While parenting a child with special needs can be an incredibly rewarding journey, it also comes with unique challenges that can sometimes feel isolating. Many parents of children with developmental delays, health conditions or learning differences find themselves navigating complex emotions, medical appointments and educational hurdles that others may not fully understand.
The sense of loneliness that stems from a lack of shared experiences with close friends or family can make it hard to relate to or seek support from others. This is why creating a community with other parents of special needs children is so essential. Connecting with those who truly understand the highs and lows of this journey offers not only emotional support, but a sense of belonging and shared resilience that can make the path ahead feel less lonely and more empowered.
Below are some of the many organizations in Northeast Ohio that offer in-person support groups for parents of children with special needs. Since groups may not meet on a set schedule and meeting times are subject to change, we’ve listed the names of each group along with contact information. If you’re interested in attending a meeting, be sure to call, email or visit the organization’s website to find meeting details.
Akron Children’s HospitalFamily Support Groups
330-543-1000
akronchildrens.org/pages/family-supports.html
Ashtabula County Autism Group
440-563-8758
ASPIES Greater Akron Parent
support groups in Akron and Bolivar
330-745-5115
Autism of Lake County Support Group
Painesville
heroeshelping.org/autism-of-lake-county-support-group
Autism Society of Greater Akron
Ravenna Caregiver Support Group
330-940-1441
autismakron.org/support/caregiver-support-group
Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
Brecksville
216-556-4937
Bay Presbyterian Church Special Needs Parenting Support Group
25415 Lake Road, Bay Village
440-871-3822
CLE Parents School Refusal Support Group
Medina
facebook.com/groups/305639592531984
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Pediatric Epilepsy Support Group
216-444-5437
my.clevelandclinic.org/pediatrics/patients/resources/support-groups
Connecting For Kids
Offers a variety of support groups in various Northeast Ohio locations
440-570-5908
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
Located in Independence, with events throughout Northeast Ohio
216-447-8763
Empowering Epilepsy
Beachwood
216-342-4167
Friendship Circle of Cleveland
Pepper Pike
216-377-3000
Mother 2 Mother
216-584-5564
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater Cleveland
Cleveland
216-875-0266
Sharing Solutions
Stark County
330-546-2001
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Support for families of children with autism
216-400-8902
Look for more “Find Your People” group listings, including dad groups, moms of multiples, breastfeeding support and more, in the May issue of Northeast Ohio Parent. If you know of a group you would like to add to this list, please email [email protected]
