WV F2F and P4P Programs

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

12/23/2025

Virtual Speaker Series Session:
Mental Health Matters: Keeping Your Family's Emotional Well-Being in Check
with Presenter, Eric Murphy, WVU CED Mental Health Specialist
01/13/2026 11:00am-12:30pm

Register to Attend
https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/gZBAo5WsT8GtBewgIN1u8w

We all know that mental health matters, but it’s especially important when caring for a child with special needs. This session will cover ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and the emotional ups and downs that come with caregiving. We’ll also talk about how to help your child with their emotional well-being, including ways to recognize signs of distress and how to get the help they need.
What you’ll learn:
• Tips for managing stress and anxiety as a caregiver.
• How to recognize and address emotional needs in your child.
• How to access mental health support for your family.

At the end of the discussion, we’ll have an open Q&A session where you can ask follow-up questions or just chat with the experts. You’ll leave feeling more connected, empowered, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

These sessions are designed to fit into your lunch break, so grab a bite, tune in, and join a community of families who understand what you’re going through. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other, one lunch break at a time!

12/23/2025

Navigating the Holidays with Adjusting the Sails

Listen here:

For families of children with special health care needs and other disabilities, the upcoming holidays present their own challenges and stressors that are as unique as the needs of their children themselves. The most wonderful time of the year is also overstimulating, overwhelming, and sometimes, ove...

12/22/2025

Please check out our updated holiday schedule:

The CED will be closed:
12/24-12/28

The CED will be open:
12/29-12/30 (closing at 1 p.m. on 12/30)

The CED will be closed:
12/31-1/4

The CED will be open from 1/5 onwards with regular M-F business hours.

Thank you, and we hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season with friends and family!

12/22/2025

Self-paced learning modules

https://cedwvutraining.org/ced-online-learning/impact-wv/?fbclid=IwY2xjawO2iTJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR5_KMVjvYHYsfMwUYWJFCddBBbRRwIvuPjLSQHRo-y4ebvJ8TL7v9uXJ4T8jA_aem_uX5LjUOAJgeAuxQMfgyDaA

Thank you for your interest in the IMPACT Learning Portal! We have surpassed 2000 registered users.

Currently the learning portal offers 14 FREE modules for families and providers.

Coming soon: Ma*****na in Pregnancy Module!! Click on the link to start learning now! https://cedwvutraining.org/ced-online-learning/impact-wv/

12/19/2025

Traveling this holiday season?

Airports and airplanes can feel confusing, loud, or overwhelming—especially for autistic and neurodivergent travelers. United created a social story that walks through the entire trip in simple, predictable steps so travelers know what to expect.​

The online social story covers: getting to the airport, checking bags, going through security, waiting at the gate, boarding, flying, landing, and picking up luggage. Families can read it together before a trip to reduce anxiety and build confidence for everyone.​

📲 Check it out here:
https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/trip-planning/social-story.html​

Let’s make every step of the journey clearer, calmer, and more inclusive. 💙

Image Description:
A bright blue sky poster shows a cartoon airplane flying up through white clouds. At the top, large text reads “PREPARING FOR TRAVEL? Airport Social Story,” and a subtitle underneath says “Step-by-step support for autistic and neurodivergent travelers.”

12/19/2025

Learn more about school transitions

We want to talk about school transitions for people with disabilities.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) says that transition planning should focus on what students want to achieve after high school. This includes things like instruction, future goals, job evaluation, and daily living skills. The transition plan should be tailored to each student's needs and goals.

A smooth transition can improve the future for students with disabilities after high school. Transition meetings, self-advocacy, and preparation can help students make the most of their education and available resources. According to IDEA, students need to start talking about their transition needs by the age of 14.

Our School Transitions page includes a "Know Your Rights" section for students and families to learn more about the many laws that protect their access to education. You can also browse several resources, including our Handbook for Reasonable Accommodations in the College Classroom, which provides a step-by-step guide for requesting and implementing accommodations for both students and faculty.

Check it out: https://cedwvu.org/transitions/school-transitions/

12/19/2025

Free ASD webinar

12/19/2025

💙 We’re Growing — and We’re Looking for Passionate Committee Members! 💙
UnPuzzled Parents Connect has grown beyond what we ever imagined — and with that growth comes the need for more voices, more hearts, and more hands at the table.
If you are passionate about the work we’re doing and want to play a deeper role in supporting families, we would love to hear from you.
✨ We’re seeking committee members who want to help with:
• Program planning and decision-making
• Volunteer coordination and support
• Fundraising and community outreach
• Helping shape the future of UnPuzzled Parents Connect
You don’t need special credentials — just a heart for families, a willingness to show up, and a desire to make an impact.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, professional, or community member who believes in inclusion, support, and connection — there is a place for you here.
📩 Interested in getting involved?
Send us a message and let’s start the conversation.
Together, we are building something meaningful — and this is only the beginning. 💛

12/17/2025

Movies are a great way to spent time together with your family around the holidays… from classics like Frosty and Rudolph to newer releases like That Christmas and Elf.
What is your favorite Christmas/holiday movie?

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

Tips for the holiday season

There are many reasons why our kids' behavior might change during the holiday season. While kids with conditions like ADHD, autism, or trauma can be particularly vulnerable to holiday stress and routine changes, the holidays can bring issues like anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems for any child. Check out our tips for helping your kiddos feel calm and grounded during this hectic time of year!