At Sensory Kids & Social Minds, we value the cultivation of the brain. Originally founded as a pediatric Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology clinic, we are fueled by research supporting neuroplasticity and social cognition. We believe that our children thrive with routines and that the supportiveness of their environments can either support or hinder their development. Our work is built upon the IISEA (Integrating and Interpreting Sensations, Emotions, and Actions) for Social Success framework, created by Owner/Director Sonia Zayas, OTR/L.

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Many children with special needs are challenged by neurobiological factors, which make it difficult to participate and enjoy early emotional interactions with their parents. Relationship-based therapies focus on increasing these early capacities and shared interactions between parent and child that are meaningful, positive, and pleasurable create the foundation for future learning. The “Floortime Model” essentially means joining the child where they are, revisiting previously missed growth opportunities, and moving forward. This is an apt description of the style in which our therapies are provided– we train our therapists to be sophisticated play partners, who engage in continuous circles of communication with their kids. In this way, the children’s growth better resembles trajectories in neurotypical development: children are motivated to learn by their relationships, rather than by access to rewards.

In our parent coaching, we marry behavioral techniques such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Floortime methods to help parents learn to “dance” with their children and provide the adaptive environments that will help them feel nurtured and successful. We help you understand your children as neurological beings—ones impacted by the environment within and without their bodies—and underscore a developmental and attachment-based understanding of their behaviors.

We offer a unique, team-based approach. In addition to our collaborative approach between disciplines, our OTs and SLPs work in a number of area charter schools and are familiar with the Child Study Team and Individualized Education Plan process. We work hard not just to provide a service, but to be a community resource.

Age Groups	Children Adolescents
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Anger Management Behavioral Conduct Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Intellectual and Developmental Needs Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Communication Disorders Early Intervention Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) Learning Disabilities Special Needs
Treatment Services	In-Community Services Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Behavioral Assistance CSOC Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) Outpatient Services Social Skills Treatment Settings Home In Community Office / Practice School Telehealth
Payment Options	Private / Commercial Insurance Self Pay
Language Spoken	Spanish
Areas Served	Hudson County Union County

Last Updated: 04/23/24