O’neil Consulting | autism advocate East Meadow NY
Guiding Families Through the Journey of Special Needs Parenting
Empathy. Experience. Education.
Families navigating autism and developmental challenges deserve guidance rooted in compassion, lived experience, and professional insight. As a dedicated autism advocate, O’Neil Consulting exists to support parents, caregivers, and families as they navigate evaluations, education systems, therapy options, and emotional challenges.
Serving families throughout East Meadow, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Five Boroughs, O’Neil Consulting provides advocacy, education, and connection to trusted resources so families can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Who We Are
When I first learned I was expecting twins, I felt as if I had won a trip to Hawaii — full of excitement and dreams of what was ahead. But a few years later, my journey changed course, taking me somewhere far different — and far colder — like Alaska, full of unexpected challenges and lessons.
My twins were born six weeks premature and met their early milestones — they crawled, sat up, and walked on time — but their speech was delayed. As a Special Education Reading Literacy Teacher, I knew something more was happening. After multiple evaluations, both were diagnosed with autism and ADHD, along with auditory processing challenges.
Raising children with special needs can be isolating and overwhelming. I’ve lived it — and that’s why I dedicate my time to helping other parents find the guidance, resources, and hope they need to thrive.
How I Can Help You
It truly takes a village to raise a child — especially when navigating autism, developmental delays, behavioral differences, or learning challenges. As an experienced autism advocate, I work alongside families to help them understand their child’s needs, advocate effectively, and access the right resources.
My role is not to overwhelm you with information, but to walk beside you, offering clarity, direction, and reassurance. Whether you are just beginning your journey or feeling stuck within systems that feel difficult to navigate, O’Neil Consulting provides guidance grounded in real-world experience and professional knowledge.
Referrals to Specialists & Agencies
One of the most critical roles of an autism advocate is connecting families to trusted professionals. I help families access reliable referrals for services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, and respite care.
Families throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Five Boroughs rely on O’Neil Consulting to help them identify agencies and specialists who align with their child’s needs and family goals. As a special needs advocate, I understand that the right referral can change the entire trajectory of a child’s development and a family’s experience.
Mental Health Resource Referrals
Caring for a child with autism or other special needs can take a significant emotional toll on parents and caregivers. Mental health support is not optional — it is essential.
O’Neil Consulting helps families connect with licensed social workers, behavioral coaches, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who specialize in supporting families of children with disabilities. As an autism advocate, I recognize the importance of emotional well-being for the entire household, not just the child receiving services.
Educational & Emotional Support
Navigating the education system can be intimidating for families unfamiliar with IEPs, evaluations, and advocacy rights. As both an educator and special needs advocate, I support parents with school advocacy, IEP preparation, understanding evaluations, and emotional coping strategies.
Families across East Meadow and surrounding areas benefit from guidance that helps them feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. Advocacy begins with understanding, and my role is to ensure parents feel informed, prepared, and confident.
Parent Guidance & Coaching
Sometimes the most valuable support comes from someone who truly understands the journey — personally and professionally. Parent guidance and coaching services provide individualized support tailored to your family’s challenges, goals, and circumstances.
As an autism advocate who has lived this experience, I offer practical strategies, emotional reassurance, and realistic expectations to help families navigate daily life with greater balance and confidence.
Get to Know Ona – The Heart Behind Our Support Services
I am a special needs mom of boy/girl fraternal twins. When my doctor announced I would be a mom of twins, I felt like I was embarking on a very exciting journey, as if I had won a trip to Hawaii. Then, a couple of years later my route changed to Alaska, with many bumps in the road. Everyone has their own box of chocolates, ours are filled with Rocky Roads
Although our twins were six weeks premature, they met their milestones. They crawled, sat up, stood and took their first steps all within normal range. However, they were grossly delayed with speech. The twins picked up their own Idioglossia Language. As a Special Education Reading Literacy Teacher, I felt there was something more going on with them.
I spoke to my pediatrician as at age 2 ½ the twins were not speaking, and I felt we have an issue. After our discussion my pediatrician gave me the phone number for a neurologist, who was at the time the Chief of Staff of Pediatric Neurology. She diagnosed my children with autism and saw signs of very high hyperactivity. Once we received that diagnosis, I wanted them evaluated for a Speech Language Auditory Processing Learning Disability, and sadly, that evaluation came back positive. Next, we took the twins to Russell Barkley’s Clinic in Worcester, MA. Once again, their evaluation came back as 98th percentile with ADHD. To say the least we were not pleased to hear this news in such a short period of time. Unfortunately, in the 1980’s, we did not have all the interventions that are available today.
It takes a village to raise a child with any disability. Although I am married, my husband has worked many hours per week and on weekends. There were many times I felt alone raising twins with disabilities. I know that being a single mother who has children who are not typical is challenging and overwhelming. Those who are employed should speak to their bosses about the possibility of working remotely and rely on family or friends who you can trust to give support and acceptance to your situation. Ask your pediatrician about agencies in your area you can reach out to for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Occupational Therapy, Respite, and Speech Pathology support in the home. Hire a mother’s helper to be there when you are not for your child to receive their interventions, if possible.
Sometimes speaking to a licensed social worker, behavioral coach, psychiatrist, or a psychologist can help. There are various types of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that can assist with feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, despair, frustration, and with overall mental health.
Please contact me for information, referrals and support
why choose us
Guidance from Experience, Support from the Heart
At Oneil Consulting, we understand that raising children with unique needs can feel overwhelming — because we’ve experienced it firsthand. As a special needs parent and experienced educator, I bring both professional knowledge and personal insight to every family I work with. My mission is to guide parents through the challenges of navigating therapies, evaluations, and emotional balance with empathy, understanding, and real-world strategies.
When you work with Oneil Consulting, you’re not just receiving advice — you’re gaining a partner who truly understands your journey and is committed to helping your family thrive.
Real Experience, Real Understanding
As a special needs mom and autism advocate, I understand the emotional complexity of parenting a child with developmental differences. My guidance is rooted in lived experience, not theory alone.
Personalized, Compassionate Support
Every family’s journey is different. As a special needs advocate, I take the time to listen, understand, and tailor support that aligns with your child’s needs and your family’s values.
Knowledge You Can Trust
With a background in special education and strong connections to professionals across New York, O’Neil Consulting provides reliable information and referrals families can trust.
Customer Reviews
Families across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Five Boroughs consistently share positive experiences working with O’Neil Consulting as their autism advocate.
“O’Neil Consulting has been a lifeline for our family. The IEP training gave us the confidence to advocate effectively for our child. Their guidance is truly family-focused and personalized.”
Mark R.
Satisfied Client
“Having an expert by our side during CSE meetings made all the difference. They listened, explained everything clearly, and ensured our child got the services they needed.”
Julie S.
Satisfied Client
“The behavioral strategies and autism coaching we received were practical and effective. We’ve seen real improvements at home and school.”
Terry L.
Satisfied Client
At O’Neil Consulting, families are supported at every stage of their journey. Whether you need referrals, advocacy, or emotional support, you do not have to navigate this alone.
As a trusted autism advocate serving East Meadow, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Five Boroughs, I am here to help families move forward with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
Schedule a Consultation Today