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.

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

Do You Love Someone with PDD, Aspergers or Autism? (Bethel – Region 6)

This support group is designed for parents, family members, friends and caregivers of individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. They offer a safe place to talk, brainstorm, vent, laugh and share productive ways to navigate the often-murky waters of those whose lives are inextricably linked to the world of autism. The group meets at Walnut Hill Community Church on the second Wednesday of each month, from 7:00 until 8:00 pm. If you have any questions please contact Shannon at: (203) 770-8669.

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.

The Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group, CT Family Support Network-Northwest Region (New Milford – Region 6)

The Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group, meets the first Monday of every month from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Sarah Noble Intermediate School, 25 Sunny Valley Road, New Milford, CT. Please contact Alice B. Buttwell at 860-350-6025 or email her at alicemmbb@aol.com for information and presentation topics.

Litchfield County Autism Spectrum Association (LACASA) (Naugatuck – Region 6)

The Litchfield County Autism Spectrum Association (LACASA) is a non-profit partnership that was established in 2001 by a group of dedicated families and professionals. LACASA was founded on the belief that no single person, professional, discipline or agency can meet the multiple and complex needs of individuals with autism and their families. For information on meeting dates, times and locations, please send an email to:  lacasa@snet.net.

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.

Newtown P.A.C. (Parents Advocating for their Children)

The purpose of Newtown PAC is to supply information and give support to parents of children with learning differences.  The group meets on the second Thursday of each month at Newtown Youth and Family Services at 17 Church Hill Road from 7-9 pm. For more information you can visit the website or contact Suzanne Lang at suzinart19@sbcglobal.net or (203)270-9869.

Parent Support Group at Northwestern CT Community College (Winsted – Region 6)

Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC), in Winsted, CT, offers an evening support group for parents and care givers of children with autism. The group is facilitated by Sharon Cable (parent) and Dr. Robert Beck (NCCC faculty member and director of the Behavioral Studies program in the college). The group began in January and meets on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. Participation is open to all persons’ who care for children with autism and is free. For more information, please contact Sharon Cable at 860-693-9128 or Robert Beck at 860-738-6386.

The PDD Support Group (New Fairfield – Region 6)

The PDD Parent Group is for parents of children in the EIP program at Consolidated School in New Milford. Meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month in the office at Consolidated School at 1:00pm. If you would like to join us, please stop in. For more information, please contact Jennifer McPartlin at jennifer.mcpartlin@danhosp.org.

Southbury-Middlebury SEPTA (Southbury – Region 6)

The Southbury-Middlebury SEPTA meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month at the Southbury Medical Building. Region 15 SEPTA meetings are open to anyone with an interest in the welfare of children with special needs, from Pre-K to grade 12, such as parents, grandparents, teachers, administrators, Board of Education members, students and friends. The program is free and all are welcome to attend.  For more information please visit www.region15septa.org or contact jacquelinemc@charter.net or tonjahunt@sbcglobal.net.

Tourette Syndrome Support Group (Newtown – Region 6)

The Newtown Tourette Syndrome Support Group meets the 4th Monday of every month from 7:00 until 8:00 pm at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Newtown, CT.   There are no meetings in July or December.  If you are interested in attending this group, please contact Laura Main at: 203-270-9348 or by email at: lfmain@charter.net.

You Are Never Alone (YANA) – (Woodbury – Region 6)

YANA is a parent support group for parents of special needs children that are 14 years old through adulthood.  YANA offers a safe, non-judgmental place for parents to openly share experiences, ideas and resources that will help children have the best possible independent life that they can have.  Meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Woodbury.  For more information, please call 203-509-8602 or visit www.imagineyoursoul.com/yana.html.