5 Resources for Neurodivergent Kids in the East Bay (Berkeley)

-by The Mind Matters Team

Berkeley, Oakland, and the surrounding towns in the East Bay are famous for their progressive and activist culture. Their inclusive atmosphere and environmental consciousness are recognized.  Even so, it remains difficult for neurodivergent individuals to flourish here. Parents often struggle to secure appropriate accommodations and services in schools. This leads to kids feeling feel isolated or unsupported by peers. Still, the East Bay offers a growing range of resources that empower neurodivergent children and foster their growth. Here are a few helpful options within the Berkeley and Oakland area that we are eager to share with you…

**Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and celebrates the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other developmental conditions.

1. Parent Education/Advocacy Support:

Parenting a neurodivergent child can be isolating. Other parents might not understand your child’s or your family’s experience. Maybe they think the “typical” ways of advocating for your child might not be effective. Building a community and seeking guidance when you need it can be crucial for you and your child.

• Family Resource Navigator in San Leandro makes it easy for you to navigate resources and advocate so your child can flourish. They provide a call and text support line for parents and family members of people with special needs. It is available from 9-5 on Monday through Friday. They provide opportunities for learning, training, individual coaching, and leadership to assist families walking similar paths. Looking in the Berkeley/Oakland/Pleasanton areas? They’re here for you, no matter your living situation, financial or immigration status. Their services are available in multiple languages including Arabic, Spanish, English, and Korean.
• The nonprofit organization, Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE), assists families in advocating for high-quality education in their child’s public schools. They provide technical assistance consultations on special education rights, responsibilities, and services. In addition, they provide direct advocacy support throughout the IEP/504 process. With their training to help families understand their rights related to special education and services, individuals can be more supported.
• Berkeley Parents Network (BPN) has been around since 1993 and offers a moderated online network connecting parents in the Bay Area. BPN creates a safe space to gain advice, wisdom, resources, and recommendations for schools and professionals that best fit you and your child. While not specifically aimed at families of neurodivergent kids, there are many resources for children with ADHD, ADD, ASD, and more.

2. Alternative Education for Neurodivergent Kids in Berkeley, CA:

Homeschooling can be a fantastic option for kids with neurodiversity in the Berkeley area, allowing their education to be more easily tailored to their interests and needs.

• Interested parents may want to start with the Homeschool Association of California. They provide information about the logistical/legal aspects of homeschooling. Take a look at their helpful list of resources by county.
• For more structured support, consider a homeschool charter or district Independent Study program. This list contains available programs for families living in Alameda, Contra Costa, and all other California counties. You can also ask your local public district whether they have a homeschool program.
• Join the Bay Area Homeschool Network Facebook group. Where over 7,000 members provide lots of great information about park days, classes, and other enrichment opportunities. Or network in person at the Homeschool Association of California (HSC) conference (in San Jose this July 27-30, 2023).
• Are you overwhelmed by the idea of homeschooling? Consider working with a homeschooling consultant like Jamie Heston, a local veteran homeschooler who offers free workshops, information, and paid consultations.

3. Assistive Technology for Kids with Neurodiversity in the Berkeley area

By leveraging technology, Neurodivergent children can more easily access educational materials, express themselves, and reach their full potential. Assistive Technology may include low-tech tools (e.g. notebook organizational systems, raised line paper, or pencil grips) or high-tech tools (e.g. text-to-speech software, graphic organizers, and digital platforms).

• Not sure what will help you or your child? The Center for Accessible Technology (CforAT) in Berkeley provides assistive technology solutions to individuals with disabilities by offering assessments, consultations, and training on various assistive devices and software. CforAT also hosts workshops and events to raise awareness about assistive technology and its benefits for people with disabilities. Check out their Access Studio, a place where people with disabilities and people without disabilities can work together to create art projects.
• While not physically located in the East Bay, The iTech Center at Parents Helping Parents provides low-fee online consultations to families so they can explore options and try out technologies. PHP AT Specialists host related training and workshops and maintain a variety of AT toolkits available for loan for Parents Helping Parents members.

4. Places to Pursue Their Passions:

Many Neurodivergent kids have unique interests and may like to dive deep. Helping your child connect with other kids who share the same affinity can be key in providing them with opportunities for joy, creative and intellectual stimulation, and a sense of belonging.

• Spirited Play Labs is a safe place for kids with neurodiversity and disabled children to play in the Berkeley area.
• Berkeley Math Circle (grades 5-12) is for children who love math. Berkeley Math Tournaments could be a great opportunity for the more competitive math enthusiasts of all ages to meet. Young Engineers offers both in-person and online engineering classes for kids aged 4-15. Barcbots is an inclusive environment and they host robotics competitions!
• Literature, writing, and art encourage social and imaginative exploration. Sponsored by UC Berkeley, Berkeley Bay Area Writing Project (for 3rd-12th graders) offers summer camps. Throughout the year, they also offer other classes. Kids ‘N’ Clay is a ceramic-based studio for all ages that emphasizes the process, not the product. For the musically inclined, Kairos Musical Academy offers flexible after-school rehearsals. In addition, they have lessons for kids aged 6-14. An aspiring triple threat? On Stage Kids ‘N Dance provides a variety of dance, musical theater productions, and circus arts in both classes and summer camps.
• Board/Card Game Stores/Cafes like Victory Point Cafe and Games of Berkeley (both in Berkeley) can make a perfect outing for kids with neurodiversity to connect. It’s Your Move in Oakland offers Magic: The Gathering events, chess and scrabble clubs, and open game nights. Combine drama with gameplay through Bay Area RPG, which offers camps and private sessions. This is where kids 7+ can let their creativity run free!

5. Transitional Age Resources for Neurodivergent Kids in Berkeley:

As teens prepare for life after high school, families may wonder who can help their Neurodivergent teen. Fortunately, there is a growing network of support for this age group.

• The Center for Independent Living (CAL) in Berkeley offers a variety of services to help Neurodiversity adolescents and young adults (and their families) be successful with their transition into postsecondary life. High School and College Employment Programs, Workshops, and Community Connects programs (Public Transit Education, Self-Advocacy, and Social Clubs) are some of the many ways CAL helps clients prepare for college, employment, and independent living.
• California’s network of Community Colleges provides a relatively low-risk way for many students to explore possible career options and areas of interest while working towards a professional certificate, associate’s degree, or transfer to a 4-year college. Students attending Berkeley City College, Laney College or Merritt College in Oakland, the College of Alameda, or Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill should connect with the Disability Resource Center at their campus for support with accommodations and accessibility resources. State-wide programs like The California Promise Program (for students who are low-income, first-generation, and/or from underrepresented communities)
• Many families we work with have been unaware of the support available through the California Department of Rehabilitation, which offers resources and assistance with college and career readiness. Once their Neurodivergent child turns 16, parents can register with the DOR online or reach out to the local DOR offices in Berkeley or Oakland and, if eligible, connect with supports like career counseling, assistive technology, vocational training/cooperative work programs, and student services.

Conclusion:

With adult support and these community connections, Neurodivergent kids can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. If you’ve come across any other helpful resources in the East Bay for your Neurodivergent child, please reach out to let us know. We’d love to share them with our community.

Get an Evaluation for Your Child in Berkeley, CA

These tests are administered by a dedicated Licensed Psychologist (or Licensed Educational Psychologist) and provide valuable insights into their learning profile and cognitive strengths. The analysis you receive from Mind Matters helps you tailor their accommodations and interventions to their needs, and opens up paths to success for your child. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Reach out to schedule an appointment.
2. Schedule your child’s evaluation at our Berkeley office.
3. Empower your child’s journey to thrive.

Other Services We Offer in Berkeley, Silicon Valley, & San Francisco

If our Berkeley, CA office is too far away we have other offices conveniently located in Campbell and San Francisco

In addition to psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations, we have neurodevelopmental screenings. If that’s not what you’re looking for, we offer services for parent guidance sessions and school meetings. If you want to know how we can help support you and your neurodivergent child reach out to us.