A “Pre Parent Group” is available to families that have been referred to the UCDD program and have not yet entered the regular program.  Participation is based on parent interest and commitment to attend the group.  The initial support group provides crisis intervention, addresses parenting skills and effective behavioral techniques, and gives participating parents increased knowledge, a reduction in feelings of isolation and greater sense of control.  While the initial support group is designed to serve parents until they can be accepted into the regular Center program, it is anticipated that the needs of some families may be fully met by the initial support group and no further services may need to be provided.  The Initial Support Group is led by a UCDD Counselor or Parent Support Facilitator.  The Initial Support Group meets twice monthly for two hour sessions.

Pre Group Curriculum:

      1.       Diagnosis:  Understanding the labels.

      2.       Grieving process:  facing the loss of your idealized child.

      3.       Support:  Importance of support groups, identifying a circle of support.

      4.       Family impact:  what having a child with developmental disabilities can mean to the

                family (including the extended family).

      5.       Information about autism and developmental disabilities.

      6.       Information about positive behavior strategies.  What is redirective therapy?

      7.       Information about social skills.  Use of peer buddies, including social skill

                development as an IEP goal (i.e. lunch, and mainstreaming), planning for after

                school socialization opportunities.

      8.       Information about teaching methods / interventions.  Criteria for a useful modality:

                how to evaluate if a modality will be beneficial to your child.

      9.       Making sense of the IEP process:  preparing for IEP meetings, becoming part of the

                IEP team, being an advocate for your child.

     10.       Advocacy:  becoming your child’s best advocate.  The importance of parental

                involvement.

     11.       Navigating the school system:  preparing for transitions, information about the

                special education process.

     12.       Multiple diagnoses:  the importance of identifying other diagnoses.

     13.       Related services:  how to determine your child’s need for PT, OT, SI, Speech, etc.

                and how to obtain needed services.

     14.       Outlook:  Learning that life may be different than expected, but still valuing the

                positive aspects.

     15.       Sibling issues:  Involvement of siblings in their brother’s or sister’s development. 

                Acknowledging the sibling and validating their place and position within the family.

     16.       Becoming empowered: Preparing yourself with knowledge, plans and strategies. 

                How and where to go for information and support.

     17.       Parent orientation to the regional center. 

     18.       Writing a letter of introduction for your special needs child.  How would you

                 describe your child, what valuable information would you put in this letter.  What

                 would you say that isn’t conveyed by assessment results?

     19.       Transition planning:  Preparation, monitoring, adjustment, additional support

                 needed during these times.

Post Parent Group

A “Post Parent Group” is available to families that have been exited from the UCDD program. Participation in the continuing support group allows families to maintain ties with UCDD, provides for an on-going support network and allows information and professional guidance to be given to the parents by a UCDD Counselor or Parent Support Facilitator.  Families that have been exited from the regular UCDD program are eligible to participate in the Continuing Support Group.  Participation in the Continuing Support Group is based on parent self-determination of need and commitment to regularly attend the group.  The Continuing Support Group for Parents meets once a month for a two hour session.

Post Group Curriculum:

      1.       Identifying your feelings now that your child has “graduated” from UCDD.  Being

                honest with yourself and communicating those feelings to others.

      2.       Asking for help / support.  Giving yourself permission and identifying how to ask

                for help and find sources of support.  What does your support network look like?

                Who can be called in a crisis?  Maintaining a circle of support for children and

                parents.

      3.       Getting the rest (respite) you need.  Taking care of yourself so that you can be

                truly helpful to your children.  What have you done just for you lately?

      4.       Identification of other support services (i.e. recreational activities, Easter Seals,

               AGUA, etc.).

      5.       Personal coping strategies:  Being strong, but still able to cry.

      6.       Navigation of the school system:  IEP preparation / advocacy for your child.

      7.       Legislative Update:  knowledge of laws, changes in regulations.

      8.       Sibling issues:  Involvement of siblings in their brother’s or sister’s development.

                Acknowledging the sibling and validating their place and position within the family.

      9.       Empowerment of parents:  Feeling that your attempts at advocating for your child

                are successful.  Preparing yourself with knowledge, plans and strategies.

     10.       Transition planning:  Preparation, monitoring, adjustment, additional support

                needed during these times.

     11.       Special Needs Trust Information.

     12.       Socialization needs planning:  peer buddies, including as an IEP goal, after school,

                 lunch, and mainstreaming.

     13.       Short and Long Term Goals for special needs children and their families.

     14.       Parent Advocates for other parents.  Sharing your knowledge and strength with

                others.

     15.       Successes, growth and development of your child.   What strategies and

                 interventions have been effective for you and your child?

     16.       Continuing concerns: What problems / concerns are you and your family

                 continuing to face?

     17.       Staying current:  getting updated information regarding autism

Siblings