Apraxia Resource Center of Connecticut (ARCC) (All Regions)

The Apraxia Resource Center of Connecticut is non-profit organization and support network open to all parents and caregivers of children with apraxia of speech.  They support families from all regions in Connecticut and have several support group meeting location options including, Northeast CT, Hartford Area, and Fairfield/New Haven County. For a complete schedule of meetings and more information about the organization please visit their website at or contact Michele Wasikowski at 203-521-6112 or by email at michelewaz@gmail.com.

ASRC Sibling Support Groups  (Wallingford – Region 1)

The Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC) is offering 2 social support groups for typically developing siblings of children and teens with autism spectrum disorders.  The girls group will be facilitated by Dr. Julie Wolf and the boys group will be run by Andres Arteaga, LCSW.  The age range of the groups will be determined based on compatibility of the members and where the most interest is expressed.

Support groups will be held bi-weekly on Saturday mornings for 90 minutes per group at ASRC’s Center located at 101 North Plains Industrial Road, Harvest Park, Building 1A in Wallingford.  Each session will be centered around a fun activity that will foster a comfortable environment for the group members and also provide opportunities for discussion and social support.

For more information contact the ASRC at 203-265-7717 or visit us on the web at www.ct-asrc.org

ASRC Shoreline Area Support Group (East Haven – Madison – Region 1)

The Shoreline Area Support Group brings together parents of children on the Autism spectrum living in the towns of East Haven, North Haven, West Haven, Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook and any other towns along the shoreline. Meetings typically are held at 7:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church at 297 Boston Post Road, Madison. For more information, please contact group facilitator Michelle Guerra at 203-435-4585.

ASRC Support Group for Girls with Brothers or Sisters on the Spectrum (Wallingford – Region1)

The Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC) is offering a social support group for typically developing siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders. The groups will be facilitated by Dr. Julie Wolf, who has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and has a number of years experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The first group will be for girls between the ages of 11 and 13. In the future, groups for boys and for children of other ages may be offered. The group will be held bi-weekly on Saturday mornings from 9:30 until 11:00 am. Each session will be centered around a fun activity that will foster a comfortable environment for the group members and also provide opportunities for discussion and social support. There is a registration fee of $80. For additional information or to register, please contact ASRC at: 203-248-5222.

ASRC Support Group for Wives of Men with Aspergers Syndrome  (Wallingford – Region 1)

ASRC (Autism Spectrum Resource Center) will be starting a group for wives of men with Aspergers.  The group will meet at ASRC in Wallingford in the evening.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Lois Rosenwald at 203-265-7717.

Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress (Statewide)

CDSC is a special interest group that advocates for persons with Down syndrome and their families. We are a welcoming and supportive group of over 350 parents, numerous professionals and over 20 advocacy groups statewide. They provide support to our members through our annual convention, by co-sponsoring parent/professional conferences and hosting numerous local and state-wide activities (e.g. picnics, playgroups, mom’s night outs, holiday parties, etc.) For contact info and to see our calendar of events, visit their website.

Connecticut Family Support Network (Statewide)

The Connecticut Family Support Network holds monthly meetings in various areas.    For more information, please contact the following:

Executive Director: Jennifer Carroll 877-FSN-2DAY jtcarroll@cox.net
Northeast Region: Mona Tremblay 860-774-7501 ext. 14  mtremblay@genhealth.org
Peter Szruba  860-481-9663 szruba@att.net
Southeast Region: April Dipollina 860-271-4371 adipollina@lmhosp.org
North Central Region: Sheila Harris 860-922-5159 voices03@mail.com
South Central Region: Tesha Imperati 203-710-3041 scctfamilysupport@gmail.com
Deborah Pagano-Finkle 203-245-2340 charde@mindspring.com
Northwest Region: Trish Butler 203-739-9614 trishjbutler@comcast.net
Southwest Region: Karleen Craddock 203-400-0105 karleen.craddock@yahoo.com
Bi-Lingual Family Support: Maggy Morales 860-539-0988 mamorales@uchc.edu
Deaf and HH Advocacy Outreach Coordinator: Patti Silva 860-529-7766 cakes01@cox.net

Connecticut Grandparent Caregiver Support Group Listing

The Department of Social Services Aging Services Division offers a comprehensive listing of support groups for grandparent caregivers in Connecticut.  View the listing on their website to find contact information for each support group.  Grandparent Caregiver Support Group Listing

Connecticut Mom’s Apraxia Support Group (Stratford – Region 1 & 2)

The CT Mom’s Apraxia Support Group meets the third Sunday of every month, beginning at 4:00, in Stratford, CT. For more information about this support group or if you would like to join please contact Michele Wasikowski at 203-521-6112 or 203-298-9722 or by email at: michelewasikowski@yahoo.com.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Playgroup (Middletown – Region 1)

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Playgroup with Jaime Robinson is for deaf and/or hard of hearing parents/caregivers and children.  They meet the 3rd Friday of every month.  Jaime has over 15 years of experience and can communicate with both hearing and deaf families.  The group meets from 10a.m. to noon at the Family Wellness Center located at 635 Main Street in Middletown, Connecticut.  For more information, please contact Jaime at 401-588-1167 orJLCinFlorida@yahoo.com.

Epilepsy Parent Support Group (Middletown- Region 1)

The Epilepsy Foundation of CT warmly invites parents of children with epilepsy to attend this support group. The group meets at the Epilepsy Foundation of CT office building on the 2nd floor located at 386 Main Street in Middletown, CT. Meetings are held on the forth Wednesday of the month from 7:00-8:30PM. For more information please contact the Epilepsy Foundation of CT at 800-899-3745 or email efct@sbcglobal.net.

Epilepsy Parent Support Group (Milford- Region 1)

The Epilepsy Foundation of CT warmly invites parents and adults with epilepsy to attend this support group. The group meets at the Milford Hospital located at 300 Seaside Avenue in Milford, CT. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month from 7:00-8:30PM. For more information please contact the Epilepsy Foundation of CT at 800-899-3745 or email efct@sbcglobal.net.

The Food Allergy Association of Connecticut (Statewide)

The Food Allergy Association of Connecticut (FAACT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and support to parents of children with  food allergies and increasing public awareness and understanding about food allergies. They promote education and awareness with monthly meetings, guest speakers, special events and a parent support network.  For more information about FAACT, please visit their website at www.faact.org.

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Statewide)

NOFAS Connecticut is a statewide support and advocacy group for parents and caregivers of individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We offer support and information to families and professionals by phone and through support groups. We also offer an email list-serve which is open to parents and professionals, to enhance our efforts in sharing support and information. Our goal is to raise community awareness regarding prevention of FASD and improving the quality of life for those affected. For more information please contact, NOFAS Connecticut at 860-942-4507, or email them at nofasct@yahoo.com.

National Spinal Cord Injury Association, CT Chapter (Statewide)

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association provides a variety of support groups to people suffering from spinal cord injuries throughout the state of Connecticut. Our support groups allow individuals the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics with other’s that have a spinal cord injury. Support group meetings are held at many area hospitals and independent living centers throughout the state of Connecticut. Support groups are organized and run by NSCIA CT Chapter member volunteers.

For support group locations, dates and times please visit: http://www.sciact.org/services.asp#support.

Naugatuck Parent Group (Naugatuck – Region  1)

The purpose of this support group is parent education in the form of workshops, networking, sharing information and experience. Their goal is to help parents become effective participants in planning for their children’s education. For meeting information, check the Citizen’s News Calendar, or contact Eileen Coyle at 203-723-4305.

North Star  -  Support Group for Parents of Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorders or Developmental Delays (Ansonia – Region  1)

The North Star Support Group is a friendly and supportive place to meet other parents, learn from each other and access resources. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Derby. Please call ahead to verify meeting times and locations.  For more information call Cathy Adamczyk at 203-735-6098 or Natalie DiDente at 203-305-2468.

Parents Helping Parents (East Haven – Region 1)

Parents Helping Parents is a newly formed support group for families of children with special needs. They meet on the third Monday of every month at the Beach House on Cosey Beach Ave. in East Haven, CT from 6:30 until 9:00 pm. For more information please contact Debbi Giordano at: 203-466-2196 or by email at: gdt.giordano@snet.net or contact Lisa Baber at: 203-468-9161 or by email at: labb708@sbcglobal.net.

Pizza Parents Support Group (Branford – Region 1)

Pizza Parents Support Group (Branford – Region 1)

The Pizza Parents Support Group is for parents of children with any disability. Come meet other parents and share your obstacles and miracles in life. The meetings are held at the Italian-American Social Club on 40 Hamre Lane in Branford, CT. Pizza and refreshments will be provided, but child care will not be. For more information or additional dates and times please contact Tesha Imperati at 203-710-3041 or by email, scctfamilysupport@gmail.com.

Ryan Woods Autism Foundation Parent Support Group (Middletown – Region 3)

The Ryan Woods Autism Foundation Parent Support Group meets the third Saturday of every month from noon to 2pm at The Masonic Lodge located at 33 Pleasant Street in Middletown, Connecticut. Admission is free. Parents are encouraged to come share your experiences, get support and listen and learn about autism and autism spectrum disorder. Seating is limited. RSVP to rwaf@comcast.net. For more information, contact Terri Brinson-Gwynn or Brenda Wilson at rwaf@comcast.net or 860-346-8777.

SEPTA Network (Special Education PTA)  (Milford – Region 1)

ALL PARENTS/TEACHERS WELCOME!!

SEPTA Network is designed to be a resource and support for Parents and Teachers of Special Education children for Connecticut towns including (but not limited to) Stratford, Milford, Trumbull, Shelton and West Haven.

SEPTA Network is based in Milford, Connecticut and is a member of the National PTA Organization with a dedicated focus on advancing the quality and delivery of Special Education services in our public schools.

SEPTA Network meets on the last Monday of each month, with accommodations made for various holidays.  These meetings start promptly at 7:00 p.m. and are scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m.  Child care provided with one week’s advanced notice.

For further information, please contact Susan St. Pierre, President,  at 203-640-8017, via email at susan.st.pierre@snet.net, or visit their website at www.septanetwork.org.

Shoreline Special Needs Parent Chat (Northford – Region 1)

The Shoreline Special Needs Parent Chat is open to parents or caregivers of children with special needs, ADD, ADHD or “something you can’t quite put your finger on.”  The group is a place to chat, vent and exchange ideas.  Meetings will be held from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Wednesday, July 6th, August 10th and September 7th at Edward Smith Library located at 3 Old Post Road in Northford, Connecticut.   For more information, contact Andrea Alexander at 203-484-7645 or andrealex@sbcglobal.net.

Support Group for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Wallingford – Region 1)

This group, sponsored by the Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC), is intended for adults with Aspergers Syndrome, High Functioning Autism or PPD who are 15 years of age or older. Participants do not need a formal diagnosis.

Meetings are held on the second Friday of every month, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at ASRC at 101 North Plains Industrial Road in Wallingford. The group also has several social activities, such as hiking, board games and DVD nights each month.

Dave Tipping, an adult with Aspergers, facilitates this group.  For more information, please contact Dave Tipping at 203 484-2937 or nz1j@juno.com

Support Group for Parents of Special Needs Children — Sharing and Caring (Middletown – Region 1)

This support group is for Parents of Special Needs Children. They meet on the first Thursday of every month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, at the Grace Lutheran Church, Fellowship Room downstairs, 1055 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT. From more information please contact Nancy Geromin at 860-345-7397 or 860-345-8205.

West Haven Parent Support Group (West Haven – Region 1)

The West Haven Parent Support Group invites parents, grandparents, caregivers and friends of a child or children with special needs to come join them for a parent support group meeting on the second Monday of every month.  The meetings take place at the West Haven City Hall on Campbell Avenue from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.  Child care is provided at all support group meetings.  For more information please contact Karen Muro at KarenMMuro@aol.com