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.

Welcome to My World – Autism is a support group for families of children with autism. The group provides information on social/emotional issues and recreation needs for families. They meet monthly during the school year.

AIM is a special needs informational support group which helps families navigate the road ahead. They welcome all special needs families and specialize in ASD. AIM’s mission is to support parents in creating positive outcomes for families by getting involved. They connect with other support groups statewide so that they can utilize a more cohesive support network. They facilitate a resources library.

For parents or caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders – Join us for Free and Confidential support, resources, advice, encouragement and networking.

Additional Contact Person: Sheri Pulen – [email protected] – 860-575-8866

For parents or caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders – Join us for Free and Confidential support, resources, advice, encouragement and networking.

Additional Contact Person: Sheri Pulen – [email protected] – 860-575-8866

This support group is sponsored by AFCAMP.

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.

The mission of Success SEPTO is to work within local communities to encourage school districts, legislators and families to work together. The organization strives to understand, support and enhance education, and provide greater opportunities for children with special needs. The group serves Ashfield, Mansfield, Stafford, Tolland and Willington and other surrounding towns in Northeastern CT. All meetings are open to the public, new members and visitors always welcome.

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

The Bloomfield Support Group is a support group for parents of children of all ages and disabilities. The group is co-sponsored by JP Vincent Family Resource Center in Bloomfield and the African & Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities (AFCAMP) and Family Advocacy Organization for Children’s Mental Health (FAVOR). Meetings are held during the school year. All are welcome. Dinner and childcare are provided. For more information contact AFCAMP at 860-297-4358 or JP Vincent Family Resource Center at 860-769-5518 or 860-286-2640 x 112.

For parents of young children (under 4) with ASD. Please call ahead to confirm monthly meeting. All are welcome!

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.

This meeting is for parents & caregivers of children & adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Join us for a great evening out and meet other parents with children on the Autism Spectrum (Autism, PDD-NOS, Aspergers, Atypical Autism).  Our network is a great way for Moms & Dads to share stories, learn about area resources and events, discover different interventions and learn to advocate for your child from some very experienced parents.

Pizza served at 5:30 pm. We have a group for the kiddos (siblings included) and group for adults that meet at the same time. Kiddos will do relationship building interventions together and work on their social skills while the adults work together to brainstorm what works and what doesn’t work with home life, schools, and community settings. We bring in guest speakers when there is a common interest and further information is desired.

Support group for parents of children with Asperger’s, PDD, ASD, ADD, ADHD.

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.

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.