

This Month in Family Support!
January Newsletter

A Lot to Love!
Happy Black History Month!
Wishing all of our families a joyous Black History Month! May this month be a time of reflection, celebration, and learning as we honor the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to our shared history and culture. Let's continue to embrace diversity, promote equality, and work towards a more inclusive future together.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Take the time to tell the people in your life that you love them! Find ways to show your children that you love them in special ways 💗
Happy Lunar New Year!
Wishing all families a joyous and prosperous Lunar New Year 2024, filled with happiness, health, and success. May the Year of the Dragon bring you closer than ever with your loved ones.
February 13th: Coffee & Connect
February 29th: Transition Planning
Local and Online Support Groups
Autism Support Group for Parents and Siblings
Every Saturday until Febuary 17th
10am - 12pm
2419 Coit Rd suite C · Plano, TX
RSVP Here: https://www.meetup.com/families-impacted-by-autism/events/kqnjjtygccbbc/
More Information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepHmXC4R6q95nUP6Wftg2OPdTc_na0GQTaRGU4X2pMXeizcA/viewform
Virtual Parent Support Group for Autism
Every other Wednesday from 10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
"This support group is specifically created for caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The purpose is to create a safe space where parents can come together to find support and encouragement, ask questions, share resources, and connect with other parents who may have shared experiences. This group is held virtually to increase the convenience for parents. Parents can attend from anywhere in Texas!"
Cost: $30-$40/session
Hosted by University Park Counseling Testing Center Pllc
Virtual Special Needs Planning Workshop
Tuesday, February 20th
11:00 AM
"This workshop is designed to provide families and professionals with confidence and clarity around planning for the future a child or loved one with special needs. Please use the link provided to register and be aware of the time zone."
DFW Virtual Parent/Caregiver Connections Group
Wednesday, February 21st
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
"Our monthly gatherings offer a chance to meet other parents and caregivers in an informal, online setting to exchange information, support, share stories, and laugh."
"Support: Special Needs Families and Caregivers" at Bent Tree Bible Church
"Parents of special needs children gather for Bible study and prayer. Children and siblings have fun activities while paired with a loving servant. We meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday."
DFW Autistic Support Group
Saturday, February 10th (In-Person or Virtual) @ 4:00 PM
Saturday, February 17th (Virtual Only) @ 4:00 PM
"Every 3rd Saturday we will discuss a new common struggle amongst those on the spectrum in life, love, friendships, and careers. We will use this time to discuss realistic and practical solutions that are relevant to the autism community, and not the typical one-size-fits-all solutions we tend to find when seeking professional or independent support.
If you are unable to attend physically, you can always join us remotely! Follow this link : https://discord.gg/r3KhnzrQUM for instructions visit the "#How-To-Use-Discord" channel or click this link https://discord.com/channels/879003997783068703/978776174316650516"
RSVP Not Required
Spanish Autism Resources
Grupo de Apoyo para Padres y Cuidadores
Wednesdays from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
"Our online support group for Spanish speakers is open to parents, caregivers, and anyone who has been impacted by autism in the state of Texas! Please confirm your attendance and we will send you the details to access our virtual meeting! Meet others and share support!
This group is moderated by Mayra Corona of Executive Director and Founder of Beautiful Minds ABA and Adriana Crostley State Director of Education and Outreach of the Autism Society of Texas."
Latinos Unidos por Autismo
Monday, February 19th
10:00 AM
"The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin invites you to join a group for Spanish speaking families. Latinos Unidos por Autismo is a support group, a space for reflection and understanding where parents with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), can connect with other parents to develop skills and learn about resources that can help the family. This group is for all Spanish speaking parents including parents of adults on the spectrum."
Parents from all states are welcome to join
Child Mind Institute: Articles and Resources
The Child Mind Institute provides articles and information on a wide variety of topics related to the Autism Spectrum. Most articles are offered in both English and Spanish.
Article topics include:
- Autism and Picky Eating
- Increasing Cooperation in Kids with Autism
- How Can We Help Kids with Transitions?
- Sensory-Friendly Party Ideas
and much more!
Sensory Friendly Events & Activities
Sensory Friendly Ballet: Sleeping Beauty
February 10th
2:00 PM
Moody Performance Hall
2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
"Become spellbound by the captivating allure of one of ballet’s cherished romantic fairy tale classics, Sleeping Beauty."
Tickets: https://www.ticketdfw.com/whats-on/2024/sleeping-beauty/
Crayola Experience: Sensory Friendly Hours
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Crayola Experience Plano
6121 W Park Blvd Suite A100, Plano, TX 75093
"Enjoy the attraction adapted just for sensory needs.
- Lights will be dimmed
- Music will be turned off
- Quiet room available
- Crayon Factory Show available at 11 a.m. Our Factory Show is currently running as a pre-recorded video. Based on staffing, show may be live!
No additional charge, included in general admission. More information on the Facebook event page."
Sensory Friendly Screening of "The Jungle Bunch" at AMC
Saturday, February 10th
Participating AMC Locations
- AMC Barton Creek Square 14
- AMC DINE-IN Mesquite 30
- AMC DINE-IN Stonebriar 24
- AMC Deerbrook 24
- AMC Firewheel 18
- AMC First Colony 24
- AMC Gulf Pointe 30
- AMC The Parks At Arlington 18
- AMC Willowbrook 24
Movie: The Jungle Bunch (PG)
"A vicious beaver blankets the jungle with a dangerous pink substance that explodes when coming into contact with water. With the rainy season approaching, the miscellaneous team of animals must hurry to find the antidote."
More Info:
Adapted Events & Activities
Special Needs Family Game Night
Wednesday, February 28th
4:00PM - 5:30PM
Rosemeade Rec Center
1330 Rosemeade Parkway
Carrollton, TX, 75007
"Join us for a game night for families and friends of all ages and
abilities. Bring your favorite board game from home to play or
choose one from our collection. There will also be free crafts and
snacks to enjoy. Registration is required."
Cost: FREE
Carrollton Parks & Rec: Adaptive Archery
February Classes: Every Thursday 02/01 - 02/22
4:45PM - 5:45PM
Crosby Rec Center
1610 E Crosby Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006
"This class will focus on range safety, proper shooting techniques,
and target practice in a fun and safe environment. Instruction is provided by a certified archery instructor who has a degree in recreation therapy and experience teaching adaptive activities. This class is intended for newcomers, but all are welcome to participate. Come and see what it is all about for FREE on 1/6. A parent or caregiver must be present and able to assist their participant as needed. All equipment is included in the registration fee."
Resident: $13.50 / Non-Resident: $15
Carrollton Parks & Rec: Jasmine's Beat Adaptive Dance
Mondays beginning January 29th - March 4th
Youth Class: 4:45PM - 5:45PM
Teens/Young Adults: 5:45PM - 6:45PM
"Jasmine's Beat aims to empower people of all abilities to embrace the power of dance and healthy movement while having fun."
This is an amazing class, affordable, and one of our very own amazing Adaptive PE coaches in CFBISD is one of the instructors!
Resident: $100 / Non-Resident: $110
Miracle League of Irving
Registration Opens January 1st
Games Begin March 4th
"The Miracle League program is offered in the fall and spring seasons. It provides children and adults with physical limitations and other special needs the opportunity to play softball/baseball in a safe, fun atmosphere. The City of Irving and the Irving YMCA have partnered to provide this great program for children and families in our community. The Irving YMCA has a team of committed staff & volunteers that facilitate the program and raise funds to ensure the Miracle League will be free to all participants. Thanks to the Support of our Great Sponsor, Veterans United Foundation. Each child will receive a jersey as well as a medal and trophy upon completion of the season."
Plano Parks & Rec: Monthly Dance Club (15+)
February's Theme: Sweetheart Dance
Friday, February 38rd
6:30PM - 9:30PM
Sam Johnson Recreation Center
401 W 16th St.
Plano, TX
"Come have a fun night of dancing for ages 15 and up. This is a DJ led themed dance with light refreshments towards the end. The dance is held once a month from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Sam Johnson Recreation Center, 401 W 16th Street, from 6:30pm - 9:30pm."
SoundStarts Adaptive Music Lessons
"Adapted music lessons are available for piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, and flute. Our music therapists can adapt instructional methods to meet a wide variety of needs."
SoundStarts offers free 30-minute consultations. They offer in-person lessons at their Frisco and Grapevine locations as well as virtual lessons for those that can't make it in person.
Tip of the Month: Take Care of YOU!
You are important and deserve to rest and relax. By taking care of you, you can also take better care of your family. You can't pour from an empty cup! This month, show a little extra love to yourself. ❤️
Your challenge for the month is to choose a self-care tip below to hold close to your heart for the rest of February!
"Daily Self-Care Tips
Be gentle with yourself. If self-care is new to you, take baby steps. Don’t feel like you have to do everything suggested on this list. See if any of the suggestions below are helpful—if not, create your own.
- Try to get enough sleep each night, drink lots of water, and eat healthy foods that nourish your body.
- Work movement or exercise into every day, even if you can only do 5-10 minutes of dancing in the kitchen with your kids.
- Schedule and keep your own doctor's appointments to help stay physically healthy.
- Find time each day for a few minutes of quiet time to write in a journal, read, or listen to music.
- Deep breathing can go a long way in helping us relax and feel more centered. Breathe in deeply through your nose while feeling your diaphragm and belly expand, hold your breath for a few seconds, and exhale through your nose.
- Go outside. Nature has a way of calming and centering us. Go for a walk, run, or hike through a park or your neighborhood. Kids love being outside, too, so this is a good one to do even when your kids are with you.
- Spend time with your spouse or partner. Even if it’s difficult to go on regular dates, set aside time each day to reconnect, even if you just have time for a cup of coffee together in the morning for 5-10 minutes.
- Take people up on their offers of help or look into respite care, so you can have time to do other things like read a book or spend time with your other children.
- Join friends for coffee, a monthly book club, or a moms’ / dads’ night out. Build your support community, especially if you are a single parent. Start with 1 or 2 activities a month, and then add more as you get comfortable and find more time.
- Nurture your emotional and spiritual needs. Some parents find talking with a therapist or clergy member helpful. Others practice yoga, attend a spiritual community, journal, paint, or read poetry. Do what works for you and helps you."
"Eleven-year-old Melody is not like most people. She can’t walk. She can’t talk. She can’t write. All because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people—her teachers, her doctors, her classmates—dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can’t tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow."
CFB Recreational Resources
CFB Camp Resources
More Resources:
- UpParent- Parent to Parent Recommendations: https://www.upparent.com/lists/activities-for-children-with-special-needs-near-dallas-fort-worth
- DFW ASD: http://www.dfwasd.com/
- Carrollton "Leisure Connections":https://www.cityofcarrollton.com/departments/departments-g-p/parks-recreation/programs-events/leisure-connections
- Irving Parks & Rec Schedule: https://www.cityofirving.org/983/Class-Schedules
Contact Us!
Your CFB Family Support Specialists are here to help!
Email: ihpt@cfbisd.edu
Location: Marie Huie Special Education Center, Pearl Street, Carrollton, TX, USA
Phone: 972-968-5827
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/658989338982483
Website: https://www.cfbisd.edu/departments/special-services/instructional-programs-services/family-support