All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.

In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

When other events are announced they will be posted with these at:

https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/

Two 9-1-1 Pre-Notification Programs Are Now Available

Both allow prior registration so that first responders will be aware of the special needs of individuals at the scene.

Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles

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

Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.

Fairfax County Community Connect

https://www.communityconnect.io/info/va-fairfax-county

The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.

Multi-State Research Study — Parent Satisfaction in Special Education Process

A set of best practices for increasing parent satisfaction in the process will be devised and publicized for use in parent advocacy.

Survey: https://bit.ly/3ERAaZW

Research Study — Challenging Behavior Support for Arabic-Speaking Families

Arabic-speaking parents of children with challenging behaviors sought to review six videos on behavior management. $40 Giftcard.

دراسة بحثية - تحدي دعم السلوك للعائلات الناطقة باللغة العربية

سعى آباء الأطفال الذين يتحدثون العربية ولديهم سلوكيات صعبة إلى مراجعة ستة مقاطع فيديو حول إدارة السلوك.

تطبيق:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IwxkWD3yO-n3Z6OAmANFOTCN3AcDlRI-EHRvEcQjsIk/viewform?edit_requested=true

Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course

Continuing until Mon. Dec. 12, 6 hours of content

Build a solid foundation to understand the special education process while being empowered to be your child’s best advocate.

Early Childhood Academy — Self-paced Course

Continuing until Mon. Dec. 19

Families of young children with disabilities can learn practical information to help their child develop skills to be successful in life.

Connecting the Dots: Medicaid Waivers
Thu. Dec. 1, 12:30 pm -1:00 pm

Find out ways your child with long-term care needs might benefit from and qualify for one of several Medicaid Waivers in Virginia.

Your Voice Matters
Thu. Dec. 1, 6-7 pm

Learn about advocacy, including practical, effective approaches to interacting with your child’s school that will benefit your child and family.

Social Security, In Depth

Fri. Dec. 2, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about the federal government programs that provide benefits for

individuals with disabilities, including how and when to apply.

IEP Palooza

Sat. Dec. 3, 8:30 am-noon, AHS 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale

A simulated IEP meeting will be followed by breakout sessions on the components of an IEP. Resource Fair included.

Virginia Autism Hope Summit

Sat. Dec. 3, 9 am-5 pm, 100 Darden Blvd, Charlottesville

This conference will include two keynotes, five choices for each of two breakout sessions, research updates, and time for networking.

Getting Started on Self-Determination

Tue. Dec. 6, 7-8 pm

Learn how your young child can benefit from self-determination skills and how to foster these skills both at home and in the classroom.

Assessment, Testing, and Understanding

Tue. Dec. 6, 7:00-8:30 pm, with Spanish Interpretation

Learn common myths about testing and best practices for assessing neurodiverse children who may have special needs.

Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Wed. Dec. 7, 10: am-noon

Learn how to view difficult behaviors, and learning challenges of these children as symptoms of brain dysfunction and not willful opposition.

Autism and Pica

Wed. Dec. 7, 1 pm

Learn about pica, a self-injurious behavior involving the ingestion if non-food substances and its treatment.

“I Can’t Focus!” When ADHD Impacts Your Child’s Math & Writing Performance

Wed. Dec. 7, 7 pm

Gain research-based math study strategies and tools to help your student get started on assignments (and finish them!)

Cultural Bias in the Special Education Evaluation Process

Wed. Dec. 7, 7:00-8:30 pm

Become familiar with best practices for improving equity and positive outcomes for children of color with special needs.

How to Conduct Positive Productive IEP Meetings — In Spanish

Cómo llevar a cabo reuniones de IEP positivas y productivas

Mier. 7 de diciembre, 7-8 pm

Aprenda estrategias para aumentar la comunicación y prevenir conflictos en la reunión del IEP de su hijo.

How to Talk to Your Kids About Technology

Thu, Dec. 8, 9 am

Learn how you can optimize the dialogue you are having with your kids in your quest to maintain a healthy use of technology.

New Digital Therapeutics for ADHD in Children

Thu. Dec. 8, 1pm

Learn about the new technologies that use video games, apps, and virtual reality to treat ADHD symptoms.

Disability Benefits: VA’s Medicaid Waivers
Thu. Dec. 8, 7-8 pm

Learn about Virginia state disability services, known as Medicaid Waivers: what they provide, eligibility, and how to obtain benefits.

Strategies and Means to Support the Family to Deal with Psychological Stress — In Arabic

إستراتيجيات ووسائل لدعم الأسرة للتعامل مع الضغوطات النفسية الجزء1:

الجمعة الموافق 9 ديسمبر/كانون الأول 2022، الساعة 10 صباحاً

تعرف على تأثير الضغط النفسي على الأسرة والطرق التي يمكن أن يتكيف بها أفراد الأسرة للحد من هذا التوتر.

يسجل: https://www.fcps.edu/event/astratyjyat-wwsayl-ldm-alasrt-lltaml-m-aldghwtat-alnfsyt-stress-management-strategies-and

Access to SPY at the International Spy Museum

Sun. Dec. 11, 8-10 am, 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC

This sensory-friendly program is geared for families who have an autistic child or an individual with sensory processing differences.

ABCs of Behavior

Tue. Dec. 13, 7-8 pm

Gain strategies to address unwanted behavior and an understanding of functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans.

Emotion Regulation Difficulties in Youth: ADHD Irritability vs. DMDD vs. Bipolar Disorder

Wed. Dec. 14, 1 pm

Learn about mood disorders and next steps to take for a child experiencing frequent emotion regulation difficulties.

Understanding Your Parenting Style and Why It Matters

Wed. Dec. 14, 7-8:30 pm

This Parent Café meeting will provide information on parenting styles and opportunities for discussion.

Your Voice Is Important - In Spanish

Su Voz es Importante

Mier. 15 de diciembre 15, 7-8 pm

Aprenda sobre la defensa, incluidos enfoques prácticos y efectivos para interactuar con la escuela de su hijo que beneficiarán a su hijo y su familia.

Registrarse: https://peatc.org/event/su-voz-es-importante-your-voice-matters/

Social Security Basics

Fri. Dec. 16, 10:00-11:30 am

Learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security, benefits for adults with disabilities, including when and how to apply.

Strategies for Handling Stress — in Spanish

Estrategias de manejo del estrés

Viernes, 16 de diciembre, 10 am

Aprende sobre el autocuidado: qué es, por qué es importante, cómo cuidarse, técnicas de relajación y gestión del tiempo.

Registrarse: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeco-umUAHxpZa4XoeUDgnNcke1moHvJfTxInF-M64_7OIylw/viewform

REVIVE! Training — in Spanish

¡REANIMAR! Capacitación

Martes, 20 de dicembre, 11 am

Aprenda qué hacer en una situación de sobredosis, cómo administrar naloxona y qué hacer después. Se pueden proporcionar suministros.

Registrarse: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/heroin-opioids/revivm

Plan Ahead — Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — 1 or 2 Day(s)

Thu. Jan. 12 & Fri. Jan. 13, 9:45 am-5:15 pm $119-$199

Gain an overview of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions model including the use of assessments and problem solving.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/collaborative-and-proactive-solutions-2-day-virtual-training-registration-421369777347

Nurturing Parenting Class —For families with children ages 5-11

Tuesdays, Jan. 24, to May 9, 6-8 pm
Families increase their empathy, find new ways to foster appropriate behavior, build self-esteem, and learn to have fun together.

Ongoing and On Demand

Gun Violence Prevention Resources

https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/gun-violence-prevention-resources

Back-to-School ADHD Master Class — Self-Guided Course

This 10-part multimedia course has modules on accommodations, executive functions, behavior challenges, learning differences, etc.

Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions

Participants will learn how to use the ALSUP assessment and how to solve problems collaboratively. $149

Access: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/2dayjan22

The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months

Build your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services your child needs. Scholarship: https://thearcus.surveymonkey.com/r/H7WNHB7

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

Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape

Webinar, available 24/7

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

Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks

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

Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks

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

NAMI Basics

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).

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training

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 & Virginia Autism Council. 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

Community Support Groups for Parents

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 Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 6-7 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success Meeting ID: 946 600 1682; One tap mobile (301) 715-8592

Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents

Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 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

Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Susan, ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 303-903-9972.
West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com

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

Embark in the DC Metro Parent Support Group is for parents of children and youth with mental health challenges. It meets virtually on alternate Thursdays, noon-1 pm. Register: https://www.embarkbh.com/event/dc-metro-virtual-parent-support-group/

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

Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions. Contact: Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group

Formed Families Together hosts monthly peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-support-groups-tickets-147657582805

Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register: https://www.fosterthefamilydc.org/supportgroups

Grupo de Educación y Apoyo a Padres en Española se reúne el cuarto sábado de cada mes, de 10 a 11 am en Zoom en https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682 ID de reunión: 946 600 1682

Hablemos educación especial es un grupo de discusión de padres de habla hispana y de un estudiante autista. Se reúnen virtualmente el primer miércoles de cada mes de 7:00-7:45 pm Registrarse: https://xminds.org/event-4522635

Infinity ABA Parent Connect, for families with an child with autism, meets online on the 2nd Thursday monthy at 7:00-8:30 pm Guest speakers, discussions, and resources. Register: https://www.infinityaba.com/events/

Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 1st Wednesday of the month for those raising the children of relatives and friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov .

Military Families Support Group meets the 1st Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents. Access: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success OR Email director@asnv.org for details

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 Connection Support Group for Young Adults (18-36) meets on the 3rd Tuesday monthly, 7:30-9:00 pm. Register: email youngadults.nami.nova@gmail.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

NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. Email namicva.org or call 804-285-1749

NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5687947368

OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 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

Parent Support for Raising Children with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) meets monthly on the 3rd Monday, Oct. 17 through Mar. 20, 1-2 pm. Register: Email Carey Tompkins, tompkinscounseling@gmail.com your name and a brief explanation of your interest in the group.

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 Wednesdays. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/november-december-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

People of the Global Majority is a discussion group for BIPOC parents of children with autism. They meet virtually on the 1st Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-4534279

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

Small Steps Together is a discussion group for parents of preschool and elementary children with autism. They meet virtually on the 4th Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-4778134

Virginia Family Network Book Club for parents and caregivers of children living with mental health challenges meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org .

Virginia Family Network Parent Meetup is on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8 pm for parents/caregivers of children with mental health challenges. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org .

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