Support Groups

Individuals with disabilities and their families need support and information to assist them in their efforts to exercise control over their own lives, make decisions, take risks and stay together. One of the most important ways for people to get this support and information is from others in similar circumstances. Hearing about and sharing stories about difficult or valuable life experiences, with the guidance of a trained group facilitator, can be at times comforting, and at other times, informative and empowering.

The North Shore Arc offers a variety of on-going support groups both at our center in Danvers and out in the community. Some programs, such as Early Intervention or Building Blocks Intensive Early Intervention, offer support groups as part of the service plan for the child.

The Autism Support Center offers on-going support groups: one for parents of children recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), one for children who are transitioning to adulthood, and another specifically for fathers of children with ASD. Bilingual support groups are available for Spanish-speaking parents. Sibshops, a program which provides support to siblings of children with developmental disabilities, are scheduled throughout the year. Groups are offered at a variety of community settings at different times. Please contact the Autism Support Center, 1-800-7-AUTISM for more details.

New support groups can be developed based on the interest of a group of individuals and/or family members. Please contact the Family Support Division Director at (978) 624-2328 to discuss your particular support needs.