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Parent Resources

Programs for Parents & Children

The Developmental - Behavioral Health team at Albany Medical Center offers specialized programs to help you engage with other parents or children, discuss concerns, ask questions, and more.  Below you'll find a list of group programs with a brief description.

Registration is required. To register, use the links provided under each program. You will receive more information after you register regarding the new start date.

For more information, call 518-262-5401 or email [email protected].

Referral Needed for Developmental - Behavioral Pediatrics

A completed referral form is required before an appointment can be made with one of our providers.

To obtain the referral form, call our office at 518-262-5401 or email [email protected]

 

School Talk

School Talk is a virtual, monthly meeting to help parents and caregivers understand how schools provide services and accommodations through IEPs and 504 plans and supports through MTSS, Tiers 1-3 AIS, and RTI. Each month's topic will be different, and there will be time for you to ask questions.

The meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month.

Register for the School Talk group here

Registration is required. Once registered, you will be added to our email list for a monthly reminder and meeting link.

You are not required to attend every month. Your insurance will only be billed for the meetings you attend.

 

ASD Moms' Collective

The ASD Moms' Collective is a virtual, 8-week support group designed specifically for mothers raising children with autism spectrum disorder. Led by an experienced clinician, this group emphasizes mutual support, genuine connection, and comforting therapeutic activities to boost overall well-being. It's a chance to prioritize self-care, share experiences, and build a supportive community with other moms who truly understand.

Register here for the ASD Moms' Collective

Registration is required. Once registered, you will be contacted with more information. Insurance will be billed for sessions attended.

 

Circle of Security® Parenting™ Group

Imagine what it might feel like if you were able to make sense of what your child was really asking from you. The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

This 8-week series will consist of 90-minute virtual sessions where participants will learn to:

  • Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional cues
  • Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
  • Enhance the development of your child’s self-esteem
  • Honor the innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure

Register here for the Circle of Security® Parenting™ Group

Registration is required. Your insurance will be billed for sessions attended.

Learn more about the Circle of Security® International program

 

Thursday @Noon Parenting Program

Parents are invited to participate in an ongoing weekly virtual program that provides information on parenting, and the opportunity to speak to others with similar concerns. Topics for these group meetings vary each week, and you are welcome to participate in any or all of the meetings.

Register here for our Thursday @Noon Parenting Program.

Initial registration is required. Once we receive your information, you will receive a link for the next scheduled program.  Your insurance will be billed for each meeting you attend.

 

Friendship Group

The Friendship Group is designed for kids aged 7-12 to connect with peers, build social skills, and learn about friendship. Each week, there will be activities related to different topics including kindness, big feelings, conflict resolution, and more.

Register here for the Friendship Group program.

Registration is required. Once we receive your registration, you will receive an email with more information. Insurance will be billed for sessions attended.

 

Making & Moving Group

Children ages 8-12 are invited to develop a deeper mind-body connection and increase their ability to self-regulate through a combination of yoga and creative arts. Each week, we will practice yoga and do an art project geared towards coping skills. The group is not about being perfect, your art and yoga can look as unique as you'd like. It's all about trying your best and having fun!

The group is held once a week for 45-60 minutes. There will be four sessions.

Register here for the Making & Moving Group

Registration is required. Once we receive your registration, you will receive an email with more information. You will be billed through your child's insurance for each session they attend.

 

 

Neurodivergent Teen Girls' Mental Health Group

Teens who identify as girls with neurodivergence are invited to join us to talk about social skills, social responsiveness, and mental health. Each week, there will be an interactive activity related to various topics, including non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, and self-esteem.

Register here for the Neurodivergent Adolescent Girls' Mental Health Group

Registration is required. New series start frequently. Once you have registered to participate, you will receive more information regarding the next start date. Insurance will be billed for sessions attended.

 

New Diagnosis Parent Support Group

This program is for parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with autism and/or ADHD.  You will receive information on the diagnosis and strategies to address behavior concerns.

Register here for the New Diagnosis Parent Support Group.

Registration is required. New series start frequently. Once we receive your registration, you will receive an email with more information. Insurance will be billed for sessions attended.

 

Postpartum Support Group

This group is for parents who recently had a baby and would like to connect with other new parents.

Caregivers who have concerns for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can ask questions, and our clinicians can connect you to resources as needed.

The group will meet virtually on a weekly basis.  Please join as your schedule permits.

Register here for the Postpartum Support Group

Insurance will be billed for sessions attended. Please register using the link below, so we can send you a link for the virtual meeting.

 

Education Consultation

Our education consultant meets virtually with parents to help you:

  • Understand the special education system
  • Learn how to request an evaluation from school
  • Understand how services are added or removed

You can request an education consultation through your child's provider, or by contacting Gloria Jean at [email protected]

Consultations are billed through your insurance.

 

Referral to Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics

A completed referral form is required before an appointment can be made to see one of our providers.

To obtain the referral form for our specialty department, you can call our office at 518-262-5401 or email [email protected]

Additional Support

Navigating a diagnosis, illness, or a range of emotions can be difficult, and you may be looking for some additional reading materials or resources at home.  Below you'll find a list of provider-recommended organizations and websites for a variety of topics.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
  • Girls & Boys Town National Hotline: 1-800-448-3000
  • National Hopeline Network: 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY
  • National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-442-HOPE (4673)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
  • RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 or text “helpline” to 62640
  • American Autism Association: 1-877-654-4483
  • Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
  • National Helpline for Substance Use: 1-844-289-0879
  • National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 or text “NEDA” to 741741
  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 10 AM- 4AM EST
  • Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Support): 1-866-488-7386
  • Albany County Mobile Crisis Phone Number: 518-549-6500
  • Text Crisis Line:  Text 741741

blue envelopesThe New York State Sheriff's Association has launched the Blue Envelope Program - a safety initiative that aims to help drivers with autism or similar conditions.

The goal is to foster safer interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals who may experience challenges while on the road or during a traffic stop.  The envelope provides a simple notification to the responding law enforcement officer, helping them adjust their actions and responses to better fit the situation.

The blue envelope is a simple, discreet envelope that drivers can use to store their license, registration, and car insurance card that are typically requested during a traffic stop. It contains clear printed instructions for the driver and important information for the law enforcement officer.  There's also room to list an emergency contact on the envelope.

The program is free and is part of a statewide initiative through the New York State Sheriff's Association. Drivers can pick up a blue envelope at their local sheriff's office.