Information
George Mason University researchers are currently recruiting parents of children with autism for a new stress-relief training course. The new course will meet for eight consecutive Wednesdaysbetween Oct 5, 2016 and Jan 18, 2017. Classes will meet in the West Springfield area of Fairfax County, Virginia.
WHO: A parent or primary caregiver of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, And the child is under 21 years old. Not an experienced meditator. Able to attend classes in Springfield, Va on Wednesday afternoons
WHEN: The class will meet from 12:30-2:30PM for eight consecutive Wednesdays between Oct 5, 2016 and Jan 18, 2017
WHERE: The class will meet in an office space off of Old Keene Mill Rd. in Springfield, VA
Additional details about the training course and expectations can be found here: https://sites.
Recruitment will come to a close on October 4, 2016.
The City of Alexandria’s Chinquapin Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility is beginning a new program. Below is a description of what we hope to accomplish. It’s a new effort for us…set to being October 2nd.
Ages 8 & up. Competitive swimming for individuals who may participate in the Special Olympics.Swimmers must be able to swim 25 meters and do not need prior competitive experience. Participants are coached in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly.
Our registration system online is located at www.alexandriava.gov/webtrac where under the “aquatics” tab this new program can be found.
If I can offer you further information or assistance, don’t hesitate to call.
Thank you!
Ralph Baird, CPRP CPP CPO, Recreation Manager-Aquatics, Recreation, Parks, Cultural Activities
City of Alexandria
Community Events
September
Arlington Special Education PTA Monthly Meeting -Is Your Child a Target of Bullying?
September 22, 2016, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22204
This workshop offers intervention strategies for parents of children with disabilities who may be the target of bullying at school. Participants will learn how to: identify types of bullying, develop strategies to prevent bullying, identify responses to bullying, talk to their child about bullying, obtain help from professionals and find out about disability harassment laws.
Presented by the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
Motivation Meltdown: When Parents Care But Kids Don’t
Friday, September 23, 10:00am – 11:30am
Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Rd., Entrance 1, Room 100
Dunn Loring, VA
Have you noticed:
· Your child's motivaiton and engagement has dropped over time?
· Your family has a push & pull over academics?
· Your expectations and your child's expectations don't always meet?
Then don't miss this workshop!
Start the school year off right with great strategies to help prevent motivation meltdowns at home and in school! Join Ann Dolin, M.Ed., education expert and award winning author for this insightful workshop.
All workshops are FREE. Registration is requested.
http://www.fcps.edu/dss/osp/
2016 Diamonds in the Rough Conference
Friday, September 23 & Saturday, September 24
Pooks Hill Marriott, Bethesda, MD
http://www.
On Friday, September 23rd acclaimed author and professor Dr. Stephen Shore will offer a half day CE workshop for professionals entitled Evaluating Different Approaches for Supporting Children with Autism.
Saturday, September 24th, we will be a traditional, full day, special learning needs conference, that will focus on educating parents, but, for which, professionals are also welcome. The topic for this year is, “Using the ‘P’ Word: Identifying and Developing Potential.”
Scholarship Workshop
Saturday, September 24, 9am-11am
Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA
The author of Winning Scholarships for College and College Survival & Success Skills 101 will present a free. Students in grades 9 -12 as well as their parents are encouraged to attend.
Please register by September 16.
Are You Concerned About Your Child’s Irritability?
Thursday, September 29, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Rd., Entrance 1, Room 100
Dunn Loring, VA
Does your child have severe temper tantrums or "rages?" Then please join us for this important presentation for parents of children ages 6-17. Kenneth Towbin, M.D., Chief of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the Emotion and Development Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), will present essential information for parents who are concerned about their child's irritability.
Dr. Towbin will discuss:
* How parents can help a child with severe irritability,
* Common signs and severity of symptoms,
* Available treatment of options, and
* Ongoing research being conducted at NIMH in Bethesda, MD
All workshops are FREE. Registration is requested.
http://www.fcps.edu/dss/osp/
Homework Made Simple
Wednesday, September 28 at 6:30 PM
Minnie Howard Campus – Auditorium, 3801 W. Braddock Road (22302)
Join award-winning author, former Fairfax County Public School teacher, and owner and founder of Educational Connections Ann Dolin to learn why children often end up in last-minute panics that cause them and the whole family to stress out.
Pizza dinner, childcare, and interpretation services provided with registration.
Managing Behaviors Workshop
Thursday, September 29, 7pm-9pm
The J – 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax VA 22031
Managing a behavior can be complicated and challenging for people with special needs. With the many options available, it can also be tough to understand and identify the best solution for your specific situation. This workshop will help to showcase some of the different therapies, techniques and lifestyle changes available. Find out how different therapies, counseling, communication and nutrition can help to manage behaviors. We will also have a managing behaviors focused resource fair. This workshop is open to parents, caregivers and anyone interested in learning about how to more effectively manage behaviors.
This workshop is open to all at no-cost
Please RSVP to Carey: (703) 865-6502 or calford@financialguide.com
Navigating Special Education in Public Schools
The Arc of Northern Virginia offices, 2755 Hartland Road, Suite #200, Falls Church, VA 22043
Presenting: Cheri Belkowitz, Belkowitz Law, PLLC,
Learn how to best advocate for your children in public school. Understand the protections provided under the law and how to navigate the special education process including eligibility, IEPs, due process, transition services and least restrictive environments.
Siblings of Children with Special Needs
Friday, September 30, 10:00 am – noon
Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services, 2334 Gallows Rd., Entrance 1, Room 100
Dunn Loring, VA
Do your children feel that their sibling with special needs gets all the attention?
Do they act like "parents" and take on too much of the emotional responsibility for their sibling with special needs?
Would you like new strategies to help support all your children?
Join Cathi Cohen and Melanie Kaplan from In Step Mental Health Counseling for this important workshop to address the unique experiences and concerns of brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
All workshops are FREE. Registration is requested.
http://www.fcps.edu/dss/osp/
OCTOBER
Virginia Tech Maker Festival
Saturday, October 1, 10am to 4pm
Activities at the free event include hands-on experiences, live performances, and interactive demonstrations. Come see a 150 lb. robot and get a Robot Driver’s License!
Your Child's Mind: Promoting Grit, Motivation, and Engaged Learning
Sunday, October 2, 2016: 4 PM - 6 PM
St. Stephens United Church, Burke, VA
Sponsored by Decoding Dyslexia, Fairfax
Rachna Varia, PhD and Kristi Guadagnoli, PsyD are co-founders of MindWell Psychology. As both parents and psychologists, they understand how important it is to know and foster your child's unique learning style.
Their talk will identify how our children can learn to persevere through challenges and develop intrinsic motivation. In addition, they will discuss the role of executive functioning, or how a student can learn to learn.
• • What is the role of motivation and perseverance?
• • How can we teach and model the importance of grit or working hard?
• • How do we parent and teach our children without it becoming a power struggle?
Dr. Varia and Dr. Guadagnoli will be presenting the latest research, practical techniques, and real life examples in an interactive and informative manner.
Click for more information and to register
TAKING THE NEXT STEP: Transitions through High School and Beyond
Mon, October 3, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Formed Families Forward offices 4031 University Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030
Presented by transition expert Rhonda Jackson, Founder & President of Add VOICE Too, LLC
Understanding key strategies for collaboration can make or break transition planning. This training will help parents and students understand and recognize 7 junctures or principles of transition services for all postsecondary activities as identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Both youth and their parents and caregivers are encouraged to attend this interactive session. Rhonda will help us create executable transition plans that reflect meaningful engagement by the student.
RSVP: http://formedfamiliesforward.
Child Safety 2016: Domestic Violence & Trauma-Informed Issues in Juvenile r
First Baptist Chuch of Alexandria, 2932 King St., Alexandria, VA
The training is free. Light refreshments and lunch will be provided. To register, call 703.746.4141
Life Planning Tools Workshops
October 5, 2016, 8:30am – 1:15pm
The Arc of Northern Virginia, 2755 Hartland Road, Suite 200, Falls Church, VA 22043
This all day workshop is offered several times a year. The Arc of Northern Virginia and guest speakers bring to you topics of interest to those navigating adult service systems.
October 2016 session includes:
• Medicaid Waivers with Lisa Fong, Assistant Director of Programs, The Arc of Northern Virginia,
• Special Needs Trusts with Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia, and
• Legal Authority presented by Cheryl Johnson, Director of Services, The Arc of Northern Virginia and Loretta Morris Williams from the law firm of Hale Ball.
The Co-Taught Classroom: 5 Ways to Create and Amazing, Nearly Miraculous and Earth-Shattering Partnership
Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, MD 21045
Presented by Paula Kluth, Ph.D.
Registration is through the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education mcie@mcie.org
Contact Barb at barb@mcie.org.
12th Annual Walk for Autism
Prince William Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA 20112.
For more information or to register, contact Barbara Wagner, info@walkforautismva.org.
2nd Annual 5K Run for Dyslexia
Burke Lake Park, shelter B, Fairfax Station, VA
PEATC Resource Night
Wednesday, October 12th, 6pm - 9pm
8003 Forbes Place Suite 310 Springfield, VA 22015
A night for parents in the community
to learn from and connect with local
organizations that provide services
for special needs families, among
other helpful resources.
To attend as a parent or presenter, please contact
Lizzett Uria at (703) 923-0010 or uria@peatc.org
ADHD Connections: A Mind-Body Approach Conference
Saturday, October 15, 8:00 am-4:45 pm
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203
Sponsored by NoVA-DC CHADD and the ADHD Resource Group of Northern Virginia. Local attendees come to the conference each year for the latest in ADHD-related research, education, trends, treatment options, solutions and to network with others. The 2016 conference theme, ADHD Connections: A Mind-Body approach will focus on the brain and how research- and evidence-based alternative, complementary, and mindfulness techniques can help those with ADHD, learning differences, twice exceptionality and giftedness, and high-functioning autism. The conference will focus on different perspectives and provide participants access to cutting-edge ADHD research and information to build new understanding.
To register: ADHD Connections: A Mind-Body Approach
15th Annual MOM’s Club Preschool Fair
Tuesday, October 18, 8:30 am-12 noon
First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King St., Alexandria, VA
IMPACT Early Care & Education Forum
Wednesday, October 26, 8:30am – 11am
First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King St., Alexandria, VA
ACT for Alexandria will host the IMPACT Early Care & Education Forum
RECURRING AND ONGOING EVENTS
Autism Acceptance Night @ Flight
Tuesdays 5:00pm-7:00pm
Flight Trampoline Park, 7200 Fullerton Road, Springfield, VA 22150
KEEN Greater D.C. (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now), a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization that provides one-on-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families, is offering the following programs in Northern Virginia:
Sports for kids and teens (ages 5-18): 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at the Key Center School, 6404 Franconia Road, Springfield 22150 or Kilmer Center School, 8102 Wolftrap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Music for kids and teens (ages 5-18): 3rd Sunday of each month, Key Center School, 6404 Franconia Road, Springfield, VA 22150
Bowling for teens and young adults (ages 16-21): 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, Bowl America, 140 S. Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046
Tennis for kids and teens (ages 5-25): 1st Saturday of each month, Four Seasons Tennis Club, 3010 Williams Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Athlete registration can be found online at www.KEENGreaterDC.org. A registration form must be submitted PRIOR to attending the program. Questions? Contact Sophia Venero at keengrdc.sophia@gmail.com.
Imagination Stage
4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814, is offering access classes in drama, improv, music and dance to students with disabilities.
For more information, go to access@imaginationstage.org.
JSSA (Jewish Social Services Agency) Offers Social Groups
Groups for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other related disorders focus on strengthening the development and enhancement of social communication skills, social interactions, problem-solving, self-regulation, self-esteem and gaining real-world skills.
See a Full List of Social groups and classess
ACPS Monthly Support Group for Parents of Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
Wednesdays: Oct. 12, Nov.9, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, Apr. 6, May 10 and June 14,
Parent Resource Center, Minnie Howard Campus of T. C. Williams High School, Room 134
3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA
Please join us for support, strategies and conversation.
For more information, contact Janet Reese, ACPS Parent Support Specialist, janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us, or Courtney Davis, Ph.D., ACPS Parent Resource Center Coordinator, courtney.davis@acps.k12.va.us, 703-824-0129.
Monthly Support Group for Parents of Young Children Receiving Special Education Services (Preschool-First Grade) in ACPS
Tuesdays: Oct. 4, Nov.1, Dec. 6, Jan.10, Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2 and June 6, from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Parent Resource Center, Minnie Howard Campus of T. C. Williams High School, Room 134
3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA
Please join us for support, strategies and conversation.
For more information, contact Janet Reese, ACPS Parent Support Specialist, janet.reese@acps.k12.va.us, or Courtney Davis, Ph.D., ACPS Parent Resource Center Coordinator, courtney.davis@acps.k12.va.us, 703-824-0129.
CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder www.chadd.org
West Fairfax CHADD Parent Support Group
*** NOTE NEW DAYS***
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 pm
Room 201 at Fairfax Church of Christ, 3901 Rugby Road, Fairfax, VA 22033
Contact Sharon 703 716-4646 or clintob@aol.com.
Support Group for Middle School Students with ADHD
First Sunday of each month, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
4031 Univ. Dr Fairfax, VA (enter on South St.)
No parents!
Support Group for High School Students with ADHD
First Sunday of each month, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
4031 Univ. Dr., Fairfax, VA (enter on South St.) No parents!
Call 703-403-3335 to enter the building.
Contact: coach@BrainRelief.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Works to build better lives for those affected by mental illness.
Oakton Family Support Group
First Thurs. of each month, 7:30-9:00 pm
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, Room 9, 2709 Hunter Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA
Alexandria Family Support Group
Second Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9:00 pm,
First Christian Church of Alexandria, 2723 King St., Alexandria, VA
Contact: Joanna Walker at 703 620-2633 or Joannaw.walker@
For other Family Support Groups visit http://www.nami-
OCD Family Support Group
First Monday of the Month, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom, Lane, Arlington, VA
For family and friends of those with obsessive compulsive disorder.
202-215-5859 familygroupocd@verizon.net
RESOURCES
ChADD: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/
National Resource Center on AD/HD
www.help4adhd.org
PEATC Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
Decoding Dyslexia - local chapters
DDVA
https://decodingdyslexiava.
All Kinds of Minds
http://www.allkindsofminds.org
Understood
More than Dyslexics
http://www.morethandyslexics.
NCLD – National Center for Learning Disabilities
PEP Parenting
recipient and it may contain privileged, proprietary or
confidential information. If you are not the intended
recipient or a person responsible for delivering this
transmission to the intended recipient, you may not
disclose, copy or distribute this transmission or take
any action in reliance on it. If you received this transmission
in error, please dispose of and delete this transmission.
