A Specialized Resource Guide to Parenting in Huntsville

We know all kids are special, but specialized resources are sometimes hard to find. Something we here at Rocket City Mom strive to provide is a resource for all things parenting. Whether it is Autism, ADHD, Downs, Dyslexia, Giftedness, 2e, or the spectrum of abilities in-between, we hope the resources listed below will help make parenting easier for you in Huntsville.

Do you have an addition you want to share with local parents? Email us at info@rocketcitymom.com and we’ll add it in.

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Transportation services, service dogs, wheelchairs, and Independent Technology services in Huntsville

Service Dogs of Alabama | 334-676-3733 | Facebook

Kind Hearts Dog Training Center | 256-881-5700

Access of Huntsville | 256-427-6811

Huntsville TN Valley AMBUCS | 256-520-5194 | Facebook

Mobility Works of Huntsville | 256-217-9672

UCP Assistive Technology | 256-859-4900

Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) | 800-826-1675
Provides legal services to Alabamians with disabilities to protect, promote and expand their rights and is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).

Alabama Psychological Services Center | 256-533-9393
Huntsville & Madison locations offer testing for ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Depressive and Anxiety Disorders, and learning problems in children and adolescents.

AL Special Education Consultations and Advocacy Services in Huntsville | 256-797-4442 | cavb@knology.net
Helping families in North Alabama obtain appropriate educational services for children with special needs.

Ability Plus | 256-489-4696
Maintains residential homes and day habilitation for individuals in North Alabama with intellectual disabilities.

Applied Behavior Concepts, Inc. | 256-772-4400
Provides therapeutic behavioral and educational intervention services for children with Autism, Aspergers, Pervasive Developmental Delays, Oppositional Defiance Disorders, Down Syndrome, Fragile X and other developmental delays and behavioral disorders.

The ARC of Madison County | 256-539-2266
An advocate for all those with disabilities – from infants to adults. They assist with Early Intervention, Job Coaching, Adult Day Services, and Residential Services.

Autism Support of Alabama | 1(877)428-8476
Alabama’s premier state agency for autism awareness, advocacy, and resources.

Children’s Rehabilitation Services of Alabama  | 334-293-7500
A statewide organization of skilled professionals providing quality medical, rehabilitative, coordination and educational support services for children with special health care needs and their families. Every county in Alabama is served through a network of 14 community-based offices.

City of Huntsville Special Populations Department | 256-564-8026
A city program dedicated to offering advocacy & programs to the physically and mentally challenged from preschool through senior citizens.

The Gallini Group | 888-719-0080
The Gallini Group is the only law firm in Alabama dedicated entirely to the field of special education law, representing children with disabilities whose families disagree with their public school districts. They are dedicated to obtaining individualized educational services for students with special needs throughout Alabama.

Hope 2 Joy Advocacy, Carol Woodard | 256-489-7560
A great local advocate for kids with special needs and their families.

Madison Behavior Therapy | Madison: 256-325-0433 | Huntsville: 256-489-8660
Provides high quality, effective programming in Applied Behavior Analysis to individuals with autism and related disorders, as well as other behavioral diagnoses. Offers transition programming services in the classroom.

Madison City Disability Advocacy Board | 256-203-3968 | info@mcdab.org
Established to strengthen public understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities and to ensure that all citizens with disabilities have equal access to the City of Madison’s resources and opportunities.

Making Connections | 877-428-8476
A parent-led networking group for families and professionals in Madison County, Alabama, and the surrounding region. We strive to improve the lives of individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

NAPA (North Alabama Psychiatric Associates, P.C.) | 256-322-6272
Individual outpatient psychotherapy services provided by an experienced independent clinical social worker.

United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville | 256-852-5600
UCP offers a variety of program and services to best serve clients of all ages and abilities. They offer therapy, support groups, rehab, early interventions, advocacy & many more services.

ARTICLES & OTHER RESOURCES

Alabama’s Dyslexia Legislation Laws

Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Special Needs Child

The Importance of Early Intervention

Navigating IEP Meetings

Sports, camps, activities and recreation for kids of all abilities.

SPORTS & FITNESS PROGRAMS

Adonai School of Ballet | 256-325-3720
Three different ballet classes serving children ages 5 – adult.

AYSO VIP Soccer
 | 424-221-7910
Soccer program for children and adults with physical or mental disabilities.

City of Huntsville Special Populations Department | 256-564-8026
A city program dedicated to offering recreational programs to the physically and mentally challenged from preschool through senior citizens.

Master Mary’s Teakwondo Academy | (1)256-509-3502
Martial Art training for children with Autism. Class sizes are kept small to help the student focus, and get more individualized attention.

Merrimack Hall Happy HeARTS | 256-534-6455
Weekly classes for students ages 3-12 with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other disorders. Classes include dancing, yoga, tumbling, physical fitness, and more.

Miracle League of North Alabama | 256-316-1594
A non-profit organization focused on providing a safe and enjoyable team sport experience for kids and young adults with physical & mental disabilities regardless of his or her experience level of ability. Players of all ages are welcome.

Next Step Farms | 256-679-0963
A day program for adults with cognitive disabilities. Programs include everything from planting food and raising animals to mechanical skills, computers, basic finance and general life skills.

North Alabama TOPSoccer | 256-489-2849
This program is designed specifically for children between the ages of 4-18 with physical, mental, or emotional challenges that have a desire to play and learn the game of soccer.

Special Olympics of North Alabama | 334-242-3383
Through sports, health, education and community programming, Special Olympics is tackling inactivity, intolerance, isolation and injustice that people with intellectual disabilities throughout the world face.

Huntsville TN Valley AMBUCS | 256-509-2370
Biking & tryking across Madison County, this group is active in parades and special events all over Huntsville.

CAMPS

Camp Frog | chenique@autism-alabama.org
ASA’s  Camp FROG Family Weekends, held at Camp ASCCA and located on beautiful Lake Martin, offer families the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive and adaptive environment, as well as, fellowship with other families from across the state. Fall Camp FROG is open for ages 6 – 13 years of age. Spring Camp Frog hosts ages 14 and up. Please contact chenique@autism-alabama.org for additional information. Open to Alabama families affected by autism.

Summer Reading Camp | 256-799-6100
Half day camp at Greengate School for grades 1-6 that will help strengthen language, math, art, and study skills for children with reading difficulties using Orton-Gillingham instruction.

Special Needs Summer Camps in Huntsville (updated ahead of summer)

PLAYGROUNDS & SPLASHPADS

Everybody Can Play Splashpad
Address: Brahan Springs Park, 500 Drake Avenue, Huntsville (map)
Water fun for the hottest summer days for kids of all abilities.

SNAP Playground & Splashpad
Address:406 Nance Ford Road, Hartselle AL (map)
Water fun for the hottest summer days for kids of all abilities.

PROGRAMS

Sensory-Friendly Performances at Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy

Sensory Friendly Performances make space for audiences with special access needs. Visual and sound effects are lowered, fidget toys and other sensory assistance tools will be distributed, and house lights will stay dimly lit to accommodate first time patrons with sensory disabilities. This new sensory friendly season is part of Fantasy Playhouse’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, one of the first initiatives of its kind to take place in Alabama. Tickets are on sale to the general public to these special performances.

Sensory-Friendly Films in Huntsville | 256-882-1202
AMC Valley Bend 18 offers a Sensory Friendly Film Program for any family with children who find it difficult to sit quietly in the dark through an entire film. Family-friendly films are shown on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.

These schools and programs work with students that have specialized learning abilities.

Greengate School at Randolph
Phone: (256) 799-6100
Greengate School at Randolph serves students in grades 1-8 using an Orton-Gillingham approach to provide a specialized program of instruction that meets individual learning needs, while also offering students with dyslexia a full complement of co-curricular and extra-curricular school experiences.

Hope United Academy
Address: 980 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758
Phone: 256-947-9802
The Hope United Academy teachers have professional experience with students who exhibit learning differences. Hope United Academy uses research-based practices specifically designed to empower students to reach their full academic potential. Students benefit greatly if they are twice exceptional, and/or have ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, high-functioning autism, or processing issues. Every child learns uniquely. Therefore, Hope tailors instructional pace and format to achieve academic excellence without frustration.

Huntsville College Preparatory School
Address: 4217 9th Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-513-8700
Huntsville College Preparatory School (HCPS) is a k-12 nonprofit private school, serving children with learning differences in Huntsville, Alabama.  Our student body includes students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, ADHD, Anxiety and students who simply need an individualized learning experience.

The Riley Behavioral & Educational Center
Address: 306 Wynn Dr., Huntsville
Phone: (256) 882-2457
The Riley Center seeks to provide comprehensive services using a multidisciplinary approach to fulfill the urgent need for earlier diagnosis and treatment for children and their families faced with autism.  Our staff implements the most current research-proven treatments and educational practices in a caring and supportive environment.

UAH Rise School/Early Learning Center
Address: 4503 University Dr. NW, Huntsville
Phone: (256) 824-4750
The UAH Rise School provides the highest quality of early childhood education services to children with developmental disabilities and children without disabilities. This program provides children 9 months up to 6 years of age with a firm foundation for their next educational experience.

Huntsville City Schools GATE
Wendy Graham, Gifted Coordinator for Huntsville City Schools
Phone: 256-428-6872
HCS’s Gifted and Talented Education program believes all children should have equitable educational opportunities to develop their abilities to the fullest potential.

Perfect Praise Music
Email: info@PerfectPraiseMusic.com
Phone: 256-348-6634
Perfect Praise Music offers piano lessons, bucket drumming lessons, recorder lessons and private and group instruction.

ARTICLES & OTHER RESOURCES

Back to School for Special Needs Students

RISE School of Huntsville’s Inclusion Program

School Spotlight: The Riley Center

Medical Services/Practices that specialize in treating special needs and/or providing therapy for children.

DENTISTS

Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates
24 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL 35758 | 256-772-7373
4001 Balmoral Drive, Huntsville | 256-539-7447
6727 Highway 431, Owens Crossroads | 256-693-8900
2699 Sandlin Road, Decatur | 256-280-9755

Madison Pediatric Dentistry
8311 HWy 72 W, Madison | 256-890-4005

THERAPY

Ability Plus
100 Jetplex Blvd., Madison 35824
256-489-4696

Alabama Psychological Service Center
4800 Whitesport Circle Suite 2 in Huntsville and 100 Essex Court, Suite A in Madison
Huntsville: 256-533-9393 | Madison: 256-325-3288

Applied Behavior Concepts, Inc.
100 Spenryn Dr Madison, Al 35758
256-772-4400

Center For Speech & Language
1106 Gleneagles Drive SW Huntsville, AL 35801
256-533-3314

Child’sPlay Therapy Center
4890 University Square, Suite 7, Huntsville
256-387-7415

Covenant Counseling & Consulting
1634 Slaughter Road, Madison
256-822-2375  

Effective Communication Speech Therapy
285 Chateau Drive, Huntsville
1-866-849-4608

Everything on the Spectrum
2117 Metro Circle SW, Huntsville
256-701-4410

Huntsville Behavior Associates
805 Madison St. SE, Huntsville
256-755-4278

Madison Behavior Therapy
230 Hughes Road, Suite F, Madison
475 Providence Main Street, Suite 201, Huntsville
Madison: 256-325-0433 | Huntsville: 256-489-8660

Madison Speech Associates
103 Intercom Drive, Suite C, Madison
256-464-9464

More Than Words Speech Therapy, LLC
Brooke Sorrells, M.S., CCC-SLP (Owner)
Phone: (256) 213-7477
Fax: (256) 517-9528

NAPA (North Alabama Psychiatric Associates, P.C.)
953 Jeff Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
256-322-6272

Pediatric Therapy Link of North Alabama
97 Hughes Rd Suite H, Madison
256-883-7338

The Autism Clinic at Hope
5767 Cove Commons Drive SE, Brownsboro
866-5-ABA-Hope

The Riley Center
306 Wynn Drive, Huntsville
256-882-2457

The SpOT Clinic
327 Old Hwy 431 South, Ste C, Hampton Cove
(256) 517-9277

200 Lime Quarry Road, Madison
(256) 542-1970

Silver Linings Neurodevelopment
185 Chateau Drive, Suite 102, Huntsville
256-489-1583

United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville
2075 Max Luther Dr NW, Huntsville
256-852-5600

Valley Christian Counseling
5151 Research Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
256-722-8091