Special Education Resources
Community Resources
Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.
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Fairfax County Community Connect
The special needs of individuals and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.
Ongoing & On-Demand Resources
Click here to find Parent Support Groups.
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View the latest courses and webinars available for special education topics here.
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Ongoing & On-Demand Resources
ADHD & School: Top 10 Hurdles to Learning with ADHD
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP is in Tip-Top Shape
Children's Challenging Behaviors
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training ($50-90)
Advanced Training in Collaborative L& Proactive Solutions ($149)
Monthly Courses, Webinars, & Resources
DECEMBER
Building Strong Parent Advocates — Self-Paced Course
Thu. Nov. 21 to 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.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1038677?
Social Security Benefits for People With Disabilities: Everything You Wanted To Know
Fri. Dec. 1, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about the various disability benefits provided by Social Security, including who qualifies, and how to apply.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B4LWhbgaRS6TAVGuMbxNyA#/registrationm
ABLE Accounts and the ABLEnow Program
Tue. Dec. 5, 11 am–noon
Learn about the advantages of ABLE accounts: who qualifies, how to open one, and how the money can be used for disability expenses.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G75EOnToTQCWlz4IcIc3HQ#/registration
The Holiday Survival Guide for Parents
Tue. Dec. 5, noon-1 pm
Parents of autistic children will gain strategies to increase wellbeing and create/adapt traditions.
Register: https://xminds.org/event-5492027
Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome: A Distinct Kind of Inattention
Tue. Dec. 5, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn about typical behaviors, how this syndrome is similar to and distinct from ADHD, recommended treatment, and home strategies.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/cognitive-disengagement-syndrome-adhd/?
Is This Autism? A Framework for Understanding
Tue. Dec. 5, 7:00-8:30 pm
Three authors of a new book will discuss diagnostic criteria for autism that shows a wide variation of characteristics.
Register: https://xminds.org/event-5451012
Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities — In Spanish
Beneficios del Seguro Social para personas con discapacidades
Miércoles, 6 de diciembre, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
En línea y en persona, 3060 Williams Dr. #300, Fairfax
Aprender los conceptos básicos de qué es el Seguro Social, cómo solicitarlo, y cómo utilizar los beneficios.
Registrarse: https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/arcofnva/eventRegistration.jsp?event=8299
The Truth About Learning Styles and Why It Matters for Your Child's Success in School
Wed. Dec. 6, 1 pm
Learn how to turn passive studying sessions into active and engaging learning sessions.
Register: https://ectutoring.com/webinar-series
Medicaid Waivers in Virginia
Wed. Dec. 6, 6:00-7:30 pm.
Learn who is eligible and how to obtain benefits for personal assistance and community support.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/peatc/1065659
Dispute Resolution Options in Virginia
Wed. Dec. 6, 6:30~7:45 pm
Learn about the various dispute resolution options, how they work, and when it may be best to use a specific option.
Register :https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CbQs0PhnSiygocQ4lPn4tg?
How to Talk so that Schools will Listen (and Listen so that Schools will Talk) — In Spanish
Cómo hablar para que las escuelas escuchen (y escuchar para que las escuelas hablen)
Miércoles, 6 de dicembre, 6:30~8:00 pm
Este taller lo ayudará a reconocer y prevenir barreras a la comunicación y a construir acuerdos en torno a problemas difíciles.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6homjgCPTr-sCA918T9qnw?
Advanced Training in Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Thu. & Fri. Dec. 7 & 8, 9 am-4:30 pm $435
Learn how to move from power and control to collaboration and problem solving .
Building Independence with the TFIL Team
Thu. Dec. 7, noon-1 pm
Learn about the Arc2Independence app that can be customized to help your child navigate daily routines and challenges.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtce6qqD8jHNz6UyPkRgItKT7nmk3ecB6h#/registration
Talk Saves Lives
Thu. Dec. 7, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl12072023.attendease.com
Executive Functioning: Helping Your Kids with Organization, Emotional Regulation, and Flexibility — In Spanish
Funcionamiento ejecutivo - ayudando a tus hijos con la organización, la regulación emocional, y la flexibilidad
Lunes, 8 de diciembre, 10:00-11:30 am
Aprenda sobre las funciones ejecutivas y cómo ayudar a nuestros niños a desarrollar y fortalecer su funcionamiento ejecutivo.
Social Media and Cyberbullying: What Parents Need to Know
Mon. Dec. 11, 6:30-8:00 pm, 21000 Education Ct. Ashburn
Learn how to keep your students safe, how to have conversations about this with your child, and rules to set.
Register: https://www.lcps.org/Page/180231
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Mon. & Tue. Dec.11&12, 1:00-4:30 pm, $25
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Register: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/ereg/Registration.aspx?groupID=47
Coping Strategies for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress
Tue. Dec. 12, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn how to recognize stress in children, common sources of stress, and strategies to lower stress.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc4GMPQrS_9OX585BY8ok59hLZgQrBvvVvuLSO5xHzHPbBYNg/viewform
The Holiday Survival Guide for Parents
Tue. Dec. 12, noon-1 pm
Parents of autistic children will gain strategies to reduce stress, prioritize the important, and commit to self care.
Register: https://xminds.org/event-5492027
The Holiday Blues: Put Your Mental Health First This Holiday Season
Tue. Dec.12, 1 pm, with replay link
Learn about the “holiday blues," including symptoms, triggers, risk factors, treatment, tips for coping, and prevention.
Register: https://www.webmd.com/webinar/webinar-holiday-blues-mental-health?ecd=par
From ‘I am Special’ to ‘H.A.P.P.Y.’
Sat. Dec. 13, 1 pm
Learn about a new program that focuses on the happiness and well-being of children with autism.
Register: https://autism.org/from-special-to-happy/
Dip N Paint: Winter Wonderland Edition
Fri. Dec. 15, 6-8 pm
Adopted children and their parents are invited for a virtual, artist led, paint party. All materials provided.
Register; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dip-n-paint-winter-wonderland-edition-tickets-732959620957?
Family Village Forum
Sat. Dec. 16, 11 am
Families new to the intellectual or developmental disability worlds are invited to become part of an ongoing sharing community.
Register: https://thearcofnova.org/family-village-forum-december-meeting/
Morning at the Museum — U.S. Botanic Garden
Sun. Dec. 17: 8:30-10 am, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may come to enjoy the model trains and pollinator displays.
Register: RSVP to Maura.Nelson@aoc.gov (202-226-1047) with your family name, # of persons attending, and date of visit.
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. Dec. 17, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how by recognizing common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl12172023.attendease.com
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 F.I.R.S.T. Family Support Group meets on the 1st Wed. monthly, in Chantilly or Herndon. Register: https://autismfirstus.com/events/
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7-8 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
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: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
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
Fairfax Kinship Support Group meets virtually on the 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30-8:00 pm. An in-person group meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at Fairfax County Community Centers at 6:15-8:00 pm. Dinner and childcare are provided. Register: https://bit.ly/FxKinSupport
Formed Families Together meets monthly as peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. A Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. An In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/formed-families-together-peer-led-support-groups-2023-2024-tickets-637423850897?aff=oddtdtcreator
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
El Grupo de apoyo ASNV para padres y cuidadores en español se reúne el segundo sábado de cada mes de 1 a 2 pm en ServiceSource, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton. Estacione en la parte de atrás. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a info@asnv.org
Grupo de apoyo para madres de habla hispana de niños con autismo se reúne mensualmente en línea y está patrocinado por Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Contacto: mariposas.autismo@gmail.com
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
Kinship Café meets online 6:30-8:00 pm the 3rd Thursday of the month for those raising the children of relatives or friends. To attend, call 703-324-7720 or email BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov
Military Families Support Group meets on the 2nd 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 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. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
NAMI Parent & Caregiver Support Group meets on the 4th Thursday monthly. https://namicva.org/event/online-family-support-group-for-parents-of-youths-and-adolescents/all/
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
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets in-person the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am. RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org to learn the current location.
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 health
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 Coffee Chat and Self-Care meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. 9:00-10:30 am to connect and to discuss self-care journeys. 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