Centro Chris Walsh
Para educadoras y familias
En la Universidad Estatal de Framingham
Coaching Neurodivergent Children and teens to Success
This event features speaker Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, discussing a practical framework to help support neurodivergent, gifted, and twice-exceptional young people. She will share actionable strategies for developing key life skills—including self-advocacy, emotional regulation, executive functioning, communication, and motivation—to help families shift from crisis mode to meaningful connection.
¿Qué es el TDAH?
This event is about building meaningful friendships, with a focus on the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Participants will learn practical strategies for starting conversations, sharing appropriately, and developing deeper connections. The session will provide tools to build social confidence and strengthen relationships.
Recursos y apoyo para el TDAH
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) ofrece kits de herramientas informativas para padres y cuidadores, educadores y profesionales sobre la mejor manera de brindar apoyo a las personas con TDAH. CHADD cuenta con una red de apoyo a nivel nacional, y los padres pueden encontrar un grupo local aquí.
Guía para padres: Rompiendo estereotipos — Comprendiendo las diversas manifestaciones del TDAH en los jóvenes | TDAH: Preguntas frecuentes
This event is about helping educators support students’ mental health, emotional well-being, and resilience through practical Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies. Participants will learn simple tools for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and building stronger relationships that can be easily integrated into classroom routines. Through hands-on activities and peer connection, educators will gain strategies to help students manage anxiety, build self-awareness, and develop greater resilience.
14 signos del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH)
This event is about creating inclusive and supportive classrooms where neurodivergent students feel accepted, valued, and empowered. Participants will learn practical strategies for using affirming language, responding to student needs, and supporting self-advocacy. The session focuses on helping autistic, ADHD, gifted/twice-exceptional, and learning-disabled students thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
Paquete informativo sobre el TDAH
This event is about helping high school students and families navigate the college search process with greater confidence. Micky Roberts will share practical guidance for finding colleges that align with a student’s strengths, needs, and goals. Participants will gain helpful strategies for making the college search feel more manageable and informed.
Recursos sobre el Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad
This event is about helping students and families prepare for a successful transition from high school to college. Participants will learn which campus departments to connect with before the semester begins, including accessibility services, academic advising, housing, counseling, and more. The session will provide practical next steps to help students feel prepared and confident starting college.
Guía para padres sobre el TDAH: Preguntas frecuentes
This guide offers parents information to understand their child’s behavior and the disorder and make proper decisions for diagnosis and treatment. This is a great resource for getting background on ADHD because the questions and answers explain many topics and common language used when talking about ADHD.
This event is about understanding the current state of children’s mental health and how educators can support students’ social and emotional well-being each day. Participants will explore common approaches such as SEL, trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and positive behavioral supports. They will leave with practical strategies for creating classrooms grounded in consistency, connection, and compassion.
This event is about using art as a meaningful way for parents and children to connect, communicate, and support emotional well-being. Participants will explore creative activities that encourage self-expression, co-regulation, and shared attention while learning how to adapt art experiences to their child’s needs and interests. Parents will leave with practical ideas for making art together, building connection, and knowing when to encourage, adapt, or take a break.
This event is about strengthening attachment, connection, and resilience between parents and children through play. Participants will learn practical ways to attune to, attend to, and encourage their child while building meaningful connections through play. These evidence-based strategies will help parents feel more confident and effective in supporting their child’s emotional and social development.
This event explores lesser-known presentations of ADHD in youth, with a focus on how traits may be overlooked or misidentified, particularly in those socialized as girls. Participants will learn about different ADHD profiles, the ways ADHD can intersect with other identities, and signs that may help reduce gaps in identification. The session will also provide practical strategies for supporting youth at home and in the classroom, while highlighting the potential impact of unsupported ADHD traits.
This event is about helping families and community members build resilience and improve their overall well-being. Participants will explore practical HeartMath techniques to manage stress, increase emotional awareness, and strengthen self-regulation and co-regulation. Through experiential activities, participants will learn to recognize emotions that deplete or renew them and build deeper connections with themselves and their loved ones.
This event explores how children make sense of the world through language, visuals, sounds, movement, and gestures. Participants will learn how children navigate and express themselves both online and in person, while gaining practical strategies to support multimodal learning at home and in schools. Through playful and engaging activities, educators and caregivers will discover ways to build on children’s ideas, creativity, and natural curiosity.
This webinar introduces the study of Positive Psychology and explores how happiness can be understood and nurtured. Participants will learn about specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can positively influence well-being and discover practical ways to incorporate these strategies into everyday life.
This event explores the unique experiences of siblings of children with disabilities, with a focus on the challenges, needs, and strengths that can shape the sibling experience. Participants will learn about factors that may influence sibling well-being and resilience, as well as ways siblings may be affected by family dynamics and caregiving responsibilities. The session will also provide practical strategies for parents, caregivers, and providers to support siblings and promote positive family relationships, while allowing time for questions and discussion.
This event explores differences in how and when autism is identified, particularly among individuals who may be overlooked due to gender, sex assigned at birth, or race. Participants will learn about signs of autism to look for, especially in those socialized as girls, and why earlier recognition and support can matter. The session will also provide practical strategies for supporting autistic individuals at home and in school, whether or not they have an official diagnosis.
This event introduces social-emotional learning (SEL) and explores five key areas of development: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. Participants will learn practical ways to support children’s social-emotional growth through everyday routines and interactions at home and beyond. The session will also highlight engaging resources, including children’s books and activities, to help families nurture these skills in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
This event explores the skills and strategies caregivers can use to effectively advocate for their child’s needs. Participants will learn practical skills for prioritizing concerns, collaborating with others, navigating conflict, and communicating effectively when challenges arise. The session will also address common barriers to effective communication and provide strategies for building productive partnerships with the people supporting their child. Time will be provided at the end for questions and discussion.
Dr. Liza Talusan presents:The Identity-Conscious Educator: Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools
This 90-minute workshop, based on Dr. Talusan’s recent book of the same title, explores how identity informs our daily work, interactions, and understanding of the world around us. Participants will build knowledge and engage in reflection to better understand their own identities and how these identities shape their perspectives, relationships, and actions. The session will provide practical tools for developing an identity-conscious practice, recognizing the impact of identity in our work, and moving toward greater inclusion and equity. Time will be provided for reflection, discussion, and identifying meaningful actions participants can take moving forward.
Virtual Book Discussion:The Identity-Conscious Educator:Building Habits and Skills for More Inclusive Schools
This book includes powerful and practical strategies for creating an inclusive school community that honors and recognizes the diverse identities of students and peers. It provides guidance on fostering inclusion, understanding different perspectives, and building a school environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
Transition Support Group
This six-week parent and caregiver support group includes information, resources, and support for families whose children are turning 14 and beginning to plan for the future. Each week includes a resource handout followed by discussion and time for participants to share questions and receive support. The group will focus on planning for life after high school and helping parents and caregivers better understand and navigate the transition process.
This film includes the stories of students with intellectual disabilities as they experience higher education at Millersville and Temple Universities. It highlights their participation in college classes, residential life, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of campus life. The film also explores the growing opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to pursue inclusive college experiences.
This event explores the caregiver role and the challenges of staying connected with children in an ever-changing world. Participants will learn practical skills for creating open dialogue, responding to day-to-day parenting challenges with greater openness and acceptance, and strengthening connection in the moment. The session will also provide strategies for supporting caregivers’ own energy and well-being, while highlighting how caregiver self-care can contribute to healthier relationships and greater family connectedness. Time will be provided at the end for caregiver questions and discussion.
Film Screening: Autism goes to College
This event features a screening of Autism Goes to College, a film that offers honest insights into the college experiences of neurodiverse students. Participants will gain a better understanding of the perspectives, challenges, and experiences these students bring to campus. Following the screening, Executive Producer Jan Blacher will join the audience for a Q&A session, providing an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the film.
Adoptive Familiesand Schools
This virtual presentation provides families and educators with an overview of adopted children’s educational experiences and mental health. Participants will learn about common experiences and challenges faced by adopted children and gain insight into ways to better support their needs. The presentation will also address strategies for creating more inclusive and supportive schools and communities for diverse families.
This panel includes a group of experts who will explain the transition planning process and help families better understand how to make the most of it. Presenters will share their experiences and expertise in areas such as secondary transition, college disability services, executive functioning, and parenting. The panel will also provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and gain practical guidance for planning for life after high school.
Intelligent Lives
This film includes the stories of three young adults with intellectual disabilities as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. It explores different perspectives on intelligence and examines the history and impact of intelligence testing in the United States. The film also highlights the experiences, challenges, and possibilities of people with intellectual disabilities and encourages viewers to reconsider common assumptions about intelligence and disability.
Children with Epilepsy and Seizures in the Classroom
This presentation includes an overview of epilepsy basics and the different types of seizures that students may experience. Participants will learn how to recognize seizures, understand how epilepsy can impact students, and respond with timely and appropriate care. The presentation will also provide practical information to help participants better support students living with epilepsy.
This event explores the transition to college and the unique challenges that can affect students’ mental health and overall well-being. Participants will learn about the experiences and characteristics of contemporary U.S. college students, as well as current trends in student mental health in the post-pandemic era. The session will also discuss what students and families can expect during the first semester of college and provide practical strategies for supporting students academically, socially, and psychologically throughout the transition.
Ongoing: Building Resiliency: A Group for Caregivers of Neurodivergent Children
This support group explores the unique joys and challenges of caring for a neurodivergent child. Participants will have the opportunity to learn practical strategies for strengthening relationships with their children and their support systems, while developing skills to encourage their child’s self-confidence, self-advocacy, and resilience. The group will also provide guidance on helping children define their own goals, communicate their needs, and navigate unwanted labels and misconceptions within their communities. Time will be provided for caregiver discussion, shared experiences, and support.
Support for Caregivers: Navigating the MA Special Education System
This session provides an overview of 504 Plans, IEPs, and the special education process. Participants will learn about eligibility, evaluations, available services, and the roles of parents, students, and advocates. The session will also address what to do when a child is found ineligible for an IEP and how parents can effectively support their child throughout the process. Time will be provided to answer questions and offer guidance for navigating the special education system.
Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
This book discussion includes a conversation about Sincerely, Your Autistic Child and the perspectives shared by autistic authors. Due to positive feedback from previous discussions, this event provides another opportunity for participants to engage with the book, reflect on its themes, and discuss the experiences and insights presented.
Virtual Book Discussion for Parents & Educators: 'Sincerely, Your Autistic Child' Edited by Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon davenport, and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
This event includes a community discussion open to parents, family members, educators, and university students, faculty, and staff. The discussion will be facilitated by Education Department students from the course “Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities,” providing an opportunity to share perspectives, ask questions, and explore topics related to inclusive practices.
Panel Presentation: What’s It Like Having Epilepsy?
This panel includes personal perspectives on living with epilepsy and how the condition can affect daily life. Panelists will share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for managing epilepsy, while also answering questions from participants. The discussion will provide an opportunity to learn more about the experiences of people living with epilepsy and ways others can offer support.
This presentation includes strategies for implementing culturally responsive SEL and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Participants will learn how teachers can create supportive, inclusive, and positive learning environments.
Black Boys Beyond Stereotypes: A Call to Action
This panel discussion includes a conversation about the documentary Black Boys and the experiences and perspectives explored in the film. Panelists will share their expertise on education, equity, and the experiences of Black boys and young men. The discussion will also provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and reflect on the topics presented in the documentary.
This presentation includes strategies for supporting twice-exceptional learners at school and at home. Participants will learn how to recognize their strengths and needs and provide effective support for their success.
Moving from a reactive to a proactive approach in education: The importance of screening, early identification, and preventive strategies for dyslexia and other reading disabilities
This support group explores the unique joys and challenges of caring for a neurodivergent child. Participants will have the opportunity to learn practical strategies for strengthening relationships with their children and their support systems, while developing skills to encourage their child’s self-confidence, self-advocacy, and resilience. The group will also provide guidance on helping children define their own goals, communicate their needs, and navigate unwanted labels and misconceptions within their communities. Time will be provided for caregiver discussion, shared experiences, and support.