Parent to Parent Support Program

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Learning that your child has a disability can be a bewildering time, a time full of questions and concerns. Having someone to talk to that has “been there” can provide the hope that you are not alone. We have a network of trained volunteer Helping Parents, all of whom have children with developmental disabilities. We match new parents with an experienced parent who has a child with a similar diagnosis and family circumstances.

Helping Parents are available to listen to your concerns which can be helpful in coping with these challenging new experiences and feelings. In addition, we can help give you guidance and assistance with issues that arise throughout childhood, such as working with schools, health care and developmental concerns. Parent to Parent wants you to know that we understand, we care and are willing to help because we all have been there.

Parent to Parent Provides

Matching of trained, experienced “Helping Parents” with parents who have children with similar diagnoses and family circumstances, to provide personal support
Current information about various disabilities
Information and referral to community resources and services
A place to connect with other parents through social & recreational events, e-mail support networks, support groups, and periodic educational trainings. Please, visit the Parent to Parent Events page for upcoming events.
Training for parents who would like to become volunteer Helping Parents.
Public awareness, outreach and training to the community regarding people with disabilities and disability issues

Autism Resources

Videos for Parents and Siblings

The following videos were produced in partnership by The Arc of King County and King County Developmental Disabilities Division Early Intervention Program and feature parents of children with disabilities sharing their insight regarding siblings, support and IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) with parents who are just learning that their child has a disability. These videos were produced by the King County Interagency Coordinating Council from a grant given by the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). These videos were produced by: Rachel Nemhauser, Director; Don Porter, Videographer.

Siblings: This video is about siblings and the role that they play in the life of a child with a disability. The video portrays the joys and struggles from the perspective of the siblings.

Support: Learning that your child has a disability is difficult. This video addresses the adjustments that families make after they learn that their child has a disability, and the importance of support.

IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan): This video talks about what to expect from the IFSP process and how a family can participate.

Additionally, please take a moment to view the videos produced by WA Parent to Parent (P2P); P2P Part 1: Helping Parents, P2P Part 2: Information and Education, P2P Part 3: Navigating Systems.