Isolation is one of the biggest problems for families who have a member with special needs. There are so many factors that contribute to that isolation, and one factor leads to another. Every person on earth was designed to live life with other people. And relationships with trusted others are especially important during hard times.
Of course you can connect with people who are in different situations or life stages. In fact, having those relationships are good and healthy! But it’s also helpful to connect with people who “get it”. No two situations are the same, but special needs families tend to support each other in unique ways. Other parents can provide tips to navigate the school system, organizations that have been helpful, therapist recommendations, etc. And sometimes it’s just nice to know that you’re safe to share the hard stuff without being judged or making people uncomfortable.
If you’re looking for community with other parents who “get it”, there are variety of options. Here are some ways that you can get support and encouragement from others!
GENERAL SUPPORT
Meetups for the whole family, including parent and sibling support groups
Cook Children’s Support Groups
For patients, parents and family members (including siblings) coping with a serious illness, injury, or chronic medical condition (including emotional & behavioral issues)
Online resources
Podcast
Community & Encouragement
PARENTS
Free, confidential and anonymous
Offers a safe space for parents or caregivers to talk about the challenges of raising children
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6:30
Contact Carol for more info
Spanish-speaking group through Down Syndrome Guild
Monthly groups in Richardson, Carrollton and Garland
Free childcare available
For parents of children/teens/adults with autism & Asperger’s
Free childcare available
Groups also offered for individuals with high-functioning autism & Asperger’s
St. Ann in Coppell (180 Samuel Blvd, Coppell, Room 323)
2nd Friday of the Month, 7:00-8:30 (dates subject to change, contact before coming)
Nursery, Child Activity Room, and Teen/Young Adult Room available
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)
Coffee Talks and other events around the metroplex
Support groups, financial counseling and case management
regular monthly groups in Grapevine, McKinney, Plano and Garland
Weekly Zoom Support Calls
English and Spanish
Zoom calls twice per month
Deformed in God’s Image? - article on Reasons to Believe
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network
DSDN offers moderated online connections including pregnancy support, birth club, dad support and topical groups
Association For The Deaf & Hard Of Hearing : Parent Support
Parent Support Line
AG Bell Parent Chat
A group for NICU graduate moms to connect on monthly social outings
Empowering Special Needs Mom in the Hispanic Community
FACEBOOK GROUPS:
Private Facebook discussion and support group for moms of kids with autism; based in Frisco
TACA : Hope and Help For Autism Facebook Group
Well-moderated group for parents or guardians of individuals with autism.
Special Needs Parents of North Texas Facebook Group
A broad, inclusive community that offers full-picture, accurate, and well-moderated information for all kinds of special needs families
A group for parents/guardians who have children with POTS or another form of autonomic dysfunction
A group for parents of autistic children/individuals to ask questions to autistic adults
Parents of Tweens/Teens/Adults with Down Syndrome
Support group for parents with children with Down Syndrome ages 10+
Facebook Group to support special needs moms in the Hispanic community
SIBLINGS
Online and in-person opportunities to connect with other siblings
Sibshop for Teens through H.E.R.O.E.S
INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
For tweens (3rd-8th grade), teens and adults with high-functioning autism & Asperger’s