Parent / Caregiver Groups
Click for Printable ASD Directory
If you or someone you know is looking for help with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Arc Midstate is here to help! We currently offer the following supports and services:
Autism and Behaviors - Support and Information Group
This support group is for parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or who may be in the process of being assessed. Parents have the opportunity to connect with other parents and gather information while children play together under the close supervision of specialized child care providers.
This ongoing group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at the YMCA in St. Cloud 1530 Northway Drive. The sessions run from 6:30 – 8 PM. Please contact Arc Midstate at 320.251.7272 to register for the meeting and to make a child care reservation.
The ASD Support Group is supported by Arc Midstate, The St. Cloud Area IEIC (Interagency Early Intervention Committee and the Benton Stearns Education District.
Sibsday Events
With the exception of mothers, siblings spend more time with children who have special needs than any other family member. The sibling relationship is the longest-lasting relationship in the family. For this reason Arc Midstate conducts Sibsday events to celebrate the unique role that siblings play in the life of their brother or sister with special needs. Sibsday events are held quarterly and include a wide variety of interactive and team building games to help the children get to know each other and have fun.
Events also include a time for sharing the joys, frustrations and challenges of having a sibling with a special need. Arc Midstate Sibsday events are open to children ages 7 – 12 years who have a sibling with a developmental disability or related need. A group for teen’s ages 12-18 yr also meets quarterly.
Parent to Parent – Mentors
If your child has a special need – so do you! We match parents who have children with any special need with trained volunteer parents to help them with the life changes involved in parenting a child with special needs. Emotional support and information geared to your families needs.
For more information view our brochure or contact us at 320.251.7272 or PilotParents@ArcMidstate.org
Opening Doors
Help to Find Childcare and Respite Care Opening Doors - Helping families who have children with special needs with child care concerns including child care and respite care.
We also provide training for child care providers, personal care assistants, foster, care, after school care and parents to better equip them to care for children with special needs including Project EXCEPTIONAL training sessions on a variety of special needs topics.
Advocacy
Individuals who need assistance in navigating the complex maze of governmental, health care and educational agencies.
Our goal is to help families and individuals receive services they need and equip them to advocate for themselves.
Need help? Contact us at 320.251.7272
Additional Local Autism Resources
Arc Midstate works to ensure that the rights of people with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other conditions, are protected, and they are supported to live, learn, work, and play as they choose.
Visit our Membership page to Join as a Member
link - Autism Resource Directory
