Parent & Sibling Support Groups
Parent Support Group
The Rochester Center for Children offers an educational support group for pre-school & school-age caregivers, guardians, and family members of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This group looks to offer guidance for navigating unique situations & challenges that families may experience in the home, community, or school setting. The group is led by Stephanie Johnson, Board Certified Behavior Analyst(BCBA). In addition, attendees have the opportunity to share their experiences where families can feel comfortable asking difficult questions, share their experiences and seek advice while sharing their concerns without judgement. Participants are not required to have a child enrolled in our program to attend.
The support group topic changes each meeting and is announced via email and may include a short presentation by a Rochester Center for Children member, parent led discussion, or community organization presentation. Topics are determined by the needs or interests of the group and suggestions are always welcome!
Example topics of conversation include: reducing problem behaviors, promoting positive interactions between siblings, encouraging independence, community based opportunities, increasing communication skills, navigating your child's Individual Learning Plan(IEP), etc.
Childcare is available on a limited basis and advanced registration is required. This service is provided by therapists from our center. The fee for childcare is $10 for the first child and $5 for additional children in the same family.
The group meets regularly during the school year and emails will be distributed with additional information as meeting dates approach.
Meetings are held at our Center:
Rochester, MN 55902
If you would like additional information or are interested in being added to emails, please complete the contact form on this page.
Sibling Support Group
The Rochester Center for Children welcomes siblings & family members of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to join us for a sibling workshop! Kiddos will have the unique opportunity to talk with other kiddos who understand what it is like to have a sibling with ASD. First & foremost, they will have fun in a safe space & build relationships. Families do not need to be clients of our center to register. The group is led by Paige Galles, a lead therapist here at the center.
Who can Attend:
The Rochester Center for Children welcomes siblings and family members ages 5-10! That can include step-siblings, half-siblings, cousins, and other blended household dynamics.When are the Meetings:
The group runs at the same time as the Parent Support Group. A parent does not need to be in attendance at the Parent Group for the sibling to participate in the Sibling Group.Cost:
The cost is $10 for the first child you sign up, and $5 for each additional child. This fee applies for both the siblings group and/or childcare.How to Participate:
All Sibling Group participants must RSVP to reserve their spot. Each group's topic and content is made appropriate based on the ages of the kiddos so prior registration makes this manageable.**If you have a younger child and the parent is attending the Parent Support Group, limited childcare is available. Prior registration is required for children ages 2-4 or for your child with autism.
To sign up for the sibling support group or inquire about childcare, please complete the contact form on this page.