Local Support Groups
These are currently active support groups in the North Central Florida Area:
- + CAUSE Support Group, Brooksville, FL
Contact: 352 346-1677 or 352 584-1263
Meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 - 8:00PM and the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month from 10:00AM - 12:00PM.
Location: Baycare Behavioral Health, 7074 Grove Road, Brooksville 34609 - + CASS (formerly the Citrus Autism Support Society)
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/152038188215701/
CASS has started a Facebook Group Page known as the Citrus Autism Support Services, allowing former members a way to remain connected while encouraging others to join in hopes of supporting and encouraging each another. Our goal is to provide the latest information about upcoming conferences, webinars, provide links, resources and helpful hints for anyone interested in knowing more about Autism. Feel free to share comments, post questions, list resources you may find, and anything that may add value to the group. While we may not have the answers we will certainly try to help find them or lead you in the right direction. - + ESE Parent Support Group for Middle School Parents, Gainesville, FL
Contact: Arlene Smillov at aemarrin@aol.com
ESE Parent Support is a group of parents who meet to network and support one another regarding the needs of their middle school students.
Location:
Barnie's Coffee & Tea Company
Park Lane Apartments
5750 SW 75th Court
Gainesville, FL 32608
Scheduled Meeting Dates: Third Thursday of each month September through April - + Gainesville Autism Parent Focus Group, Gainesville, FL
Contact: Cheryl Brenner at 386-467-3820 or cherylbrenner@ufl.edu
Gainesville Autism Parent Focus Group is a support group for parents with children who have autism spectrum disorders. Come meet with other parents, share stories and discuss topics for future trainings.
Scheduled Meeting Dates: 2nd Friday of each month
Location:
CARD Office
2124 NE Waldo Road, Suite 3200
Gainesville, FL 32609
- + Endeavor Adapted Athletics & Recreation, Gainesville Area
Contact: Shelly Voelker at 352-275-9505 or fcc3a@att.net.
If you are interested in receiving emails about fun events for children with various physical and mental disabilities in the Gainesville area please contact Shelly Voelker at 275-9505 or fcc3a@att.net. Current and past events have included swimming, bowling, soccer, baseball, and open recess. - + Exceptional Parents Network, Gainesville, FL
Contact: Cindy Toth at cindytoth@bellsouth.net
The purpose of this informal group has been primarily to serve as a resource, sounding board and support network for parents of exceptional high school children. Meetings each month begin with a topic/theme but are very informal and discussion often shifts to a need or issue brought by one of the parents.
Locations:
First Tuesday of each month at 9:00am:
Book Gallery West
Millhopper Plaza
4121 NW 16th Blvd
Gainesville
Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm:
Book Lover's Vegetarian Cafe
505 NW 13th Street
Gainesville
(location may change after September 2011 meeting)
- + IMPACT Autism at the University of Florida
IMPACT Autism at UF was started to serve as a means of education, advocacy and fundraising for the University of Florida, Gainesville community, and beyond. At IMPACT Autism, we believe in assuming competence in all individuals with autism. Our Goals: To design, implement, and support charitable projects and services for local children with ASD and their families. To educate our university community about ASD. To provide hands-on experience and education for students at UF.
Website: http://www.impactautismuf.webs.com - + Lamp Post Therapy Center Parent Support Group, LLC, Gainesville, FL
Contact: Danna at 352.505.6339, www.lampposttherapy.com
This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month focuses on Sensory Processing Disorder and related issues. Everyone is welcome, even if your child isn't receiving therapy from Lamp Post. So invite your friends and anyone who you feel will benefit from this.
Location:
7520 West University Avenue, Suite D
Gainesville, FL 32607
- + Special Students of Hernando is a community resource and support group for any parents, guardians, caregivers, providers, or educators that have or interact with children who have ANY disability.
We are not a disability specific group.
INFORMATION: Special Students of Hernando Website
- + SEAN'S SENSORY CORNER, Ocala, FL
Contact: Terry L. Stein at 352-245-8476, 1-877-ASD-KIDS, or tstein@autism4parents.org
Sean's Sensory Corner is now a Four week Training Module on different topics throughout the year. It is once a week for 4 weeks (once a quarter or 4 times a year). We are limiting our families to 5 each time for better interaction with the parents and children at alternating times. Applications must be filled out in order to start, check web site for application www.autism4parents.org
Location:
Call for location and details - + Ocala Autism Support Network
Contact: Contact: Karen Vega (352) 509-1652, autismhelpforfamilies@gmail.com or Ace Perales (352) 598-2514, aperales@ufl.edu
This group was founded to serve the needs of families of children with autism, related disorders and special needs in the SW region of Marion County. We will provide support to parents and caregivers of children on the spectrum of Autism and related disorders. Our presence on Facebook (search for "Ocala Autism Support Network") will also provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to chat and provide ongoing support/stress relief through out the month. We truly hope both these support outlets will be helpful to all that attend. Thank you for being a part of our Network! *Support in this forum is defined as talking, sharing and caring (not a monetary form of support).
Location:
Chick-Fil-A
3558 SW College Road
Ocala, FL 34474
Scheduled Meetings: 3rd Thursday of each month from 9:45 - 11am
- Helping Hands PHPF (Parents Helping Parents of , Ocala, FL)
Contact: Beth Inman (352)694-1229
A parent support group for parents of children living with ASD and other special needs. Helping Hands invites you to connect with peers, gather valuable information and share thoughts, feelings, experiences, and ideas.
Location:
The Ballroom at the Manor
725 E Silver Springs Blvd
Ocala, FL 34470
Scheduled Meeting Dates: Fourth Wednesday of each month , 6:00 - 8:00PM - + Autism Spectrum Disorder Focus Group, Palatka, FL
Contact: Cheryl Brenner at 386-467-3820
A support group for parents to network with one another, share stories and give other ideas on helping their children succeed. Occasional trainings are provided to help parents learn how to help their children.
Location:
Adult Education, Safety and Security Complex
113 Putnam County Blvd
East Palatka, FL
CHILDCARE PROVIDED
Scheduled Meeting Dates: Please contact Cheryl for this information - + Kids Abilities Network of North Central Florida Online Group
Contact: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KidsAbilitiesNCFL/
This is a local group where families with special needs can communicate and share information. All parents, caregivers, associates, and other loved ones who have interests in activities for children and young adults with special needs (and their siblings) are invited to join and share. Examples of topics include but are not limited to: Sports (Endeavor, Top Kickers, Buddy Sports, Special Olympics etc...), Support Groups, Play Groups (Magnolia Park Social Skills Graduates), Education & Homeschooling Information, Arts (GACA,APAC), Recreation (Family Fishing Days, fairs)