Parent Information Relating to Special Education
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All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
Todos estos eventos son gratuitos excepto donde se indique.
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/
October
Plan Ahead — Parents of Challenging Children: Preschool through Early Adolescence
10 Tuesdays 8-9 pm, Oct. 10 to Dec. 12 $25-$350
Includes video course with > 10 hours of content in 3-5 min. videos
This discussion course helps parents to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it.
Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
Plan Ahead — Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
Thu. Oct. 19, 9:00 am-4:30 pm, $165-$225
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests and measurements, SMART IEPs; and effective advocacy. Includes 4 books.
Register: https://www.ppmd.org/event/wrightslaw-special-education-law-advocacy-conference/
Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish
ADHD in Communities of Color: Scrutinizing Barriers to Health Equity, Diagnosis, & Treatment
Tue. Oct, 3, 1 pm, with replay link
Consider the factors that hamper proper diagnosis and treatment, and gain strategies for improving outcomes.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/health-equity-racial-disparities-adhd-diagnosis-treatment/
Restrained and Secluded: How a Change in Perspective for Students With Disabilities and Simple Science Can Change Everything
Tue. Oct. 3, 1 pm
A new lens on behavior can reduce and eliminate punitive practices and lead to endless potential.
Register; https://thearc-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/8416909883727/WN_MRHjt5h9Q_OafDgfDVOaTQ#/registration
Special Topics in Raising Your Challenging Child (Buffet)
One or more Wednesdays, Oct. 4 to Oct. 25, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course plus group discussion on neurodiversity, ADHD, autism, children’s violent play, and helping siblings get along. $$ varies
Oct 4: Coexisting ADHD, Anxiety and Autism
Oct 11: Neurodiversity, Gender and Sexual Variation
Oct. 18: Children and Violent Play
Oct 25: Helping Siblings Get Along
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Children, Teens, and Young Adults: What Parents and Educators Can Do
Wed. Oct. 4, 7 pm Zoom
Fostering a healthy sense of control at home and in school will be emphasized, and multiple strategies will be covered.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/1016946033178/WN_dWX3tldwRsWFoMll2gNiSA#/registration
Special Education Workshop Series
Wednesdays: 10/4, 10/18, 11/1, 11/15, 12/6, 6:30~7:45 pm
Learn about all the major features of the special education process in Virginia. Register for one or more presentations.
From Referral to Eligibility
Wed. May 4, 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn how to initiate a a referral and about the other initial stages of special education in Virginia.
Special Education Formed Families: Making It Work
Wed. Oct. 4, 7-8 pm
Learn about specialized topics for foster, adoptive, and kinship families to be aware of regarding special education.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErduiurjwoE9BTJbufX_wjBqSuGmGfI53m#/registratio
Meet the Tech for Independent Living Team
Thu. Oct. 5, noon-1 pm
Learn about a free service that creates custom apps to help your child with activities of daily living and safety.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtce6qqD8jHNz6UyPkRgItKT7nmk3ecB6h#/registration
Building Family and School Partnerships for Twice Exceptional (2e) Students K-12
Fri. Oct. 6, 10:00-11:30 am
Join the FCPS 2e Specialist for ways to work with school and outside staff to address your child’s learning, social, and emotional needs.
ADHD Resource Fair and Lecture
Sat. Oct. 7, 9:30 am-12:30 pm, 120 Cherry St. Vienna
Dr. Stixrud will speak (11:30 am-12:30 pm) on how to nurture a healthy sense of control in kids with ADHD to support their self-motivation.
Sibshops— For Siblings (in Grades 2-6) of a Child with Special Needs
Mon. Oct. 9, 9 am-noon, Providence CC, 3001 Vaden Dr. Fairfax
Siblings share experiences and receive peer support in a relaxed setting with fun games and activities.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5mhgFq5dal3-H60sXycnebh3GfeVK_YhYLcsNLvvF1HtkyA/viewform?
When Lack of Motivation Runs in the Family: Getting Kids with ADHD Organized & Focused for Learning
Tue. Oct. 10, 1 pm,
Consider effective strategies for helping parents with ADHD to guide the schoolwork of their children with ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/lack-of-motivation-organization-adhd-students/?
Parents of Challenging Children: Preschool through Early Adolescence
Ten Tuesdays, 8-9 pm, Oct. 10 to Dec. 12, $25-$350
Includes video course with > 10 hours of content in 3-5 min. videos
This discussion course helps parents to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it.
Information: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
Neurodiversity, Gender and Sexual Variation
Wed. Oct 11, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course will be available with registration and the group discussion will be held on Oct. 11. $$ varies
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Overview
Wed. Oct. 11, 10:00-11:30 am OR 7:00-8:30 pm
ABA is used to study a student’s problematic behavior and then to shape their future behavior and teach skills.
Understanding Special Education
Wed. Oct.11, 6:30-7:30 pm
Learn the steps of the special education process and the importance of both high expectations and the role of parents in that process.
Register; https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C1cSU1SYQKqNwR2xoedIbg?
Communication, Collaboration, and What to Do When You Just Can’t Agree
Wed. Oct. 11, 7-8 pm
Learn the specifics about special education dispute resolution options for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vf-CsrjwtH9fUAKY-3dslgkasK3tXJ8ms#/registration
From Referral to Eligibility — in Spanish
De la referencia a la eligibilidad
Jueves, 12 de octubre, 6:30~7:45 pm
Conozca las etapas iniciales de la educación especial en Virginia.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6homjgCPTr-sCA918T9qnw#/registration
Morning at the Museum — National Air and Space Museum
Sat. Oct. 14, 8:30-10:00 am, 6th St. & Independence Ave. Washington, DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities may explore the exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.
Let’s Take a Hike
Sat. Oct. 14, 10 am-noon, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd. Woodbridge
Adoptive families with children under 12 are invited for a hike at Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/event/for-northern-va-families-lets-take-a-hike/
Morning at the Museum — U. S. Botanical Garden
Sun. Oct. 15, 8:30-10:00 am, 100 Maryland Ave. SW Washington DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory disabilities may come explore the garden and for sensory-friendly activities.
Register: email family name and number attending to Maura.Nelson@aoc.gov
ADHD in the Workplace: Finding the Fit, the Interface and How to Problem Solve
Tue. Oct. 17, 7:30-9:00 pm
A panel of adults with ADHD will share their experiences in the workplace.
Children and Violent Play
Wed. Oct 18, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course will be available with registration and group discussion will be held on Oct. 18. $$ varies
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Research Updates: Nutrition and Autism 2023
Wed. Oct. 18, 1 pm
Learn about the recent research on nutrition and autism.
Register: https://autism.org/research-updates-nutrition-and-autism-2023/
Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. Oct 18, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy
Thu. Oct. 19, 9:00 am-4:30 pm, $165-$225
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests and measurements, SMART IEPs; and advocacy. Includes 4 books.
Register: https://www.ppmd.org/event/wrightslaw-special-education-law-advocacy-conference/
Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish
RSD Toolkit: Strategies for Managing Your Sensitivities in Real Time
Thu. Oct 19, 1 pm with replay link
This webinar for adults with rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) may help you understand your child with ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/emotional-dysregulation-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-toolkit/
Building a Growth Mindset for Math — for 4th & 5th graders
Sat. Oct. 21, 1:30-3:00 pm The StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean
The focus will be on how to use a growth mindset to shift our goal from "get it done fast" to "honor the process".
Register: 571-321-5800
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings — In Spanish
Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP
Lunes, 23 de octubre, 6:30~7:45 pm
Aprenda a planificar una reunión del IEP, qué esperar durante la reunión, cómo entablar relaciones allí y cómo defender a su hijo.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6homjgCPTr-sCA918T9qnw#/registration
The Importance of Assessing and Treating Anxiety and Trauma in Understanding ADHD Symptoms
Tue. Oct. 24, 7:30-9:00 pm
Consider how ADHD symptoms can also reflect the impact of underlying anxiety.
Chat with an Attorney about Special Education
Wed.Oct. 25, 9:00-3:30 pm
Free 45-minute appointments with an attorney are available for parents to receive guidance on special education topics.
Register: https://form.jotform.com/232527274803153
Helping Siblings Get Along
Wed. Oct 25, 9:30-10:30 am
Video course will be available with registration, and group discussion will be held on Oct. 25. $$ varies
Register: https://www.parentchildjourney.com/excursions/
Preparing for Emergencies for People with Disabilities
Wed. Oct. 25, 11 am-noon
Three agencies will together guide participants in how to create their own emergency plan and toolkit.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ltQF2fpfSPOXpZSBI_4CsA#/registration
Autism and Anthropomorphism
Wed. Oct. 25, 1 pm
Consider recent findings suggesting that autistic individuals tend to anthropomorphize more than neurotypicals.
Register; https://autism.org/anthropomorphism-and-autism/
Suicide Prevention: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Wed. Oct. 25, 6:30-8:00 pm, 21000 Educ. Ct, Ashburn
Register: https://www.lcps.org/Page/180231
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Thu. & Fri. Oct. 26 & 27, 9:00 am-12:30 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
Fri. Oct. 27, 10:00-11:30 am, Part 1 of 2
Learn how to identify if a child has anxiety or depression, treatment options, and ways to support those children.
Register: https://www.fcps.edu/event/coping-strategies-anxiety-depression-and-stress-part-1
Service Dog Day at the Museum of the Army
Sat. Oct. 28 4-6 pm, 1775 Liberty Dr. Ft. Belvoir
A hands-on special educational program and docent led tours will be available in a sensory-friendly environment.
Register: https://tickets.thenmusa.org/Info.aspx?EventID=43
Building a Growth Mindset for Math — for 4th & 5th graders
Sat. Oct. 21, 1:30-3:00 pm The StudyPro, 6849 Old Dominion Dr. #200, McLean
The focus will be on how to use a growth mindset to shift the goal from "get it done fast" to "honor the process".
Register: 571-321-5800
Ongoing and On Demand
ADHD @ School: Top 10 Hurdles to Learning with ADHD
This 10-part self-guided course equips caregivers and students with effective solutions to the specific academic and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/download/adhd-new-school-year-for-parents/
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
24/7 Access: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
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).
Register: https://www.nami.org/Videos/NAMI-Basics-OnDemand
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. $50-$90
Info: https://www.wrightslaw.com/webex/law.adv.index.htm
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 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
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.
Ongoing 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
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: 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
