October
Plan Ahead — Collaborative & Proactive Solutions —1-2 Day Training
Thu. Oct. 3 & Fri. Oct. 4, 9:45 am-5:15 pm $ varies
Gain an overview of the CPS model including the use of assessments and problem solving.
Register: https://livesinthebalance.org/
Plan Ahead — Raising Your Challenging Child — PreK to Pre-Teen
10 Wednesdays, Oct. 9 to Dec. 11, 11 am-noon $ varies
This course helps parents to identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and what to do about it.
Register: https://www.
Plan Ahead — Wings for All at Dulles IAD
Sat. Nov. 9, 8 am-noon, Dulles Airport, IDs required > age 18
Disabled individuals with family members can rehearse the boarding process and airport procedures. Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/
We Define ADHD! Empowering Ways to Frame Our Awesome Brains
Tue. Oct. 1, 1 pm, with replay link
Lean into the aspects of ADHD that make us unique and wonderful, with examples by Penn and Kim Holderness.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/
Signing Together! — For Parents & Caregivers
Tue. Oct. 1 to Nov. 26, 7-8 pm, 10467 White Granite Dr. Oakton
Learn American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary to use in speaking with students who have communication challenges.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Parent Consent
Tue. Oct. 1, 7-8 pm,
Consider the most common consent issues relating to IEPs, and how to use documentation to avoid consent issues.
Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/
Fall Special Education Series — in Spanish
Serie de Educación Especial
Martes, 6:30-8:00 pm
Conozca todas las características principales del proceso de educación especial en Virginia. Regístrese para una o más.
Octubre 1: De la Referencia a la Eligibilidad
Octubre 22: Dentro y Fuera de las Reuniones del IEP
Noviembre 12: Diez cosas que debe saber sobre un IEP
Diciembre 10: ¡Su Voz Vale!
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/
From Referral to Eligibility — in Spanish
De la referencia a la eligibilidad
Martes,1 de octubre, 6:30-8:00 pm
Conozca las etapas iniciales de la educación especial en Virginia.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Helping your Child Experience Social Success
Wed. Oct. 2, 11 am-noon $ varies
Preview the video on this topic that accompanies registration then join the scheduled discussion.
Register: https://www.
FANtastic Times Family Park Visit at Clemyjontri Park
Sun. Oct 6, 9-11 am, 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean
Children of all abilities can play with others at this park.
RSVP by Thu. Oct. 3: NCS-TRACERS@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-324-5532
Morning at the Museum — National Museum of American History
Sat. Oct. 5, 8:30-10:00 am, 1300 Constitution Ave. Wash. DC
Families with students with cognitive or sensory processing disabilities can explore exhibits and sensory-friendly activities.
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/
It’s a Balancing Act: Reclaiming Yourself Through Self-Care and Wellness
Mon. Oct. 7, 6:30-7:30 pm
Parents of children with disabilities can learn strategies to prioritize self-care and make it part of a daily routine.
Register: https://www.tickettailor.com/
Benchmark Advance: the New K-6 Language Arts Curriculum
Tue. Oct. 8, 6:30-8:00 pm OR Wed. Oct. 9, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about the new K-6 language arts curriculum, including its supports for students with disabilities.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Understanding Special Education
Tue. Oct. 8, 6-8 pm
Learn about the steps of the special education process, and discover another important role in your child’s education.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Managing Multiple Roles as an Adult with ADHD
Tue. Oct 8, 7:30-9:00 pm
Learn how to embrace your ADHD, build sustainable routines, and leverage your ADHD as a strength for your family.
Connecting the Dots: Early Supports and Services for Babies and Toddlers
Wed. Oct. 9, noon-12:30 pm, Infant & Toddler Connection
Wed. Oct. 16, noon-12:30 pm, New Path, a support network
Learn about two programs that help Virginia families of young children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
When to Worry About Your Worrier: A Roadmap for Recognizing and Supporting Children and Adolescents Struggling with Anxiety
Wed. Oct. 9, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about the symptoms of anxiety disorders at various ages and effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Register: https://labschool-org.zoom.us/
Anatomy of an IEP
Wed. Oct. 9, 6:30-7:45 pm
Learn about the sequence and contents of the separate sections of an Individualized Educational Plan.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
Thu. Oct. 10, 7-8 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://afspncactsl10102024.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Overview
Fri. Oct. 11, 10:00-11:20 am, OR 7:00-8:30 pm
This FCPS training is recommended if you plan attend other trainings in the monthly Family ABA Training series.
We Have So Much in Common: ADHD & ASD
Tue. Oct.15, 7:30-9:00 pm,
Gain an understanding of the overlap and distinction between ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
Youth Mental Health First Aid — Course for Adults
Wed. Oct. 16, 9:00 am-3:30 pm, $25
Learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health challenges in youth, their potential impact, and how to respond.
Register: https://www.
Connecting the Dots: Early Supports and Services for Babies and Toddlers
Oct. 16, noon-12:30 pm, New Path, a support network
Learn about this program that helps Virginia families of young children with developmental delays and disabilities.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Taking Care of the Caregiver at Beloved Yoga Sanctuary
Thursdays, 10/17 & 11/21, 1:30-2:30 pm, 11109 Sunset Hills Rd. Reston
Join other parents of children with disabilities for a chair/mat yoga class and then tea and snacks.
Register: contact NCS-TRACERS@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-324-5532
Disability Benefits: Virginia’s Medicaid Waivers
Thu. Oct. 17, 5:30 pm
Virginia uses Medicaid Waivers to fund services for people with disabilities. Learn how the system works.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics
Fri. Oct.18, 10:00-11:30 am
Gain ideas of ways to enjoy math with your children including books, games, and other materials.
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Safety Fair with Practice Crisis Scenarios
Sat. Oct. 19, 11 am-2 pm, 200 S Carlin Springs Rd. Arlington
Attend a resource fair, and practice navigating emergency situations with Arlington first responders.
Register: https://arcofnva.app.neoncrm.
OCD in Children with ADHD: Navigating the Dual Diagnosis
Tue. Oct. 22, 1 pm, with replay link
Deepen your understanding of OCD, and learn how to support children who also have ADHD.
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/
Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings — In Spanish
Dentro y fuera de las reuniones del IEP
Martes, 22 de octubre, 6:30-8:00 pm
Aprenda qué esperar de una reunión del IEP, cómo prepararse para ella, y cómo trabajar juntos después para apoyar a su estudiante.
Registrarse: https://us02web.zoom.us/
Teaching Parents and Students Advocacy Skills
Tue. Oct. 22, 7:30-9:00 pm
Both students with ADHD and their parents can gain advocacy skills for use in elementary school through adulthood.
Chat with an Attorney about Special Education
Wed. Oct. 23, 9:30 am–2:45 pm
Free 45-minute appointments are available for parents to receive guidance from an attorney on special education topics.
Register: https://form.jotform.com/
Disordered Eating and Autism: Obesity
Wed. Oct. 23, 1 pm
Tune in to learn research updates on co-occurring disordered eating and autism, including emerging findings to a higher risk for obesity.
Register: https://autism.org/disordered-
Measurable IEP Goals
Wed. Oct. 23, 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn about the benefits of high expectations, what are measurable goals, and why monitoring progress is so important.
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/
CHADD 2024 ADHD Resource Fair with Keynote
Sat. Oct. 26, 9:30 am-12:30 am, 120 Cherry St SE Vienna
Visit with exhibitors to learn about valuable resources.
Keynote at 11:30 am: Turning Adversity Into Treasure: Using Adversity and Strengths for Transformative Change.
No registration needed
Talk Saves Lives: An introduction to Suicide Prevention
Sun. Oct. 27, 4-5 pm
Suicide can be prevented. Learn how to recognize common risk factors and warning signs, and learn how to respond.
Register: https://ncactsl10272024.
Ongoing and On Demand
FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter
Sign up at News You Choose: https://www.fcps.edu/
ADHD @ School: Top 10 Hurdles to Learning with ADHD
This 10-part self-guided course equips caregivers and students with effective solutions to the specific academic and behavioral challenges associated with ADHD
Register: https://www.additudemag.com/
The Arc@School Advocacy Curriculum $99 for 6 months
Build your special education knowledge, know the law, and learn to advocate for the services your child needs.
Purchase: https://thearcatschool.org/
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
24/7 Access: https://www.youtube.com/
Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) Toolkit
This Toolkit can help a family navigate an MDR process when a student with an IEP is considered for disciplinary action.
Access: https://peatc.org/wp-
NAMI Basics
This 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD).
Register: https://www.nami.org/support-
Children’s Challenging Behaviors
This 6-hour workshop focuses on children’s challenging behaviors, mental health conditions, special education, and advocacy skills. Register: https://nami-northernvirginia.
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions — 2 Day Training
Gain an overview of the CPS model including the use of assessments and problem solving. $179
Register: https://
The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism
From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence & Virginia Autism Council. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services.
Access: https://vcuautismcenter.org/
Two 9-1-1 Pre-Notification Programs Are Now Available
Both allow prior registration so that first responders will be aware of the special needs of individuals at the scene.
Fairfax County Emergency Health Profiles
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
Ongoing medical and behavioral health conditions can be included, along with emergency contact information.
Fairfax County Community Connect
https://www.communityconnect.
The special needs of individuals, and information about pets and your residence can be included with emergency contacts.
Ongoing Community Support Groups for Parents
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays. Contact: Amanda. amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
Alpha Moms This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean. Contact: robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Society of NoVA Parents and Caregivers meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7-8 pm via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group 1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact: Cathy, ocgreulich@aol.com
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center meets monthly via Zoom on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays to support family members of an age 18+ loved one with mental illness. Contact: Ramon.Palazzolo@
DADS of Special Needs Kids of Any Age meets monthly in the evening during the school year on the 3rd Tue. or Thur. in Falls Church, to eat and talk at a favored resturant. 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: https://docs.google.com/forms/
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.signupgenius.com/
Fairfax Kinship Support Group meets virtually on the 1st Thursday monthly at 6:30-8:00 pm. An in-person group meets on the 3rd Thursday monthly at Fairfax County Community Centers at 6:15-8:00 pm. Dinner and childcare are provided. Register: https://bit.ly/FFFkinSG
Formed Families Together meets monthly as peer support groups for adoptive, kinship, and foster caregivers and parents. A Virtual support group meets the 1st Sunday evening monthly. An In-Person support group meets the 3rd Wednesday evening monthly. Register: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/
Foster the Family Support Group for foster and adoptive moms meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm in Falls Church. Childcare is provided. Register: https://www.fosterthefamilydc.
Grupo de apoyo para madres de habla hispana de niños con autismo se reúne mensualmente en línea y está patrocinado por Johns Hopkins Medical Center. Contacto: mariposas.autismo@gmail.com
Hablemos educación especial es un grupo de discusión de padres de habla hispana y de un estudiante autista. Se reúnen virtualmente el primer miércoles de cada mes de 7:00-7:45 pm Registrarse: https://
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.
Family Support Group for Parents of Youth meets online monthly on the 3rd Monday at 7 pm. Register: bit.ly/PSGArlington Contact: Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com to arrange to chat when needed.
NAMI Family Support Group for Parents meets online the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays monthly 7:00-8:30 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
NOVA Adopt Friends Parent Peer Support Group for adoptive parents meets on the 3rd Thursdays monthly 6:00-7:30 pm. Register: https://adoptionsupport.org/
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact: ela.mike@verizon.net or call 202-215-5859
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Support Group meets in-person during the school year on the 1st Saturday monthly at 10:00-11:30 am, RSVP to supportgroup@poac-nova.org
People of the Global Majority is a discussion group for BIPOC parents of children with autism. They meet virtually on the 1st Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-
Small Steps Together is a discussion group for parents of preschool and elementary children with autism. They meet virtually on the 4th Monday monthly at 7:00-7:45 pm. Register: https://xminds.org/event-
Virginia Family Network Book Club for parents and caregivers of children living with mental health challenges meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7-8 pm. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
Virginia Family Network Coffee Chat and Self-Care meets monthly on the 3rd Thurs. 9:00-10:30 am to connect and to discuss self-care journeys. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org
Virginia Family Network Parent Meetup is on the 1st and 3rd Fridays at 8 pm for parents/caregivers of children with mental health challenges. Contact Nicole Anjum at nanjum@namivirginia.org .