Exploring Our Way is held on the first Sunday of each month (except July and August) from 10 am – noon for families raising a child with Autism. This program provides opportunities to enjoy family time at the museum in a safe, understanding environment, allows parents to network with one another, and will help families discover new resources. Museum Advanced Planning Picture Stories (MAPPS) are available. Admission is free.

The weekly Parent Chat Groups are presented by KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Center and the CT Family Support Network – South Central Region. A friendly place to meet other parents who have children with special needs. Call or e-mail for more information.

Run by Jewish Family Services. For children ages 10-13 who have sibling with a special need. Please contact [email protected] more information and registration.

For parents of children with any disability or special health need. Childcare available with advanced request. For more information contact Cindy Jackson at 203-271-3288 or [email protected] or Tracey Blackman at [email protected]

Sponsored by the West Haven Interagency Network for Children. Please contact either Janet Booth or Randy Brown at 203-937-3760 for information and to reserve a space. Child care available.

Parent support group sponsored by The Pilot House and facilitated by Laurel Carey, Psychologist. Please contact [email protected] for information and registration.

This group is run by the Family Resources and Development Center in West Hartford. The group is for parents, other adult family members as well as caregivers who are in need of support due the unique demands of helping to raise children and/or adolescents with HFA or other developmental disorders that affect their social and emotional functioning and well being. Groups consist of open discussion as well as occasional guest speakers to discuss specific topics and address questions about a variety of issues. Meetings are facilitated by Daniel Weiner, MA, LPC. Membership is available but not required to attend meetings

A playgroup for chidlren of all abilities. Special needs playgroup gives parents an opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing the children time to play and socialize. Sponsored by UNICO.

Please note: This group also meets on the 4th Saturday of every month.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a support Group for Spanish speaking parents of children on the autism spectrum.

Our goal is to reach out to families and heal while supporting each other. We need to connect families with autism together and to promote more autism awareness. Children are welcome to attend.

Please call to register and for information on dates of meetings.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVP Required. There are other events:

– Third Monday of each month, 6:30-8:30PM (Mixed AS/NT Discussion).

– Fourth Friday of each month, 6:30-8:30PM (Discussion Group).

The mission of this support group is to provide information and support to parents who have raised a child on the autism spectrum and are anticipating or working toward assisting him or her with the transitions to high school, college, adulthood and the appropriate level of maximum personal independence. Parents of younger children on the spectrum are welcome to attend. We are striving to create a community of caring parents that will locate or create the support these young adults need as they navigate adulthood. Plans for developing programs suitable for meeting the social and emotional needs of this age group will be discussed. PLEASE RSVP.

Parent support group for parents, caregvers, grandparents and family members of children with autism.

A support group for family and friends of individuals with autism.

The weekly Parent Chat Groups are presented by KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Center and the CT Family Support Network – South Central Region. A friendly place to meet other parents who have children with special needs. Call or e-mail for more information.

Plainfield support group for anyone raising a child/chidren with special needs. You don’t have to live in Plainfield, all are welcome. Meetings are a mix of speakers and networking.

This is an informal support group.

The goal of this group is to foster connection and support, promote self-care and provide resources to reduce stressors for grandparents raising grandchildren with behavioral and emotional needs. Sponsored by the Valley Shore Collaborative. Child care available upon request.

PLEASE NOTE: This group also meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month.

Support group for parents and caregivers of youth with autism spectrum disorders.

For parents or caregivers of young children, tweens and teens with ASD.

Sponsored by LACASA.

PLEASE NOTE: This is for Spanish speaking parents.

The weekly Parent Chat Groups are presented by KIDSTEPS Family and Children’s Center and the CT Family Support Network – South Central Region. A friendly place to meet other parents who have children with special needs. Call or e-mail for more information.

SNAPS (Special Needs and Parent Support) was created to help families with children who have disabilities. We are here to help each other with support, empowerment, education, acceptance and advocacy. Whether dealing with IEP’s, insurance, or therapies help is here. No religious affiliation with church, all denominations welcome. We have food, drinks, relax and have fun – you are not alone!

*NOTE: Please put ‘SNAPS’ in your subject line when emailing.

Facilitated by Goviana Morales, Family Resource Center Peer Volunteer and parent of a child with ASD.