When you have a child with special needs, there is so much to learn! It’s hard to know where to start, and sometimes it feels like you’re drinking out of a fire hose. Here are some organizations that are doing great work in bringing parents together and sharing information that will improve their ability to help their child meet his/her potential.
SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS
Operates all over Texas (DFW area program is called PATH)
Individual assistance over the phone and in-person, workshops and webinars on a variety of special education topics, and access to resources such as printed publications and online courses.
Find a calendar of workshops and webinars here: PRN Calendar
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)
Texas chapter provides events all over DFW (other chapters around the country)
Monthly meetings that feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another and stay on top of the latest information in the autism world. Resource library available as well.
Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas and Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas
Serve Dallas and Tarrant Counties, respectively
Both provide support and information for parents of children with Down Syndrome, including new parents.
Provide events and groups for individuals of all ages with Down Syndrome.
Locations in Richardson, Garland and Carrollton
Specializes in early childhood, but provides workshops and support groups for all ages. Also provides respite nights for their families, therapy services (for ages 0-5) and a resource directory.
Find a schedule of learning opportunities here: Warren Center Workshops and Seminars
FEAT-NT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment in North Texas)
Based out of Richland Hills (Tarrant County)
Provides parent mentors, support groups and resources for the whole family.
Most resources are available online or over the phone
Provides parent mentors for a variety of situations, conferences, a resource directory, and help with the transition to adulthood, among other services.
Located in Tarrant County
“Tuesday Takeaways” on educational topics, newsletter and conferences
Find out about learning opportunities here: ARC GMC Training Events
A Look Ahead Conference Series
Quarterly conference series that brings together expert speakers for training focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the people who support them, and the community at large. Topics vary quarterly and conference participants will leave with information and resources they can use now and in the future.
Pre-registration is required.
Find dates and register at their website: ALookAheadSeries.com
Almost daily webinars
Common topics include special needs planning, benefits, educational resources, supports for adults, available programs for kids/teens/adults with special needs
Blue Melo
Autism consultations with a board-certified clinician
Contact letsconnect@bluemelo.com, or follow on Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @bluemelobehaviorchange.
FINANCIAL AND LEGAL HELP
Assistance and free workshops in the areas of estate planning, special needs trusts, guardianship, and legal documents.
Life Planning for Special Needs
Located in DFW
Provides workshops, seminars and one-on-one assistance to help parents plan for their child’s future and secure benefits.
If it’s not possible to attend something in person (which is often the case!), there are plenty of resources online: magazines, blogs, Facebook groups, directories… all at your fingertips. You can find a list of those on our Online Resources page.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Often, the best way to find resources is to connect with other parents who are walking this journey as well. If you’re looking for opportunities to do just that, check out our Support page for a list of opportunities.