Online Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Caregivers are the lifeblood of our world. Without them, the human race could not be whole. But caregiving takes a toll and it’s nice to know that there are other people out there who understand what you’re going through. When you’re holding the world on your shoulders, you’re going to need support at some time or another, and that’s why people need each other.
Online support groups can give you answers to tricky challenges that you’ve never experienced before. They can also provide an immense sense of community and boost wellbeing for all those involved. It’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there are others out there that want to help you with what you’re going through.
To help, here are online support groups where you might find your tribe:
The Caregiver Action Network
The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is a large community of all caregivers. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for those who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.
This free resource provides forums, Facebook groups, information, and support when you need it most.
Parent to Parent
Parent to Parent programs offer support for families with children who have intellectual, developmental, physical and mental disabilities. A little different from the others on this list in that Parent to Parent matches experienced support parents to provide emotional support to families and assist them in finding information and resources tailored to their needs. Click here to learn more about how the matching process works.
Daily Strength
Dailystrength.com is a site with a plethora of open forums available for support on a whole range of subjects. Their motto is “Knowing when you need help is a sign of strength. Share your experience and join a support group to connect with those on the same path.”
These groups cover mental health, physical health, major life challenges, and much more. It’s a place to ask questions, get advice, and communicate with others about the difficulties that life is throwing your way.
Mommies of Miracles
Mommies of Miracles is a Facebook group aiming to end the isolation of mothers of children with complex medical needs. They provide an extended network of resources, grief support, and hope. Mommies of Miracles is a growing, international, peer-driven support group of mothers who have children of all ages, with complex care needs, many with rare or undiagnosed conditions.
The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative
Globaltrach.org is a global non-profit Quality Improvement Collaborative (QIC) for tracheostomy patients consisting of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, allied health clinicians and patients/caregivers from a global community working together to disseminate best practices and improve outcomes. Dr. David Roberson, ENT specialist, from Harvard is the lead on the Collaborative.
For families, joining this collaborative is free and you’ll get access to the patient and family forum. They also have a space where you can post to their blog and share your story.
Asperger / Autism Network Forums (AANE)
AANE works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome or similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. The network provides education, community, support, and advocacy. They also run a huge variety of online groups.
About Stephen’s Place
Stephen’s Place is an independent apartment community for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, located in Vancouver, WA (7 minutes from Portland, OR).
If you have a loved one with developmental or intellectual disabilities, who is looking for a community to live in, please contact us for more information.
Stephen’s Place is a private-pay apartment community due to our state-of-the-art amenities and programs. We are a nonprofit and do not profit from our community. We are private pay because we spend more than some housing communities to ensure that our residents are comfortable and can safely live their lives with independence and dignity.