pairs volunteer buddies with players to make soccer fun, supportive, and inclusive and was recruiting additional buddies for the season. Address or provider source: https://ayso20.org/fall/”

From a parent: “Parent1 said swim lessons are held at Santa Monica College Swim Pool and are excellent.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 recommends Dr. Nadji and describes him as wonderful in response to a request for a glaucoma specialist. Address or provider source: https://www.santamonicaeye.com/contactus”

From a parent: “Supportive private elementary school”

From a parent: “It’s organized as a sports camp with yoga, obstacle course, and other rotations.”

From a parent: “Scripts for helping kids not compete with each other, fight productively, and not physically”

From a parent: “Parent 1 had heard strong recommendations in another parent group but had not used the practice personally and did not know its experience with autistic or otherwise neurodivergent children. The practice's current site lists special-needs dentistry; confirm the specific supports needed before booking. Address or provider source: https://sbpediatricdental.com/contact-us/”

From a parent: “Dr. Reina Factor runs an OCD clinic but not sure if she doesn't it through SPLA, UCLA or privately”

From a parent: “Is an accelerated curriculum like Mirman, small and individualized, and isn't super religious”

From a parent: “Referred to by Developmental Pediatrician - have not actually gone here”

From a parent: “they are pretty flexible about what days to bring your child. Had good experience with them communicating with child who has a hard time with communication”

From a parent: “Parent1 described a strength coach who has been a game-changer for her child, with conditioning, jump rope, footwork, boxing, balance/agility/core games, proprioceptive input, motor planning and confidence. Private sessions are usually $60/hour; group sessions also possible. Link/name was not visible in the docx export.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says she used Stuart Zimmerman, who has a long-established estate-planning practice in Encino.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says Summit Learning had been recommended for reading comprehension, writing, and Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 says: They meet out of Adrian's place, and also at local beaches and parks. Coach Daniel is great! Good for kids who are older (e.g., 10)”

From a parent: “Kids have to be at least 5 years old; Have a great summer camp; We’ve gotten their summer camp paid for by the regional center, but not the weekly classes. Others who have SDP get classes paid for through that. 310-452-1311”

From a parent: “Have several single-room family changing rooms in case traditional locker rooms are overwhelming for your child”

From a parent: “Parent1 said they liked this program, instructors were very patient, and her child learned how to swim. She believed it was around $80/hour.”

From a parent: “Parent1 mentioned this as a tutoring option.”

From a parent: “Parent 1 recommended this swim instructor.”