All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
When other events become available they will be posted at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members. The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems. prc@fcps.edu 703-204-3941
Neighborhood Community Services is providing NCS Connects, an online resource for youth, teens, and parents this summer. Adapted resources are included at Exploration Station: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/ncs-connects
The Support Groups included at the end of this list have been updated to include online groups.
Happy Campers at Home: Navigating Summer with Children During COVID-19Mon. Jun. 1, 4 pm, Webinar with Replay LinkLearn practical ways to create happiness and connection at home this summer, including ways to talk with your kids about difficult topics. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0wJNZhynR1KyVEhtT6i0VA
Sleep Solutions for the ADHD Brain Tue. June 2, 1 pm, Webinar with Replay Link Learn about the impact of poor sleep on ADHD symptoms throughout the lifespan and strategies to improve sleep in families with ADHD .Register: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1313090&tp_key=e18a241283
Talk Saves Lives LGBT Tue. Jun. 2, 5-6 pm, Online Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe. Register: https://virtualtsl-6-2-20-5pm.attendease.com
Distance Learning and Trauma Informed Schools Tue. Jun. 2, 7:30 pm, Online Learn the principles and practices of trauma informed schools and why they are vital during distance learning and the return to learn scenarios. Register:
Nutrition For Stress Management During COVID-19 Fri. Jun. 5, noon-1pm, Webinar Learn how what you eat influences how you feel, including foods that trigger uncomfortable emotions, and foods that help calm you. Register: http://bridgestherapyandwellness.com/event/nutrition-for-stress-
Talk Saves Lives Sat. Jun. 6, 10-11 am, Online Suicide can be prevented. Learn about common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe. Includes firearms considerations. Register: https://virtualtslfirearms-6-6-20-10am.attendease.com
Capacity Building for IEP Teams Sun. June 7-21, 3 hours — Available 24/7 Online Learn practical strategies to help future IEP meetings be more positive, productive. and collaborative for parents and educators. Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-capacity-for-iep-teams-june-registration-103276081540
Learning, Fun, Free Time: How to Balance and Structure the Lazy, Crazy Days of Summer for Children with ADHD Mon. Jun. 8, 1-2 pm, Webinar with Replay Link Learn how to focus and engage your child by creating flexible schedules for reading, projects, trips and time online. Register: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/summer-schedule-for-children/
Intelligent Lives Reunion Webinar Wed. Jun. 10,1-3 pm Via Zoom,with replay link Watch the film and a discussion on how persons with intellectual disabilities need not be denied higher education, meaningful jobs, and intimate relations. Register: https://unh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AncfsaRwRLigTRUZeqhHDw
Talk Saves Lives Thu. Jun. 11, 5-6 pm, Online Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe. Register: https://virtualtsl-6-11-20-5pm.attendease.com
Talk Saves Lives LGBT Tue. Jun. 16, 5-6 pm, Online Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe. Register: https://virtualtsllgbt-6-16-20-5pm.attendease.com
Five Common Emotional/Behavioral Challenges Children Face and Strategies for Addressing Them (Part 1)— Webinar Thu. Jun. 18, 1:00-2:30 pm, Extended Access June 18-July 18 Register: https://cdn.givecloud.co/s/files/1/0000/0613/files/webinarflyer2019-2020-600.pdf $0-$15. Free with coupon code.
Talk Saves Lives Tue. Jun. 18, 1-2 pm, Online Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe. Register: https://virtualtsl-6-18-20-1pm.attendease.com
Emergency Planning: Preparing for the Unexpected Thu. Jun. 18, 2:00-3:15 pm Learn how making key contacts in the community and other strategies can help families with disabilities plan for emergencies. Register: cd49445%26FM%3D1%26rnd%3D7545027096%26servicename%3DTC%26ED%3D1007245527%26needFilter%3Dfalse&siteurl=thearc
An Individualized Approach to Raising Your Challenging Child Tuesdays Jun. 23-Aug. 25, 7:30-9:00 pm, 9 session course via Zoom This program helps parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it. For parents of kids ages 3-12. Register: http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/ $ Cost varies.
ADHD Medication Part 1: Diagnosis, The Case for Medication, How To Do a Trial Thu. Jun. 25, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom $ varies Learn from a behavioral pediatrician about the process of ADHD diagnosis, how to think about medication, and how to start. Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1nj0ssab378243&oseq=&c=&ch=
Talk Saves Lives LGBT Tue. June 27, 10-11 am, Online Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe. Register: https://virtualtsllgbt-6-27-20-10am.attendease.com
ADHD medication Part II: Side Effects, Uneven Coverage and Discontinuation Trials Thu. Jul. 2, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom $ varies Learn from a behavioral pediatrician about managing ADHD medications, including side effects, uneven coverage. and stopping smoothly. Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1pgfwfbbf8ab11&oseq=&c=&ch=
Plan Ahead — Transition Series 2020 $25-$50 Sat. Sep. 26 & Oct. 17, 8:30 am-3:00 pm, Marymount U. Arlington Students with developmental disabilities and/or their parents can learn how to plan ahead for the transition to many aspects of life after school. Register: https://thearcofnova.org/programs/transition-series/
On Demand — NAMI Basics NAMI Basics is a 6-session educational program for parents and caregivers of children and youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. Access: https://namivirginia.org/programs/for-parents-of-children-and-youth-virginia-family-network/child-and-teen/
Support Groups
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 respected.
Support Groups for Parents
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly typically in the past in Falls Church. Contact: George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
Autism Society of Northern Virginia Virtual Support Group 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom. Meeting ID: 83085728013
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/
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group 4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact: Alyssa ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com or call 303-903-9972.
- Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
- Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Tue. morning of the month in Sterling. Contact: Bonnie Little 571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
- West Fairfax CHADD Evening Parent Support Group 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
- West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group 1st Tues. of each month, time TBA, Contact: Sharon clintob@aol.com or 703-716-4646.
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center 2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-7:30 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: www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
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.fairfaxcounty.gov/juveniledomesticrelations/juvenile-intake .
Meditation and Mindfulness: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; 12:15 p.m.: https://www.si.edu/Events?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D143846035%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D
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
OCD Family Support Group 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: familygroupocd@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859.
Parents in a Pandemic is a group for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges. They currently meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 pm on Tuesdays. Contact Diane Manning dmonnig@thearcofnova.org .
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally. Contact: Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .
Parents of Autistic Teens meets the 2nd Sat. of each month in Oakton. Contact: Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org