Brighter Days Family Support Group: Supporting Families While Building Lasting Connections

Caring for a child with autism or other neurodivergent needs often brings moments of uncertainty, isolation, and can trigger a wide range of emotions. That’s why community matters more than ever. Beginning January 25, 2026, families in La Crosse, Wisconsin will have a dedicated place to find support, connection, and understanding. 

On November 16, 2025, Chileda Shine held the first Brighter Days Family Support Group in which parents, siblings, and neurodivergent children came and enjoyed activities and benefited from insightful conversations. With the theme of self-care, parents found comfort in being able to connect with others who shared similar experiences. Siblings were able to connect with other siblings while enjoying winter themed activities, and neurodivergent children who attended were able to participate in engaging activities with other children.   

Why Family Support Groups Matter? 

Parent and caregiver support is more than a “nice to have.” Research consistently stresses the growing need for connection, community resources, and emotional support among families dealing with developmental challenges. 

1. More Families Are Navigating Autism and Developmental Disabilities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, report that 1 in 31 children in the United States are now identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).¹ About 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have one or more developmental delays or disabilities that include autism, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and others.² Families often need to navigate complex systems of care making community connection and support groups especially vital. 

2. Support Groups Reduce Parental Stress and Emotional Burden

Families of neurodivergent children experience elevated stress levels, particularly when caring for autistic or ADHD identified children.  A systematic review found that social support is critical to improving parental well-being and coping, especially for parents of children with autism, who often exhibit the highest stress levels.³

3. Support groups provide shared understanding, validation, and connection

Through shared experiences, families learn new practical strategies for behavior management, school advocacy, and navigating complex systems.  Research has shown that coping is improved when parents have access to social support networks that help them manage stressors associated with neurodivergent children.³

About the Brighter Days Family Support Group 

The Brighter Days Family Support Group is open to the entire family, including parents and siblings of neurodivergent children in the greater La Crosse area with autism, social or communicative differences and behavioral or developmental challenges.  

Brighter Days Family Support Group is designed to: 

• Build emotional resilience through shared experience 
• Offer peer-led strategies and mutual encouragement 
• Provide opportunities for connection and belonging 
• Empower caregivers through education and shared resources 

Brighter Days Family Support Groups are facilitated by Chileda Shine professionals and consist of:   

• Theme based topics 
• Guided discussions 
• Resource sharing 

Some sample topics include:  

• Navigating Individual Education Plans (IEPs) 
• Teaching Daily Living Skills 
• Setting Limits 
• Self-care and Managing Stress 
• Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Children                                                             
•  and much more…… 

Gratitude to Our Community Partners 

This program is possible thanks to the generosity and belief of our community partners: 

• Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund – for providing funding to expand our impact in La Crosse. 
• United Way of Wisconsin – for stewarding the grant process with care. 
• Great Rivers United Way – for recognizing our mission and nominating us. 
• La Crosse Area Community Foundation – for helping turn this vision into reality. 

We are deeply grateful to all of them for their collective investment in the wellbeing of local families. 

Join Us for Brighter Days 

Families deserve connection. They deserve understanding. They deserve a community that lifts them up. The Brighter Days Family Support Group exists to provide exactly that—one gathering, one conversation, and one shared moment at a time. 

If you’d like to learn more about upcoming sessions or register for the Brighter Days Family Support Group, please visit our website:  Brighter Days Family Support Group – Chileda 

References  

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Data and statistics on autism spectrum disorder. Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html 
2. National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. (2018). 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or delays [Fact sheet]. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/118780 
3. Serafini, E., Amorotti, G., & Cavallini, F. (2025). How are you doing? Parental well‑being in families with neurodivergent children: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical & Developmental Psychology, 7(1). https://cab.unime.it/journals/index.php/JCDP/article/view/4764 

Terri Gowey has dedicated over twenty-five years to Chileda, advancing through multiple roles before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2016. She oversees residential, educational, and community programs. Terri is a board-certified and state-licensed behavior analyst whose leadership is grounded in evidence-based practices.

*The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice. Chileda, Inc. strives for accuracy but is not responsible for errors or omissions. Chileda Inc. disclaims any liability for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog site.