Support Groups

• ADAA - The Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Founded in 1979, they are dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. A leader in education, training and research for anxiety, depression and related disorders. Free resources and support. Includes a national directory for finding a therapist. Address: 8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 412, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: (240) 485-1001. Email: info@adaa.org.  Website: www.adaa.org.

• ADHD Parent Support Group, last Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm - 7:30pm  (except August and December). We will be sharing our experience, strength, hope and strategies with each other.  This is a problem solving/sharing support group to help each other find solutions to raising a child, adolescent or young adult with ADHD. Meetings are free and open to the public. For map and directions, visit www.greaterOCchadd.org. Location: Heart 4 Kids Center, 145 W. Main St., Suite 210,  Tustin, CA 92780

• ARM - Autism Resource Mom, Deborah Smith offers support, guidance and hope for parents of children with Autism. She know firsthand from raising her child with Autism. Deborah can be reached at (714) 501-8735 or by emailing her at: info@autismresourcemom.org. Visit her website at: www.autismresourcemom.org.

• Autism, Healed for Life - by Angela Gachassin who is a passionate autism advocate with a master's degree focused on elementary education, special education, and guidance counseling. She is also the author of an autism academic and therapeutic curriculum program, a public speaker and the mother of a son who has been healed from severe autism. See her website for ordering info at: www.autismhealedforlife.com. You can contact her at: angela@autismhealedforlife.com.  You can also contact her at: P.O.Box 1127, Cibolo, TX  78108-1127.

• Autism Society - Works to increase public awareness, advocate for appropriate services and provide the latest info regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. (800) 328-8476. Email at: info@autism-society.org or connect with them on their website: www.autism-society.org.

• Autism Speaks has recently merged with Cure Autism Now (CAN) because of the death of Jerome J. Shestack, founder of CAN. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions through advocacy and support. They strive to increase research and access to care and support. The Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect families affected with Autism to info, tools and resources: (888) 288-4762.  www.autismspeaks.org.

• CHADD (Children & Adults with ADD/ADHD). For map and directions, visit: www.greaterOCchadd.org. For more information, email: ADHDmeetings@gmail.com Contact Debra Ann Afarian.

• Circles of Hope: Mental Health Caregiver Support - In this group, we strive to educate, support, and teach life-changing skills in a faith-based environment. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Inland Hills Church, Chino, CA. For more information email maree.dee@circlesofhopemhs.com.

• Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County, (714) 916-0456. Monthly educational meetings and social groups for your kids. A very friendly and knowledgeable group that also provides a counselor to parents.

• FAN - Family Autism Network - Serving families in Orange County, CA and sharing ideas and resources world-wide. Located at: 360 E. First Street, #202, Tustin, CA 92870-3211. Email: info@faninfo.org or go to their website at: www.faninfo.org.

• FARE: Food Allergy Research & Education - Tips and resources to stay safe and healthy, www.foodallergy.org

• Friday Night Live - Quarterly Friday night social event for teens and adults with intellectual challenges. An evening of fun, entertainment and dinner from 6:00 - 9:00pm. Contact Alise Ramseyer (714) 257-4391 to be put on mailing list for upcoming events. A Medical Release Form needs to be filled out prior to attending event.

• Hoopstars - This incredible community basketball league is for players with delayed abilities from ages 12 and up. Season: January - March. Games played in Fullerton. Contact www.hoopstarsbb.com.

• Intelligent.com Higher Education Team - "College Planning Guide for Students with Mental Health Disorders"; https://www.intelligent.com/online-college-guide-for-students-with-mental-health-disorders/ July 25, 2022, intelligent.com. 

• Joni and Friends - This ministry is dedicated to extending the love and message of Jesus Christ to people who are affected by disability around the world. They offer retreats (CA), resources, organizations and recommendations that can help. They also offer books and other inspirational products. Call (818) 707-5664. Mailing address: P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376-3333. Website: www.joniandfriends.org 

• Maree Dee/Embracing the Unexpected - is passionate about encouraging and equipping others to embrace life in the midst of the unexpected. She frequently writes about the struggles and triumphs of loving someone with a mental illness. https://www.mareedee.com/ 

• MOKSN - Moms of Kids with Special Needs - Various events during the year just for us moms! Call the Special Needs Ministry office at Fullerton Free Church at (714) 529-5544, Ext. 522 to be added to the mailing list for future events and activities.  Visit the website at www.fullertonfree.com/specialneeds/

• Orange County Asperger's Support Group - A nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with Asperger's. High-Functioning Autism and PDD-NOS and their families. They offer: family meetings, workshops, Facebook group, monthly support meetings, social activities to build socialization skills and community, Toastmaster Gavel Club. Website: www.ocaspergers.org. Address: OCASG, P.O.Box 17785, Irvine, CA 92623-7785.  To email: ocasupport@gmail.com. 

• TACA - Talk About Curing Autism is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by Autism. TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the diagnosis to effective treatments. They aim to connect families to the professionals that can help them. Web: www.tacanow.org.

• UCP of Orange County (CA) - Respite Connection - Brings trained, adult caregivers together with the parents of special needs children. Contact: Michael Toliver, Respite Manager (949) 333-6400. Email: info@ucpoc.org. Website: www.ucp-oc.org.