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 Hospital Family Support Groups
330-543-1000
akronchildrens.org/pages/Family-Supports.html
Ashtabula County Autism Group
440-563-8758
[email protected]
facebook.com/ashcoautismgroup
ASPIES Greater Akron
Parent support groups in Akron and Bolivar
330-745-5115
aspies.org
Autism of Lake County Support Group
Painesville
[email protected]
heroeshelping.org/autism-of-lake-county-support-group
Autism Society of Greater Akron
Monthly family caregiver support group in Ravenna; registration required
330-899-5243
[email protected]
autismakron.org
Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
Brecksville
216-556-4937
asgc.org
Bay Presbyterian Church Special Needs Parenting Support Group
25415 Lake Road, Bay Village
440-871-3822
[email protected]
baypres.org/disability
CLE Parents School Refusal Support Group
Medina
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
connectingforkids.org/support
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
Located in Independence, with events throughout Northeast Ohio
216-447-8763
[email protected]
dsaneo.org
Empowering Epilepsy
Beachwood
216-342-4167
[email protected]
empoweringepilepsy.org
Friendship Circle of Cleveland
Pepper Pike
216-377-3000
[email protected]
friendscleveland.com
Mother 2 Mother
216-584-5564
[email protected]
mother2mother.info
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater Cleveland
Cleveland
216-875-0266
[email protected]
namigreatercleveland.org
Sharing Solutions
Stark County
[email protected]
sharingsolutions.info
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s
Support for families of children with autism
216-400-8856
uhhospitals.org
Look for more “Find Your People” group listings, including mom groups, dad groups, moms of multiples, breastfeeding support and more. If you know of a group you would like to add to this list, please email [email protected]
