Special Needs Resources

The Center for Developmental Services houses many partner services for children with special needs in one location. They offer a wide range of therapy for developmental delays, speech, hearing, behavioral and more, including family programs and educational programs. The Center for Developmental Services also connects families with the services suitable for their needs.

Providing support and advocacy for families in the Carolinas to meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families

SC 2-1-1 is a South Carolina resource database to help individuals find assistance. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 2-1-1.

Baby Net is South Carolina’s system for children under 3 years old with developmental delays. Parents, friends, doctors, teachers, and caregivers can all refer a child to Baby Net. Once referred children will be evaluated to see if their delays qualify for services. The evaluation and services are free to all families and funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and managed through South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

This parent- and volunteer-run organization serves over 300 families in the Upstate. They support new and expectant parents of children with Down Syndrome, advocate and educate for inclusion in the community, and provide services and online resources to assist families.

Thrive Upstate offers many services for people with disabilities in the Upstate. These services include early intervention for children, but also pre-vocational and vocational training, residential housing, and more. In KidVentures, the early intervention program, an early interventionist works with parents and children on the child’s developmental goals, as well as coordinating necessary services and therapy. Email [email protected] for more information.

ChanceLight Autism Services provides behavioral treatment services for children ages 20 months to 21 years. Services are available in home, at schools and through EAP clinics.

The state agency that oversees and funds services for those with disabilities and special needs.

Help Me Grow is a free resource for parents with children age 5 and under. They provide free developmental assessments and then help connecting families with the necessary resources, therapy and information.

Located in the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library, families can borrow materials covering a variety of disability-related topics. Materials are available to any resident of the United States, with lending in-person or via mail.

A safe, family dining experience to connect with others and become part of a community. They offer resources and host events for those with special needs. Due to COVID-19, Thyme and Play’s events are temporarily suspended.

Family Connection of SC supports families of children with special needs. Programs and services provide parents with support and guidance in locating helpful services for their children, as well as parent-to-parent mentoring.

University of South Carolina School of Medicine giant online resource guide searchable by topic

Child Find Screenings are held by individual Spartanburg School Districts for students aged 2.5 – 5 years old who may need special education and related services. These screenings are used to evaluate children to make recommendations.

A Spartanburg organization working to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs. Offers early intervention program called Can Do Kids.

Offers early intervention, case management, and speech therapy services to individuals with disabilities and special needs in the Upstate.

A resource for families who have children with autism working to improve life for those with autism.

Offering case management and special instruction for families who qualify. Email [email protected] for more information.

A website with a wealth of resources for parents and teachers of children with learning disabilities, disorders, and differences.