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.

Bullying Support Group (Marlborough – Region 5)

A support group for children who have or are experiencing bullying has started in Marlborough.  The group will provide a safe place for children to discuss their experiences about being bullied.  Parents and children are welcome to attend.  For meeting information, please contact Sophie Burrows at stopbullyingmeplease@gmail.com.

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. We 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 our website at http://www.ctdownsyndrome.org.

Connecticut Family Support Network (Statewide)

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

State Coordinator         Jennifer Carroll      877-376-2329    email:    jtcarroll@cox.net
Northwest Region         Alice Buttwell         860-350-6025 or 203-709-3850  email:    AliceMMBB@aol.com
Southwest Region         Lisa Sheppard      203-556-7317    email:    lnshep@aol.com
Northeast Region          Mona Tremblay     860-928-6514    email:    advocatefor2@yahoo.com
North Central Region    Sheila Harris          860-297-4358    email:    afcamp@sbcglobal.net
Southeast Region          April Dipollina       860-271-4371     email:    adipollina@lmhosp.org
South Central Region    Tesha Imperati      203-710-3041    email:    scctfamilysupport@gmail.com

Connecticut Family Support Network Northeast Parent Group (Multiple Locations- Region 5)

The Connecticut Family Support Network Northeast Parent Group is a parent support group, currently meeting the first Thursday evening of the month from  6:30-8:30 p.m. Meetings are held at the John Dempsey Center, 376 Pomfret Street in Putnam. There are no age or disability specific requirements to attend the group. The group’s philosophy is that all parents and/or caregivers need support and information. Parents are provided with a relaxed atmosphere of caring and acceptance, as well as advocacy, referrals and parent training on a variety of disability related topics.  The goal is to empower families to work with school districts, private providers, state agencies, legislators and within their communities to attain acceptance and a high “quality of life” standard. This group is funded in part, through the Department of Social Services and the Birth-to-Three System. For information on specific meeting locations, or to be added to the group’s listserv, please contact Mona Tremblay at 860- 928-6514 or by email at: advocatefor2@yahoo.com or Ann Tetreault at 860- 630-4033 or by email at:  ann.tetreault@ct.gov

Family Support and Advocacy Group for Children with Behavioral, Emotional and Mental Health Challenges (Wauregan – Region 5)

The Family Support and Advocacy Group for Children with Behavioral, Emotional and Mental Health Challenges meets the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 until 11:00 am at the United Services in Wauregan, CT. For more information on this support group, please contact Lorna Grivois at 860-343-7330 ext. 101 or by email at lgrivois@familiesunited.org.

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.

“Friendship” Group (Social skills group) – UCONN (Storrs – Region 5)

The UCONN Psychological Services Clinic is offering “friendship” groups for children on the autism spectrum.  We are currently offering groups for children ages 7-9.  In the future, we may also offer groups for children and adolescents of other ages.  If you would like to be placed on our waitlist, please contact Julie Wolf or Jessica Lord at 860-486-2642.

Parent Support Group for Parents of Young Children (Windham – Region 5)

The Nurturing Families Network, Generations Family Health Center and North Windham Family Resource Center will be starting a parent support group for parents of young children.  The group will meet ever Tuesday from February 3rd to June 23rd from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at North Windham Elementary School on Jordan Lane in Windham.

This parenting series is designed to provide information on:

• How your child learns and grows during the first five years
• Helping your child develop positive self esteem and self worth
• Understanding how your child learns to express feelings
• Developing positive routines, family values, and family morals
• How using positive discipline techniques will create a happier home
• Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of your children

Child care is provided and a light dinner will be served.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Please contact Kerry Fair at 450-7456 ext 128.

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.

Nurturing Parenting – The Early Years (Willimantic – Region 5)

Parents of infants, toddlers or preschoolers are invited to join the Nurturing Parenting – The Early Years Support Group.  This group will begin meeting in August, 2010 and meet weekly for ten weeks at Generations Family Health Center, Inc. located in Windham Mills in Willimantic, Connecticut.  Topics to be discussed include positive discipline techniques, helping your child learn and grow and handling stress, frustration and anger.  Please contact Kerry Fair for meeting dates, times and other information at 860-450-0585 ext. 528 or kfair@genhealth.org.