Intended for siblings of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, and/or Mental Health Issues

Over Zoom, siblings meet other children and teens who know what it’s like to have a brother or sister with behavioral challenges. Siblings have a chance to talk, learn coping skills and feel better. The Zoom is facilitated by psychiatrists and trainees at UMass Chan Medical School.

What about parents & caregivers? First-time participants join a Zoom session led by our trained parent mentor. They learn about the sibling experience, the importance of supporting siblings, and strategies to support siblings. Returning participants join a different Zoom session, led by the program social worker, to address ongoing family challenges that impact siblings.

Registration is required. We meet the first Thursday night of each month at 5:30pm.

Details…

1. Is there a cost? This is a free program.

2. Who is eligible? All caregivers are eligible if the affected child has siblings of any age. Siblings are eligible if they are 6 – 18 years old and do not have significant behavioral issues of their own.

3. Can caregivers attend even if siblings do not attend? Yes, and vice versa.

4. How do I register? To ask questions or reserve your spot, call (857) 523-1145 or email emily.rubin@umassmed.edu. After signing an online consent form, you will receive an email with instructions to log into Zoom.

English:

Join Vinfen’s Family Support Services (FSS) on the 3rd Monday of each month for a NEW virtual support group for parents of any age with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This group is open to Vinfen and non-Vinfen families, so spread the word! The group will be facilitated by Support Staff Yahaira Lopez, a former Special Education Specialist, founder of Autism Sprinter and the parent of children with special needs.

No commitment required, drop-in and join anytime!

For questions or to get the Zoom login information, contact Yahaira Lopez for more info at lopezy@vinfen.org

Spanish:

Únase a los Servicios de apoyo familiar (FSS) de Vinfen el segundo jueves de cada mes para un NUEVO grupo de apoyo virtual para padres de cualquier edad con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo. Este grupo está abierto a familias Vinfen y no Vinfen, ¡así que corre la voz! El grupo será moderado por Yahaira Lopez , Personal de Apoyo, ex especialista en educación especial y madre de niños con necesidades especiales.

No se requiere compromiso, ¡venga y únase en cualquier momento!

Si tiene preguntas o para obtener la información de inicio de sesión de Zoom, comuníquese con Yahaira Lopez para obtener más información en lopezy@vinfen.org

Enlace: https://form.jotform.com/autismsprinter/vinfen-apoyo-familiar

Medford Family Network (MFN) is a no cost parenting education and family support organization.
ASD Monthly Zoom Support Group meeting on fourth Wednesday of month 7:00-8:00pm

Receive emotional and concrete support
Receive and share valuable information and resources
Discuss solutions to common challenges associated with raising children with ASD
Help plan for more activities and social engagements for our children
Meet others and share experiences and coping strategies for these challenging times

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) runs a number of support groups across the state including Massachusetts D.A.D.S. An affiliate of MDSC, D.A.D.S. is an organization of fathers of children with Down syndrome. D.A.D.S.’s mission is to assist and support each other and their families through fellowship and action. See the link to discover all the MDSC has to offer.

​Valley ADHD is a free, community service created to support individuals and families living with ADHD in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts.  Visit the website to see information about the free peer support programs, local parent support groups, adult support groups, ADHD coaches, academic tutors, and educational advocates. Valley ADHD provides free, confidential support (up to two phone calls) for adults, parents/ caregivers of children, teens, and young adults, and spouses of adults with ADHD, through listening, sharing experiences, and offering information.

Speech and Language
Online Support group for Boston/New England area families of children with oral & verbal apraxia. There are also in-person support groups for the Boston and Western MA areas. Please visit this site for meeting notices. For a more active listserv please check out the Apraxia-Kids site at http://www.apraxia-kids.org
There is now a CAS Boston area Facebook group as well which can be found at http://www.facebook.com/groups/CASBoston/

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
This national organization connects through an Online Support Group and Facebook. The mission is to provide and encourage more understanding and mutual support among anyone affected with the diagnosis of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). Supported annual conferences, meetings, and studies help to create a higher standard of AMC awareness in the community.

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
YOU ARE NOT ALONE: Finding reliable information and resources on BWS can be challenging. We can help by providing families with valuable information through conferences, peer support, parent forums, informational videos, and the internet. Visit the website for more information.

Acquired Brain Injury
The support group provides socialization and education for people with acquired brain injury, their friends and family. Usually meets on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10 am to Noon at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 300 First Avenue, Charlestown Navy Yard in Conference Rooms A and B on the first floor. If the first Saturday falls on a holiday weekend, the BABIS Support Group will meet on the second Saturday. Family & affected individuals are invited. There is also a Family/Caregiver support group which meets at the same time, starting around 10:45-noon, facilitated by a Social Worker. Check the website to confirm the details.

Stuttering
Families (ages 7-18) – Activity-based meetings are held monthly. Additional events with the NSA Boston Adult Chapter are held quarterly. For more information or to RSVP, Please contact Chapter Leaders Liz Gomez & Sarah Onofri at BostonStutters@gmail.com or visit the Boston Family NSA website.

Support for parents of children of all ages who are patients of Boston Floating Hospital for Children. Call for meeting dates and specific locations at Boston Floating Hospital for Children, Department of Hematology and Oncology, 750 Washington Street, Boston.

BIA-MA sponsors support groups across the state that provide survivors and their loved ones a forum for sharing information about brain injury as well as a compassionate and understanding peer group and an opportunity to socialize and make new friends with others through recreational activities and outings. Meets at the Lunenburg Public Library.

More than 50 monthly support groups are available across the state for people with brain injury, family, and interested community members, ages 16 and above. Sites are located across the state. In addition, speakers, social-recreational activities, and re

BIA-MA sponsors support groups across the state that provide survivors and their loved ones a forum for sharing information about brain injury as well as a compassionate and understanding peer group and an opportunity to socialize and make new friends with others through recreational activities and outings.
Meets at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital,189 May St., Worcester, MA 01602.

Brain Injury
BIA-MA sponsors support groups across the state that provide survivors and their loved ones a forum for sharing information about brain injury as well as a compassionate and understanding peer group and an opportunity to socialize and make new friends with others through recreational activities and outings.
Meets at the First Baptist Church (Corner of Park St & Salisbury St.).

Brain Injury
BIA-MA sponsors support groups across the state that provide survivors and their loved ones a forum for sharing information about brain injury as well as a compassionate and understanding peer group and an opportunity to socialize and make new friends with others through recreational activities and outings.
Meets at the Milford Regional Medical Center.

Crohn’s and colitis support group meetings are often intimate gatherings where patients and their loved ones can share their stories, seek emotional support, find answers to their questions, and connect with a community who share their challenges. In addition to these focused sessions, support groups often organize informal, social events like picnics and luncheons, community volunteer days, informational workshops, family outings, and attend gala events. Visit the Website to find a Locale group near you.

New Parent Support Group, bimonthly meetings for newer families of children with Down’s Syndrome, siblings, grandparents are welcome to attend, toys, playground and snacks, every other month on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday from 10:00-12:00 Jericho, 537 Northampton Street, Holyoke , MA, Please visit the website or call for an up to date calendar of all upcoming events.

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders
Parent support and opportunities to meet and share for young adults and adults affected by EGID. Educational speakers arranged for monthly meetings held on Monday evenings at Children’s Hospital Lexington, 482 Bedford Street. Contact us for meeting details and RSVP.

Epilepsy
The Epilepsy Foundation hosts a variety of support groups throughout Massachusetts. Self Care For The Caregiver, Peer Support, Adult Group, IEP, 504s, Special Education and more. The meetings are the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month and alternate from central mass and western mass. Be sure to ask about their SUMMER CAMPS. To find the perfect group for you call for more details or visit the website for information and resources.

Prematurity
This telephone support group for parents whose babies have spent time in the NICU provides an opportunity to connect with other parents who have shared similar experiences and concerns. Share your story, Support others and be supported, Exchange information, ideas, and strategies. Nurture yourself as you make meaning of this unexpected journey. This group, facilitated by a Fragile Beginnings Clinician meets weekly and parents are invited to register for one month at a time. By participating for a full month, parents are given the opportunity to get to know one another. The group is offered at no charge to participants. RSVP: Please send an email to fragilebeginnings@jfcsboston.org with your name, phone number, zip code and name and age of your child.

This national online support group and Bulletin Board provide education and support for patients, family members, caregivers, friends and healthcare professionals. Join our community.

Lyme Disease
A part of The Lyme Disease Network, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to public education of the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Meetings are held monthly at the Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742. Call or email for dates and details.

This national support group is made up of parents who have children with upper limb differences and are concerned with the challenges facing their child and family. Family gatherings take place four times a year (2 on the East Coast, 2 on the West Coast). Check the website for details or please email.

Our local support group provides support, education, and empowerment through the community for individuals and families impacted by hydrocephalus. Meetings are typically held at Boston Children’s Hospital, 9 Hope Avenue, Waltham. Call for details and visit the website. Teams of HA Volunteers and staff are ready to answer your questions and listen to your concerns either by phone or email.

Has your child been diagnosed with a stroke, hemiplegic cerebral palsy or hemiplegia? You are not alone. The Infant and Pediatric Stroke Support of Western MA is a local support group for parents whose children have been diagnosed with stroke, hemiplegic cerebral palsy or hemiplegia. The group meets every other month and has a private Facebook page for families to connect, share stories and ask questions. For more information E-mail or call for meeting times and location.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Family Support Groups program gives patients and their families a place to go where they can share information, education and feelings in a comfortable and caring environment. Please visit the website or call for details.

Cardiac Conditions
Little Hearts, Inc. is a national organization providing support, education, resources, networking, and hope to families affected by congenital heart defects. Offers resources, support groups, Parent to Parent matches, Facebook Discussion Group and more. Visit the website or call for more information.

Hosts multiple support groups for those affected by Lyme Disease. Please visit the website or call for more information.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta
The support group meets periodically in Carver and hosts annual events. Call for more information.

Mitochondrial Disease
MitoAction is a nonprofit organization founded by patients, parents, and Boston hospital healthcare leaders who had a vision of improving quality of life for children and adults with mitochondrial disease. The mission remains the same: to make a measurable impact in the lives of those who are affected by mitochondrial disease. MitoAction hosts weekly support groups for the mitochondrial disease community. Phone support groups include sessions specific to newly diagnosed patients; parents; and adult patients and spouses. MitoAction also offers quarterly Autism and Mito calls. Please call or visit the website for details.

Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy Parent Support Group: New groups are currently being formed through the efforts of the MDA Office, 33 Lyman Street, Westborough. Call for more information or visit the website.

Offers many different support groups on a weekly or monthly basis in the following areas:
Amputee , Brain Injury Groups,Cognitive, Pain Groups Pastoral Support, Pediatric Family Time. Please Visit website to learn more about specific group information.

Provides a supportive environment for individuals who have experienced a spinal cord injury. Family members and friends are welcome. Monthly meetings are held in Boston, Springfield, and Pittsfield. Visit the website for all details.

Support group provides socialization and education for stroke survivors, meeting monthly on Wednesday afternoons at Spaulding Rehab Hospital, 200 First Avenue, Charlestown Navy Yard. Call for specific dates and details.

Postpartum Depression
Meets on Thursday afternoons at Jewish Family & Children’s Services, 1430 Main Street, Waltham. Sponsored by The Center for Early Relationship Support, JFCS. Call for specific times and directions.

Brachial Plexus
The United Brachial Plexus Network strives to inform, support, and unite families and those concerned with brachial plexus injuries, its treatment and prevention worldwide. Provides online forums, resources and Facebook discussion groups.

Offers weekly support groups for anyone affected by SCI (Spinal Cord Injury),discussion about everything involving life with spinal cord injury from a family, friend, or caregivers point of view. The support system for the patient is often overlooked and this groups mission is to provide a comfortable safe atmosphere to speak your mind and to gather resources during this difficult time.. Meets on Thursdays afternoons at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 300 First Avenue, 6th Floor, Charlestown in The Lantern Room. Call for times and directions.

This support groups is for Portuguese speaking parents and meets in Natick on the last Monday of the month from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, new families welcome. Please call for more information or visit our website.

Cantonese Mandarin – Parenting
Meets on the monthly on Friday evenings in Chinatown, Boston. Childcare services and light dinner are provided. Group coordinator: Dr. Lusa Lo. For childcare arrangements, please contact Susan Ou.

Epilepsy

Share Groups and Caregiver Support Groups available as well as training opportunities and educational programs. Offers 24 Hour Help Line (800) 332-1000 / Spanish 866-748-8008 Call or visit website for more information.

The parents’ group is conducted in Cape Verdean Creole. The children’s groups are in English, but there are CV Creole speakers in each group. During Family Nurturing Time, everyone plays and sings in both languages

Todas as Necessidades Especiais (Support Group for Portuguese-Speaking Individuals / Grupode Apoio às Pessoas que Falam Português): Reunioes mensais. Telfonar para saber os dias: Federacão para Crianças com Necessidades Especiais, The Schrafft Center, 529 Main Street, Boston, MA

Haitian – Developmental Disabilities
HAPHI families meet the last Sunday of the month in Mattapan. Call for details. Please note: Department of Developmental Services Referral needed.

Spanish – Down Syndrome
Boston, Hispanic group of Down Syndrome FLUPESD (Latino Families United in the Down Syndrome/ Familias Latinas Unidas por el indrome de Down). This group was formed to support parents in their native language and to help procure adequate and proper education, vocational training and life skills. The group has cultural and entertainment activities, including a folklore dance troop, and disability workshops. Parents can also share their own experiences and thoughts in dealing as parents of children with special needs, in a support group where mutual sharing of information and assistance takes place. Please call for more information. www.mdsc.org/support group

Latina – Special Needs Parenting
Support Group for Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking meets on Friday mornings at St. Anthony’s Church, 43 Holton Street, Allston. Call for times and details.

Mandarin – Autism Spectrum
A program of the Northeast ARC, Danvers, this support group offers information and support for parents and individuals who have Autism. Bi-monthly meetings are held at the Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main Street (Route 27) in Acton Center. Contact us for

A support group for Hispanic families of children or youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. Primarily Spanish, but all are welcome.
RSVP at parentsupportgroup@ppal.net

Nos reunimos cada dos meses para aprender acerca de los recursos, compartir apoyo y escuchar las presentaciones de los expertos en discapacidad en español. Para obtener más información,
por favor llama

Avez-vous une personne handicapee mentale dans votre famille ? Voulez-vous avoir des informations qui peuvent vous aider avec votre enfant ? Aimeriez-vous de parler avec d’autres parents qui ont des enfants avec des deficiences physiques ou mentales? S’il

Periodically throughout the year, parents meet for information and support. Learn about resources available to your family, and find help to access them.
Periodicamente ao longo do ano, os pais encontram para informação e apoio. Saiba mais sobre os recursos disponíveis para a sua família, e encontrar apoio para acessá-los.

Spanish – Developmental Disabilities
This support groups for Hispanic family members
of individuals with developmental disabilities meetings are generally held at the Nemasket Group,
56 Bridge Street, Fairhaven. Please Call for days and times.

Offers a variety of family activities including Multi-age, drop in groups. Playgroups allows those who speak other Languages the opportunity to not only expose their children to age appropriate play but to also strengthen the knowledge of their culture.

Meets on Tuesday mornings at Temple Beth Israel, 25 Harvard Street, Waltham. Call for specific times and directions.

Spanish – Self-Care
Self-Care Latino Support Group in Spanish -at WCFRC, 4th Floor – Suite 450, Worcester WEEKLY, Must be pre-registered to attend. For parents – run by parents. Come together to share and get support from other parents. Weekly attendance is optional, come when you can. Refreshments and supervision of children are provided.

Bay Cove’s Parent Support Program facilitates parent support groups at a variety of locations within the Metro Boston area. Parent support groups are held in both English and Spanish and are open to all parents in the Parent Support Program. Childcare and light refreshments are available for most support groups. Please visit the website for details or call.

Three Moms Groups run continuously throughout the year. The Nurturing Group is a 10-week curriculum group that runs from January to June. The Family First Parenting Group runs for 4 weeks from March to September. The Parent Support Group is a 6-week program that runs from April to October. Call for more information English & Spanish group.

Breakthrough Parenting will run at FNC’s Family Enrichment Site at UP Academy throughout the year in fifteen-week cycles. This parenting education program addresses how to create a safe, loving environment for your child with a focus on cooperation instead of conflict. The program is recognized by the Department of Children & Families (DCF). The classes are free, text books and workbooks are included, and childcare is provided (please let the facilitator know in advance). Parents do not need to have custody of their child to attend.