Parent Information Relating to Special Education
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
When other events become available they will be posted at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Mon. Nov. 1, 10~11:30 am OR 1:00~2:30 pm
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctOPsB7iweUH1B3GLgMHO9ksvoZhXKS6TYLHvuQinIYOdIWA/viewform?utm_name=
What Did You Say? Differentiating Auditory Processing Disorder from ADHD in Children
Tue. Nov. 2, 1 pm, with replay link
APD and ADHD are distinct conditions that do coexist but require different responses. Learn about the various types of APD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/auditory-processing-disorder-adhd-in-children/?
Learning to be Flexible and Resilient
Wed. Nov. 3, 6:30 pm
A presentation by the Parent Resource Center at Alexandria Public Schools.
Access: https://acpsk12.zoom.us/j/93232174038?pwd=dUhVVU0rNjF0TVZ0RnBwYWhEYnRTUT09
What Do You Say?: How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home
Wed. Nov. 3, 7 pm
The authors will introduce their new book including some of the basic principles and new ways to handle some thorny topics.
Access: https://www.mcleanschool.org/events/community-eduction-series/
Meet the Trustee
Thu. Nov. 4, 10 am OR 7 pm
This is a yearly event to allow the public to hear The Arc of NOVA’s Trustee, KeyBank, answer questions about special needs trusts.
Register for 10 am: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O_cII0QOSoCsNpaz1_Gchg
Register for 7 pm: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mOkP-zgwS8OLY5uvKVmOSw
Placing Real Estate in a Special Needs Trust (SNT)
Fri. Nov. 5, 10 am-noon
Learn how property is handled in a SNT to increase housing options for an individual with disabilities.
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OSW8VnURSnS_yBJdtNeH8g
Circle of Support Conference
Sat. Nov. 6, 10 am-noon
A keynote will be followed by a variety of pre-recorded workshops focused on caring for individuals with ID or DD.
Register: https://arcgpw.org/circle-of-support/
Ongoing and On Demand
Support Groups
All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted. No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources. Confidentiality is to be respected.
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
African American Culturally Focused Virtual Parent Café meets Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Arlington Epilepsy Support Group, a list-serve, can be accessed at ARLepilepsy@googlegroups.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism Society of NoVA Support Group 2nd Saturday of the month, noon-1 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682; Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom. Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Contact: https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Cafés Virtuales Para Padres: Miércoles de 7:00-8:30 pm. Regístrese con al menos 24 horas de anticipación: BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov o 703-324-7720
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Susan, ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 303-903-9972.
- Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Sun. evening of the month. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
- West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact: Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S. Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom. Contact: George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents Raising Challenging Children meets via Zoom on Mondays, 1-2 pm, Register: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. Sign up for a phone consultation at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44abab29abf85-juvenile
Family F.I.R.S.T. Fridays Autism Support Group meets on the 1st Friday monthly, noon-12:45 at Gum Spring Library 24600 Millstream Dr. Stone Ridge
Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions. Contact: Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group
Formed Families Together consists of monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805
Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly.
In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly.
Grupo de Chat para Padres: Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.)
Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 a.m. en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 2nd Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov .
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families. Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com
NAMI Family Support Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays on Zoom for parents of children living with mental health challenges including ADHD, ASD, etc. https://zoom.us/j/94509229914
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859
Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon., 7:45-9:15 pm, and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm. Register at least 24 hours in advance by email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7720
Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. They meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/jun-dates-for-virtual-parent-support-group-meetings/
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally. Contact: Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .
REACH Parent Support Group meets monthly to support parents of individuals with developmental disabilities who also have mental health or behavioral issues. Contact: Dr. Pourmand mojgan.pourmand@eastersealsucp.com