Our story. Our reason.

Gemma and AHC

Gemma was born with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC), a very rare genetic disorder. Genetic testing gave us her diagnosis when she was a year and a half old. To our knowledge, the specific genetic variant identified in Gemma has not been reported in anyone else.

Gemma has significant support needs. After our family moved, finding the resources she needed was difficult. That experience inspired me to create Special Needs by State.

Why I created this website

I wanted to bring together the important resources a special needs family might need—in one place, for every state. From doctors and therapists to schools, equipment and everyday support, my hope is to make the search a little easier for other families.

This website grew out of our own experience of needing help and not knowing where to find it. Families deserve a clear place to start, wherever they call home.