Caring for a child with a communication disorder can be a difficult and lonely experience. Parents may feel overwhelmed and isolated, struggling to find the right resources and support. Fortunately, there are many organizations and programs that provide assistance to children with disabilities and their families. With the right tools, parents can take care of themselves and create an environment in which their children with a disability can flourish. IncludeNYC Parent Support Group offers a monthly support group for parents of children with any disability.
This local group provides support, motivation, and resources for parents and families of children with special needs. According to the American Psychological Association, parents of children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to stress and depression from caregivers. Therefore, it is essential for parents to take care of themselves as well as their children.
Apraxia Kids
is proud to offer online support groups to ensure that no family feels alone on their journey. It can be comforting and empowering to know that you have support and that you can give and receive help. The Hudson Valley Center for Special Education Parents (HVSEPC) from the Westchester Institute for Human Development provides resources and strategies for parents to play a greater role in their children's special education programs.They also offer a parent assignment program which connects adults, as requested, to a trained support parent who has a child with a disability or similar health problem. For those looking for more specialized support, there are organizations that focus on specific communication disorders.
Cohen
offers regular workshops where parents meet to discuss their children with special needs and the difficulties and problems involved in raising them.The Long Island Jewish Medical Center
also hosts a monthly support group specifically for parents of children with hearing problems. The government provides services for children with disabilities through its website. This resource page provides links to a variety of information for parents seeking services for children with disabilities.Additionally, Apraxia Kids has a resource page for parents of newly identified deaf or hard of hearing children, including information on language and communication, assistive technology, and how to take the first steps in seeking care for a hearing impairment.
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD)
has several private online communities, including one for parents, that aims to encourage the open and useful exchange of information between people affected by ADHD. Its information page for families includes the downloadable resource “A Parent's Guide to Evidence-Based Practice and Autism”, to help parents make decisions related to treatment and other types of support for their children with ASD.The Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS)
offers a support group for grandparents, social skills groups for preschool to high school students, and other social groups for young adults on the autism spectrum.NAMI Rockland
offers a variety of support groups for families whose family members are living with mental health problems, such as autism, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, mood disorders and oppositional disorders, among others.YAI
offers directories of family support resources for all five boroughs, including support groups for parents, siblings and caregivers who have a family member with developmental disabilities. This resource also provides information on cochlear implants as a possible help for deaf and hard of hearing children. Additionally, Find Early Intervention services provide support to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. Having access to these resources can make all the difference in providing the best possible care for your child with a communication disorder.With the right tools in hand, you can create an environment where your child can thrive.
