A lot of parents come to ParentsCAN when their family is just starting on their journey with their child with special needs.
Sometimes there is no diagnosis yet, but they're worried about how their child is developing, or a doctor or family member has concerns and has suggested ParentsCAN as a first step to understanding if there are any developmental issues.
In other situations, the family has recently received a diagnosis but isn't sure what to do next for their child, and they're looking for some basic information.
We can't fit every possible option on this page, but it does collect a lot of the basic resources local families use to support their child with special needs. Our Family Support Specialists are always happy to sit down with parents to help them identify and connect with the resources that would be most useful for their child--we know getting started can be really overwhelming, because we've all been there. Please contact us--we're here to help.
When your child doesn't have a diagnosis, but you're worried that something isn't right
For these situations, ParentsCAN offers FREE developmental screenings for children ages 2 months - 5 years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children be screened at least three times before their fifth birthday. Screenings help families understand their child’s progress. They show important milestones and identify concerns as early as possible, which matters because early interventions like our Grow Together Playgroup can often make a big difference.
These are additional resources for parents who are concerned about their child's development and trying to decide what steps to take next.
When your child has a diagnosis, and you want to learn more about it
These organizations and resources are focused on specific conditions and disorders. Additionally, ParentsCAN offers several support groups and classes that are for parents of children with particular diagnoses. Check our list of classes, workshops, and support groups to see what is available.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Down Syndrome
ADD/ADHD
Dyslexia
Cerebral Palsy
When your child's disability requires extra resources
These resources are here because sometimes a parent needs basic, concrete resources to in order to care for their child with a disability. ParentsCAN's Family Support Specialists are also very good at helping families connect with useful services; please contact us for options tailored to your specific situation.
