What We Do

A Place Of Hope

The YAI Network is a health and human services agency dedicated to building brighter futures for people with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families. In more than 450 programs throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the people we serve are realizing their full potential each and every day. Learn more.

The YAI Autism Center provides the coordinated care to people with autism and their families that has become a hallmark of the YAI Network.  In addition to accessing state-of-the-art autism services, YAI Autism Center families may also enroll in a wide range of free services and programs available throughout the YAI Network.

We are now accepting kids and teens on the spectrum for Clinical Social Skills Groups.

This fee-for-service program is designed to enhance your child’s social abilities, with a focus on interacting with peers, developing pro-social behaviors and decreasing behaviors that hinder appropriate social interactions. 

Using a multidisciplinary approach of treatment techniques (psychology, speech & language, occupational therapy, social work), small groups of children will meet weekly with adult leaders at the YAI Autism Center. 

  • The program leaders have expertise related to the social needs of children with ASD and in providing behavioral treatments in a group setting.
  • Following thorough assessment, children will be grouped according to age, functional level, behavioral concerns and social needs. 
  • Each session will incorporate socially motivating, fun activities using a multi-sensory approach. 
  • Art, music, physical movement/dance and yoga will be used to promote increased socialization while addressing any sensory needs your child may have. 

For more information, please contact Jill Krata, Ph.D. Manager of Clinical Services YAI / Autism Center at, 212-273-6100 X 2424.

Other programs for individuals and families

Register now for Yoga Ballet Classes!

The YAI Autism Center is pleased to be offering the following private pay programs for the winter/spring 2012 session.  Children ages 3-9 on the autism spectrum are welcome to participate in Ballet / Yoga, Music therapy and Social Skills groups which are typically comprised of 5-6 peers, matched for similar social-cognitive abilities.  Groups lead by licensed clinicians with a certification in children's special needs yoga, and masters degrees in either occupational or physical therapy and social work.

The following schedule of classes are available:

Yoga/Ballet

schedule

 

For more information and to schedule an intake contact Jill Krata at 212-273-6211

  • Yoga mats and workbooks provided for Ballet /Yoga Groups*
  • Groups are facilitated by licensed clinicians (social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists and music therapists) who specialize in evaluating and treating children with autism spectrum disorders

Don't miss the Socialization Groups for kids and teens on the spectrum!

Check out our Family Support Series for parents and caregivers of people with autism.

This program is designed to enhance your child’s social abilities, with a focus on interacting with peers, developing pro-social behaviors and decreasing behaviors that hinder appropriate social interactions.

  • Using a multidisciplinary approach of treatment techniques (psychology, speech & language, occupational therapy, social work), small groups of children will meet with adult leaders on a weekly basis at the YAI Autism Center.
  • The program leaders have expertise related to the social needs of children with ASD and in providing behavioral treatments in a group setting.
  • Following thorough assessment, children will be grouped according to age, functional level, behavioral concerns and social needs.
  • Each session will incorporate socially motivating, fun activities using a multi-sensory approach.
  • Art, music, physical movement/dance and yoga will be used to promote increased socialization while addressing any sensory needs your child may have.

Please contact the YAI Autism Center at 1-888-YAI-Autism for further information regarding location, fees, and screening.

Contact Information

For services in the New York metropolitan area

1-888-YAI-Autism

YAI Link: Information & Referral for Services & Programs

1-866-2-YAI-LINK, 212-273-6182 or TDD: 212-290-2787