What makes SNACK so spectacular is their incomparable staff. The programming is second to none, but it's the caring nature of each one of these gifted and talented professionals that makes this special needs organization so truly invaluable. Children blossom, thrive, and are encouraged to reach their individual potential in the warmest possible environment. Each class, whether it be exercise, art, dance, etc. is infused with opportunities to increase sociability and let each participant shine. SNACK & Friends, Inc. is every parent's dream come true.
I worked with Snack* for four years and it's hands down the best decision I ever made. The staff is incredibly kind, caring and hardworking. Even more, the kids left a lasting impression on me. If you're looking for an activity group for your kids, I cannot recommend this place enough.
I’m a parent of a client served. SNACK is a reliable, trustworthy, amazing space for children with special needs. From school holiday programs to swimming lessons, our experiences with SNACK have all been too-notch.
To tell my SNACK story I must begin with the story of my son, Andy, now a 25 year old young man.
Andy was born in July of 1996. He was our fourth child of five, our second of three sons, the twin A to his one minute younger brother’s twin B, and the child I never remember not having worried about.
Having three older siblings and a twin brother, I had a fair amount of developmental material to compare when 18 month old Andy wasn’t walking, and what little language he had was rapidly diminishing. After a harrowing neurologist appointment, several speech and language evaluations and a physical therapy assessment I knew what I suspected for a while, Andy is autistic.
Fast forward to Andy at eight years old… afraid of loud noises, volatile, extremely self-stimulatory and occasionally self-injurious and basically not a very happy child, we were told about a program in New York City that was for children similar to our boy. I wanted to be excited, but experience had taught me that that was probably a mistake. While any type of autism is a “big “ diagnosis, what I didn’t know early on in the process is that autism is a spectrum, and many, maybe most programs are not for the more severely disabled individuals. We were turned away from several. We were sent packing, basically being told that Andy’s needs were far too severe for the programs we looked at that were geared to the “only a smidge autistic “
We showed up for a trial at SNACK NYC on a Saturday. Andy fell right in with the other children, enjoying the music classes, the soccer, the arts and crafts, and especially the amazing staff! Every person that has worked with Andy from SNACK has been nothing short of fabulous! They have always bent over backwards to accommodate and help Andy have a great experience, and have always been successful.
Now, at 25, Andy is attending SNACK’s 21+ program. He enjoys all of the activities, but is partial to cooking and working to put orders for SNACK merchandise together for mailing. He has an amazingly dedicated com-hab worker who really helps motivate Andy and understands his moods. Paired with the fantastic staff at SNACK, we really feel that Andy is in the best place possible and we feel grateful every day!
Snack* is my 21 year old, severely autistic son’s home away from home. At Snack* Sammy is appreciated and respected for who he is
as are all the children and young adults who attend. Snack* is one of very few places where I have the trust and confidence to leave my son, knowing he will be protected, stimulated and well cared for. The people who work at Snack* are on another level in their dedication, patience and love for the severely disabled population. If I could give Snack* 10 stars, I would!
Snack has helped so many children, adolescents and their families over the years. Everyone at Snack is truly an excellent resource and they provide such meaningful and important programming for the autism community.
Amazing activities for kids/teens and young adults with special needs. Snack goes above and beyond to offer fun, friends and hope for all!
A wonderful environment with qualified, dedicated, and, most importantly, extremely kind and caring professionals. The heart that the staff shows to their kids and young adults is inspiring and refreshing to see.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about SNACK! My four year old nonverbal Autistic Son, Elliott, has been taking swimmming lessons with SNACK for over a year and we are constantly impressed, moved and grateful for the incredible instructors and staff. Not only does Elliott have a fantastic time at every lesson, but he is also he is becoming an incredible swimmer. Everyone at SNACK sees the strengths and limitless potential of every student.
My son has been going to SNACK for nealy five years. SNACK is a place where kids can go and make friends, have fun and enjoy themselves. Its a safe place where parents can leave ther children for a few hours and know they have peace of mind that the staff will take great care of them and that they have the ability to deal with any situation that arises. My son has came on leaps and bounds, he now is able to focus more and is a lot clamer. The swimming programme helps the kids to swim and the water us very claming for them. I have taken my son to other swimming programmes but i have to say SNACK have provided the most suitable one for my son. He enjoys the programme and the interaction with the staff. SNACK and Friends is a wonderful place for my special son.
SNACK has helped my seven year old daughter learn how to swim! It is also a home away from home for us, where she has taken soccer classes as well as attended an after school program. It is the only program of its kind and quality that I know of.
A year ago, my son’s ABA therapist recommended SNACK for its structured activities, nurturing environment, and high ratio of skilled adult support. I took her advice and sent William to the SNACKtivities holiday program during school break. His self esteem soared, his behaviour improved, and he was so successful that I have continued to send him to the after-school program at SNACK as well as full-day programs during school breaks. William has thrived from the positive reinforcement and the multitude of opportunities to be successful: in art, music, sports, and games. He has many opportunities to develop and practice social skills. I am so thankful for SNACK – without it, William would be home stimming and tantrumming.
Our son Grant is now 11 and has been going to Snack for over five years. I think he participates in everything - Snacktivities, soccer, swimming, he's been to their camps during school breaks, etc. Snack is, quite simply, an amazing place for children with autism and for the parents of children with autism. It is so difficult fining playgroups and places where your child can interact with others, develop social skills, learn sports and just be a kid. At Snack, no child is ever turned away - no matter what their challenges are - and everyone is made to feel welcome. The staff is not only high skilled, but friendly and loving towards these kids. The smiles you see on the kids faces when they are there is just priceless. I would highly recommend Snack to any family with a child with special needs - you won't be disappointed.
My five year old son with c.p. has been swimming with SNACK for two years. He loves it, and it's very theraputic for his muscles. SNACK personnel have gone above and beyond to make our weekly session beneficial and enjoyable. Now my son's typically developing twin sister joins in the swimming session, which is darling for us as they get to enjoy an activity together.
SNACK has been a godsend for us. They provide a safe, fun, activity filled day for children with autism. This is the best program I ever spent money on.
Review from Guidestar
My son has been swimming with SNACK for seven years. Since children with Autism are attracted to water I considered swimming nothing more than a vital life skill. Surprisingly it turned out to be so much more! Not only does he love it, but he now competes as part of a team, doing something he's good at out in the community.
This is way beyond what I had anticipated. Thank you SNACK!
Review from Guidestar
My special needs son, had swim lessons, at various institutions, and with various instructors, but could not get over, his fear of the pool and getting his face wet in the water. Then we tried, SNACK, for swimming instruction, and now he floats across the pool, and looks forward to his weekly lessons. We have since, signed up for soccer,went to movies , and participated in charity events, and have been overwhelmed with their care and enthusiasm , at making every event, super special for the children there!We went to a showing of UP , where we were encouraged to have fun, and be ourselves, and not worry, about the usual dark , quiet movies that we are usually forced to attend. Thanks to you Jackie, and your awesome staff!
When your special needs child presents problem behaviors, it can be very difficult to find programs and settings that can manage those behaviors without resorting to sending a child home from time to time. I want my boys to have group experiences, and be safe, but I also know what it feels like when my kid was the one being disruptive. SNACK staff now how to keep everybody safe, including the child who is having a tantrum.
This is a remarkably affirming experience for a parents who manage day to day behaviors in the community that are safety hazardous or socially stigmatizing. Being accepted and nurtured is the ultimate in support for both child and family.
I am a parent of a 15 year old boy, George, who has severe autism. We moved to New York from Europe 7 years ago and were fortunate to meet Jackie Ceonzo shortly after we arrived and soon after she had set up SNACK. George has been an avid attender of the SNACK program ever since and it has been a life-changer for him. In my opinion, SNACK is the finest after-school recreation center of its kind in New York, filling a void in George's life, and that of many other children afflicted by autism and other disorders, by providing much-needed programs to address this community's needs. Art, music, sports, yoga, swimming, and just plain old hanging out with his buddies are among the many activities which George has learned to love.
George's verbal skills are continuing to improve, in no small part to the onsite speech therapy services offered to him during the SNACK activity sessions. George obsesses about his weekly schedule and recites it multiple times a day to anyone who will listen. SNACK gets a big shout out and George also makes sure that the bus driver is 100% aware that George has to be dropped off at SNACK on Thursdays and Fridays!
My husband and I bought a home in Manhattan and were looking for weekend programs for our 8.5 year old autistic son. I was introduced to Snack through the YAI network as an excellent organization for recreational after school programs. I reached out to them and received the warmest response ever. There are no organizations like Snack in and around NJ which provide such high-quality programs to parents whose lives are devastated by autism - We've signed up for the swim and the social skills snacktivities program and are so thankful we found SNACK - The staff are wonderful and so warm ! It's like finding an extended family !
SNACK has been a terrific resource for our family. Our 2 year-old daughter attends a play session on Sundays and she loves it. The staff are wonderfully attentive and I feel very comforted when she is in their care. SNACK has also provided us with sample classes in soccer and swimming. We fully intend to continue our relationship and highly recommend them.
My son, Sam, has been taking swim lessons with Snack for the past year and has made amazing progress. When he first started, he would mostly just stay in one place, bobbing in the water and engaging in self-stimulatory hand flapping and splashing. As of last week's lesson, he was able to swim laps across the width of the pool for 35 minutes straight! I am so proud of him and appreciative of the hard work and patience exhibited by Snack staff at each and every session.
Review from Guidestar
My son is on the autism spectrum and used to love to swim. In the past, being in the pool always had a positive effect on him so my husband and I were devastated when he went through a period where he refused to go in the pool. Luckily, we heard about SNACK's swim program and signed him up. We are thrilled to report that our son is back in the pool and progressing far beyond where he was, in a very short time. All of the instructors are patient, kind, and treat my son like any other child trying to learn a new skill. My son is having fun and we are enjoying watching him; it is one of the best days of the week for us! The positive feedback he is getting from the staff and from us is giving him a much needed confidence boost. We are so thankful to the staff at SNACK!!!