O’neil Consulting | autism advocate East Meadow NY
Guiding Families Through the Journey of Special Needs Parenting
Empathy. Experience. Education.
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 developmental, behavioral, or learning challenges. I offer guidance, resources, and support for parents who want to understand and advocate for their child’s unique needs.
Referrals to Specialists & Agencies
I help connect families to trusted professionals for ABA, Occupational Therapy, Respite, and Speech Pathology.
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Mental Health Resource Referrals
Find licensed social workers, behavioral coaches, and therapists who specialize in supporting families with children who have disabilities.
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Educational & Emotional Support
Learn about school advocacy, IEP support, and emotional coping strategies for parents and caregivers.
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Parent Guidance & Coaching
Get personalized support from someone who understands — both professionally and personally.
Learn MoreGet 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 educator, I understand firsthand the challenges parents face. My guidance comes from lived experience — not just textbooks.
Personalized, Compassionate Support
Every family’s journey is unique. I take the time to listen, assess your needs, and connect you with the right resources, therapies, and strategies to help your child succeed.
Knowledge You Can Trust
With years of experience in special education and connections to top specialists, I provide reliable information, referrals, and emotional support so you can make confident decisions for your family.
Customer Reviews
See what families in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the five boroughs are saying about our autism advocacy and support services.
“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 Oneil Consulting, we proudly serve families and caregivers throughout New York and surrounding areas — providing support, resources, and guidance for parents of children with special needs.
Whether you’re looking for local referrals, educational direction, or emotional support, we’re here to help — no matter where you are on your journey.
Schedule a Consultation Today