Encircle Families - formerly Raising Special Kids

10/30/2025

The Social Security Administration recently announced a 2.8 percent increase or Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026.

More information is here: https://ow.ly/a65B50Xk3ns.

This includes recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you have questions about applying for SSI for an individual with a disability, contact Encircle Families: https://ow.ly/5qGn50Xk3nq.

10/29/2025

🎃 Halloween can be exciting and a little overwhelming for some kids with disabilities. Costumes, noises, and surprises can sometimes be too much.

This helpful article from the Child Mind Institute shares simple ways to make the night fun and comfortable for your whole family:

“Navigating Halloween Fears and Dilemmas” : https://childmind.org/article/navigating-halloween-fears-and-dilemmas/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=pub-ed-nl-2025-10-28&utm_content=navigating-halloween-fears-and-dilemmas-read-more

Remember: there’s no “right” way to celebrate , just what feels best for your child and your family.

How to make Halloween enjoyable for all kids, including kids with anxiety and autism, while celebrating creativity

10/29/2025

Finding Child Care That Fits: Support for Families of Children With Disabilities
Read about this and more in this editon of Connecting Weekly. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2025-1026

10/28/2025

It may seem like your teen never puts down their phone. For Tip Tuesday, here are some suggestions from Child Mind Institute about when to come between a teenager and their phone.

https://ow.ly/mN4p50XiGbU

10/27/2025

We had a wonderful time at our very first Encircle Families Staff Picnic!

It was such a joy to come together, play games, share laughter, and simply enjoy time with one another.

We’re grateful for the chance to connect as a team and celebrate the heart behind what we do, supporting families, together.

10/25/2025

Northern Arizona families: Check out this free, fun community health fair on Friday, October 31!

10/24/2025

Our Director of Outreach and Tribal Programs, Trudy Billy, had the honor of attending Hopi Community Day. The event, coordinated by the Native American Disability Law Center, brought together many great disability resources for Hopi families.

10/23/2025

Did you know that Encircle Families has a community calendar on our website? It includes events from different organizations and agencies around the state. In addition to fun events for families, the calendar lists parent surveys, support groups and more.

Check it out here: https://ow.ly/9Ayp50XgAca.

10/22/2025

There’s an interesting connection between neurodiversity and pain. Research shows that individuals with autism or ADHD may experience pain differently.

This short webinar from ADDitude explores why that happens and how families can better understand and support their loved ones.

Learn more: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/austim-adhd-and-chronic-pain

Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode ( #577), download the slide presentation, and learn how to get a certificate of attendance for this ADHD Experts webinar originally broadcast on September 9, 2025.

10/21/2025

Gov. Katie Hobbs Pauses State Cuts to Families With Disabled Children. Read about this and more in this edition of Connecting Weekly. - https://mailchi.mp/encirclefamilies/connecting-weekly-2025-1019

10/21/2025

For Tip Tuesday, here's a toolkit from Understood to help prepare for your child's next Parent-Teacher Conference. It includes a worksheet to list concerns for discussion and a spot to take notes during the meeting.

https://ow.ly/g8Su50Xf3C3.