Are you relocating to Lubbock soon? Do you have a child with special needs? Are you searching for resources for parents of kids with autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy or other special needs? Below are some available resources for parents in Lubbock, Levelland, Plainview, Shallowater, Tahoka, Slaton, Post and Eastern New Mexico.
As always, your first resource should be your pediatrician. He/she can provide you with additional resources as well.
Pediatric Therapy, Inc.
If you are new to Lubbock, or have recently had a child diagnosed with special needs, be sure to check out the PTI website here. This center provides various therapies including occupational, speech, feeding and physical therapy.
They “use a comprehensive multi-discipline team approach to meet the unique needs of children.” PTI offers a sensory motor gym, rock climbing wall, in-ground trampoline and much more.
In addition, they provide a support group for parents. It meets once a month. They also offer a summer-only support group for kids ages seven and up.
It is located at 4601 66th Street, near Quaker and the Loop. Call them at 793-3900 for more details on their services. They also have a Facebook page here.
ECI-DEBT
If you have a child ages birth to three that is exhibiting delays or has a diagnosis, be sure to call the Lubbock ECI-DEBT program. They provide early intervention and offer speech, physical and occupational therapy. Some of their services are provided in your home. They also offer a parent support group and even playgroups. Check out the ECI website here for more details and how to make a referral.
Hold Your Horses Therapeutic Riding Center
A third excellent resource to consider is hippotherapy, offered at Hold Your Horse Therapeutic Riding Center. Their mission is “to provide therapeutic and holistic services to children and adults with disabilities in a safe and productive equine rich environment so that each person may reach his/her full potential.”
Hippotherapy involves children riding a horse with the assistance of a trained therapist. It has been proven to improve balance, posture, mobility and function. It can also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions.
Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research
Texas Tech University is home to the Burkhart Center that provides education and research on autism. They also offer resources for parents, such as educational lectures, and family fun days. Check out the website here to learn more.
Monterey Church of Christ
Lubbock is home to many wonderful churches that would love for your family to join. However, Monterey Church of Christ offers a program called “All God’s Children” which ministers to families with children with special needs. They offer Sunday Bible classes, parent’s night out events, emotional support and much more. Take a look at the website here for more details. You can also call the church office at 795-5201. Monterey is located near 98th and Frankford.
These are just a few resources for families in Lubbock. If you have a child with autism, please be sure to read “Online Support Groups for Parents Raising Children with Autism.”
For other general parenting information in Lubbock, take a look at “Swimming Lessons for Kids in Lubbock” and “Money Saving Tips for Lubbock Area Families.”