Research Study — African American Parents' Views on Parenting a Child with Autism

This survey is for Black or African American parents of a child, age 17 or younger, with ASD. $20 Amazon gift card for a completed survey.

Survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/childrensnationalautism

Contact:  Ms. Ware at 66ware@cua.edu for questions

 

 

Wed. Dec. 1, 2 pm

Learn what treatments can help, how to increase positive interactions, help your child to be more aware, and practice alternative behaviors.

Register:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/46381117071331341

 

Wed. Dec. 1, 6-7 pm 

Parents will explore the value of their gifts, expertise, and contributions, and will learn effective approaches to advocating for their child.  

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-voice-matters-registration-181324746197

 

Thu. Dec. 2, 1 pm, with replay link

How engaging with your child outside of the classroom leads to increased chances of attending college, developing a career, and life preparedness

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/self-advocacy-skills-students-adhd-family-engagement/

 

Fri. Dec. 3, 10:00-11:30 am

How to prepare for an off-cycle move and other common challenges, along with resources for storms, deployments, separations, and loss.

Register:  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center/register-free-workshops-parent-resource-center

 

Fri. Dec, 3, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about these two government benefit programs, their purposes, and how to qualify for coverage, as well as when and how to apply or appeal.

Register:  https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AgkFEHvkTaiX79EDV2L6EQ

 

Mount Vernon Sensory Friendly Holiday Family Day

Sat. Dec. 4, 9-11 am  Regular programming 10 am-3 pm.  

Discover how the holiday season was commemorated in the 18th century through family-friendly activities including take-home crafts.

Tickets:   https://www.mountvernon.org/en/ticketing  $ varies

 

Sat. Dec. 4, 1:30-3:00 pm, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200 McLean

Students can learn math strategies to work through challenging problems and reduce anxiety when they get stuck.

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-growth-mindset-strategies-for-writing-4th-5th-graders-tickets-177581349597

 

Sun. Dec. 5, 8-10 am

The International Spy Museum has set private hours so families with autistic members can visit with less noise, fewer people, and designated quiet rooms.

Register:  https://tickets.spymuseum.org/admissions/folderView.aspx?node_id=11159&

 

Wed. Dec. 8, Fri. Dec. 10, OR Tue. Dec.14, 1-4 pm

The White House Director of Disability Policy will explore the challenges & opportunities of building an optimal, integrated care system for people with ID/DD.

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/integrated-care-for-people-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities-tickets-196075074827

 

Wed. Dec. 8, 7 pm

Ways for parents and school professionals to best support children of color with developmental or learning challenges will be addressed.

Register:  https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/3116279318760/WN_46n1LxpmTXygwC_csHdsXw

 

Wed. Dec. 9, noon-1:30 pm

Learn eight research based prevention goals for child safety, and how to assess risk, identify organizational vulnerabilities, and institute mitigating practices.

Register;  https://www.scanva.org/take-action/calendar/?mc_cid=5a7ef843f9&mc_eid=27bfab95d7

 

Thu. & Fri. Dec. 9 & 10, 9:00 am-4:30 pm,    $395

Participants will learn how to use the Assessment of Lagging Skill and Unsolved Problems (ALSUP), and how to solve problems collaboratively.

Register:  https://aepconnections.com/webinar-registrations/advanced-training-in-collaborative-proactive-solutions/

 

Fri. Dec. 10, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about developmental factors to consider, how to proactively prepare and establish boundaries with your child, and how to respond to difficulties.

Register:  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center/register-free-workshops-parent-resource-center

 

Fri. Dec. 10, 6:30-7:30 pm,

This kid-friendly, holiday-themed event for foster, adoptive, and kinship families will include a sweater decorating contest and online games.

Register:  https://2021virtualholidayfamilygamenight.eventbrite.com

 

Let's Talk About Sex: Sexual Health and Wellness — for Parents of Students with Disabilities

Mon. Dec. 13, 6:00-8:30 pm

It may be uncomfortable to talk with your child about sexuality and puberty, but doing so is critical for your child’s health and safety. These tips can help.

Register:  https://bit.ly/3CLV3RJ

 

Mon. Dec.13, 8:15-9:15 pm

Topics such as healthy screen use, emotional development, self esteem, limit setting, peer relationships etc. will be addressed via Q & A.

Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/good-enough-parenting-series-2-with-tweens-registration-183620984307

 

Cómo hablar para que las escuelas escuchen (y escuchar para que las escuelas hablen)
Lun. el 13 Dic. 7:00 pm

Aprenda a reconocer y prevenir las barreras a la comunicación y a establecer acuerdos sobre problemas difíciles.

Registrarse: https://bit.ly/3HtXpZd

 

Tue. Dec. 14, 2 pm, with replay link

Learn more about activities that foster the development of executive functions and situations that impair limit their use.

Register:  https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/executive-functions-adhd-children-adults/

 

Tue. Dec.14, 2 pm, with replay link 

Future financial planning can be overwhelming. This webinar will discuss challenges as well as solutions to help with planning efforts.

Register:  https://thearc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/6016363977149/WN_9rK_qppJSaqGhwLwtlU0xgISTER

 

Tue. Dec. 14, 6-8 pm, Fortnightly Library, 768 Center St. Herndon

This discussion and Q & A group allows parents to learn from other families and gain practical tools to help your child.

No Registration

 

Wed. Dec. 15, 7-8 pm

Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and by learning appropriate responses. 

Register:  https://ncactsl12152021.attendease.com

 

Special Needs Trusts 

Fri. Dec. 17, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about the role of a Special Needs Trust in maintaining government benefits while ensuring your (adult) child’s future needs are met.

 

Thu. Dec. 30, 6:30-9:00 pm   $$

Respite care for children with ID/DD will be provided by ABA providers.

Register:  703-857-2157 x 501 or jmcdonald@thearcofloudoun.org

 

 

 

The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum    $99 for 6 months

Build up your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services and supports your child needs at school.

Purchase:  https://thearcatschool.org/advocacy-curriculum/?

 

Work weekly one-on-one with a coach to identify individualized goals and create a targeted family plan.

Register:  https://a109092.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/e8afd273-4daa-4525-a1f1-b8ee33528344

 

Enroll now in this new public safety program for individuals with disabilities. 

Details & Registration:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/911/emergency-health-profile. 

 

Learn what the laws specify that schools should provide, and how you can best support your child. 

Access:  https://drroseann.com/special-education-during-a-pandemic/

 

Webinar, available 24/7

Access:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs

 

Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training.

To request accommodations, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 324-8563

 

Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 registration fee.

Information: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/scholarships

 

This 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD).

Register: https://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand

 

Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy.

Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm   $50-$90

 

The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism

From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services.

Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm

 

 

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 meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682; Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592

Alternate Fridays, 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

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

 

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 mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp. Podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al group: 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, 10-11 am 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 at 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) Parent 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