online support groups

The BEST Facebook group if you have an IEP!

Can you believe that Facebook has been around for 10 years? It has completely revolutionized parenting among other things. I still think of my friend Maryann, and how she tells me that back in the 1970s she waited by the mail box for disability newsletters. Now we get it in an instant!

My Facebook group has completely changed how I blog. It has helped me reach so many more 1000s of parents. Before, parents would email me a question, I would answer it, publish the blog post…it took forever! Now they can ask in the group and we can post links explaining the issue.

Read also: 10 websites every special needs mom should be following

Of course I LOVE my IEP Facebook group, but there are lots of great ones out there. I asked my group members what other groups they like and this is what they shared.

Facebook Group Etiquette

• See if there are any posted rules or guidelines. These will be under the group description or as a pinned post to the top of the group.
• Before participating, take a look around and scroll. See what the “vibe” is before jumping in.
• Use the ‘search’ feature which is on the left hand side before asking a question. It may have been discussed ad nauseum already and people may not want to answer it again.
• In most cases, unless specified otherwise, self promotion is frowned upon. If you are just joining groups to promote yourself or your business, you likely will be booted out.
• If your question/comment/post is deleted, don’t come back posting again and asking why. Send a message to the group admin(s) and ask. Go to group members—>admin.
• In most cases, the group admins are not paid and are doing this on their free time. Your participation and benefits from the group are also likely free…just something to keep in mind.
• When you join, Facebook will tell you whether or not the group is active. No point in joining a boring group.

Keep in mind, I actually join very few other special needs groups, because people ask IEP questions and it could be a 24-7 thing, just answering IEP questions. So, I have not vetted these other groups. Enter at your own risk!

Best special needs Facebook groups

Here are parent recommended special needs and disability Facebook groups…in no particular order:

1. Mine, of course: IEP assistance, support & more from ADayInOurShoes.com
2. Specific to your child’s diagnosis
3. Specific to where you live and disability
4. Inclusion for Children with Down Syndrome
5. Unique and Chromosome Disorder Outreach
6. Asperger’s Life Support

7. ADHD, Asperger’s and Autism – Support Network for Families

8. Asperger’s & Autism Parent Support Network

9. Living with Epilepsy

10. NLD – Non-verbal Learning Disorder

11. Parenting With Connection

12. Parents of Deaf Kids who Support Sign Language: The Safe Place

13. Parent to Parent Support for Sensory Processing Disorder

14. Sensory Processing Disorder World Universal Group

15. Special Needs Swap Meet

16. Parents Of Blind & Visually Impaired Children

17. The B Team

18. Hoagies’ Gifted Discussion Group

19. Decoding Dyslexia + your town or state

20. Special Needs Homeschooling

21. Support Group for Parents of Special Needs Children

22. Special Needs Gently Used Medical Equipment for sale

23. Seizures Understanding and Support

24. Epilepsy Seizure Support Group

25. Dyslexia / Specific Learning Disability Advocacy

26. Special Needs Resources – China Adoption

27. SSI Disability For Children Discussion & Support Group

28. Disability Visibility Project

29. Mental Illness: Fighting To Survive

30. ADHD- ASD-ODD- SPD anxiety support group for parents

I hope that these special needs parenting, autism and disability Facebook groups help you get the answers and support you need.

See also: Websites that every special needs parent should be following.

https://adayinourshoes.com/10-websites-you-should-be-following-if-you-have-a-child-with-special-needs/