ND Caregivers Support Group Meeting-August 2024
Thank you for all those that attended the first ND Caregivers Support Group Meeting. During this meeting we discussed the following topics.
a. Topic Centered on Your Person: Back to School, Transitioning to Adulthood, or Seasonal Worries
b. Topic Centered on Supporting Your Person: Prepping for 504/IEP meetings, supporting independence, other
c. Topic Focused on the Caregiver: Self-care one goal or celebration
We also discussed designing our relationship for these meetings. We agreed on the following:
Confidentiality
Take the lessons and resources leave the personal stories
Give grace
Non-judgmental
Kindness
Additionally, we talked about the following resources:
Caregiver Support Groups
Maryland Collation of Families: https://www.mdcoalition.org/
Parents Place of Maryland: https://www.ppmd.org/
Other Information:
Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck-E-Cheese: https://www.chuckecheese.com/sensory-sensitive-sundays/
IEP Meetings: You are allowed to bring anyone you want. This can include an advocate, doctor, therapist, friend, family member, etc.
Some schools have mentor programs. Check out resources at your local school.
Resources:
Books/Magazines
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition
Wrightslaw: All About IEPs
Parenting Is Hazardous to Your Health, the Surgeon General Warns
https://www.wsj.com/tech/surgeon-general-warning-parenting-mental-health-53f75c63
