

This Month in Family Support!
January Newsletter

Hello 2024!
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
On January 15th, we recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be no school on January 15th as to honor the civil rights leader's legacy and contributions to the advancement of equality and justice.
“Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”- MLK
January 9th: VIRTUAL Autism 101
January 12th: Open Hours
January 25th: Autism and Mental Health
Meetings & Events Calendar (Spanish)
Local and Online Support Groups
Autism Support Group for Parents and Siblings
Saturday, January 13th (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
Latinos Unidos por Autismo Grupo de Apoyo
Monday, January 15th
3:00pm
"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."
Though this group is hosted by The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, parents and caregivers from all states are welcome to join.
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsf-GgpjovE9UpBf3QOI8I1IlegsJBP2CD#/registration
Autism Girls Group through Autism Society Texas
Thursday, January 11th
5:30PM - 7:30 PM
The Shops at Willow Bend
6121 West Park Boulevard · Plano, Texas
"ACES is bringing girls on the spectrum together to connect and form friendships! Our ideal group member would be between the ages of 6 years old and 13 years old. This will be a free event and during our group time we will be doing different activities such as: board games, puzzles, crafting, or simply hanging out!"
RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/ASTDallasGirls or email Anne Mitchell a.mitchell@acesaba.com
DFW Virtual Parent/Caregiver Connections Group
Wednesday, January 17th
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."
RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNPUprHLKiJQvjYMLpSby7PeUh2roO63CA5ImRkCBWKnD-hg/viewform
"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."
More information here: https://benttree.org/group-details-widget/?id=17855
DFW Autistic Support Group
Saturday, January 6th
4:00PM
"Welcome to our monthly in-person general support meeting!
We're a diverse group of autistic adults, adolescents, and supportive allies. We believe in the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings. We're excited to meet you and hear your voice!
This meeting is part of our weekly support sessions, but it's a special opportunity to connect face-to-face once a month. Below is a link to the event which takes place in a voice channel. Webcam is not required:
https://discord.com/events/879003997783068703/1174195715363311706
RSVP Not Required
Sensory Friendly Events & Activities
"Sensory Friendly Day" at Fronteirs of Flight Museum
January 27th
9am - 12pm (participants welcome to stay past the event)
Fronteirs of Flight Museum
6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
"We are opening an hour earlier for families to explore the Museum with less noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical day. We limit the number of families who can attend, turn down sounds, and provide sensory havens. Families can also enjoy additional fun and inclusive sensory-friendly activities developed by the Museum and its partners"
Pre-Register Here: https://www.flightmuseum.com/sensory-day/
Sensory Friendly Dino Experience
10:00AM - 12:00PM
The Dinosaur Company
420 Century Pkwy, Allen, TX 75013
"The Dinosaur Company, which makes animatronic dinosaurs, believes that dinosaurs are for everyone, but a large event can be overwhelming for those with sensory sensitivities or learning differences. So, families who are in need of a more relaxed and inclusive experience are invited to join this all-ages event."
Cost: $7 for ages 4 and older; free for guests age 3 and younger
Purchase Tickets Here: https://fareharbor.com/billingsproductions/items/512947/
"Special Needs Screening" of Migration at Studio Movie Grill
Saturday, January 6th
11:00 AM
ALL Studio Movie Grill Locations
Movie: Migration (PG)
"Our sensory friendly Special Needs Screenings present movies with the lights up, the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles is welcome. Special Needs Screenings are shown at 11:00am at all SMG locations. Tickets are free for all attendees and available at the Box Office only. Parental guidance is suggested."
Adapted Events & Activities
Carrollton Parks & Rec: Adaptive Ping Pong
Tuesday, January 9th - January 30th
6:30PM - 7:30PM
Rosemeade Rec Center
1330 Rosemeade Parkway
Carrollton, TX, 75007
"Adaptive ping-pong is offered for athletes of all abilities including those with physical and intellectual disabilities. Students will learn and develop the skills to play the sport of ping-pong including grip, stance, basic forehand, and backhand strokes. Serves, footwork, and game tactics will also be emphasized. Participation in adaptive ping-pong can help improve fine and gross motor skills, muscle development, range of motion, balance, and social skills while in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. All sessions will be taught by a former Paralympic Table Tennis team coach supported by advanced players, as needed."
Res: $40/Non-Res: $44
Carrollton Parks & Rec: Adaptive Archery
Free Intro Class: Saturday, January 6th
Official Classes begin Thursday, January 11th
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."
North Texas Performing Arts Starcatchers: Therapeutic Arts
Saturday, January 27th
10:00AM - 12:00PM
"The NTPA UpSTARt Workshop is a free 2-hour workshop designed for the “new student” who wants to learn more about being a star on an NTPA stage! This fast-paced, high-energy, and fun-filled workshop will give your future actor the confidence to “take the stage” and the training so that they know what to expect!"
"NTPA Starcatchers is a therapeutic theater program for children and adults with a variety of developmental, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. In this program, students are given opportunities to shine through drama, music, dance, and visual art. These opportunities range from large theatre productions to intimate art classes and include people of all ages. The Starcatchers believe that the future of the performing arts is accessible to all."
Click Here to Register for the UpSTARTt Workshop
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: Know Your Child's ABC's
Antecedent: What happened before? Look for patterns/triggers.
Times of day
Specific transitions
Learning Time
Meal time
Being told no
Giving up a preferred item
Behavior: What happened? Identify the function/purpose of the behavior
- To gain attention (positive and negative)
- To gain access to an item/activity
- To escape a demand, attention, or activity.
Consequence: What happened after? Make a plan.
- Now that you know why, it will help you prepare for the behavior and how to handle it. (Prevention before reaction.)
"This practical guide combines proven cognitive-behavioral therapy methods used by child psychologists in schools with simple activities to help your child overcome anxiety. It’s perfect for children ages 8 to 12 because a lot happens in these years that can impact a child’s emotional well-being, not just now but for years to come.
Your child will be guided, with the help of Fiz—a friendly and supportive character they can identify with—through fun and engaging activities interspersed with useful tips, inspirational statements, and practical information for parents.
Includes 20 fun activities!"
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