Support Groups
A variety of support groups and gatherings take place at Seattle Children's to help families connect with others who share similar challenges and joys in the care of their children with ongoing health needs. We also offer other resources for patients and families including food, housing, transportation and financial assistance resources at Seattle Children’s and in the community.
Sponsored groups are organized and facilitated by hospital staff or staff/family/community partnerships.
Hosted groups are organized and facilitated by volunteer family leaders or community organizations.
If you attend or have attended a Seattle Children's support group, we would like to hear about your experience. Please submit your feedback by completing this short survey. Thank you.
Diabetes/Endocrinology
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Little Kids with Insulin Dependent Diabetes (L’KIDDS)
Hosted by Seattle Children's
Little Kids with Insulin Dependent Diabetes (L’KIDDS) is a parent-led support group for parents of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school–age kids with diabetes.
For upcoming dates and more information, visit the Endocrinology and Diabetes Support Groups and Workshops page.
Grief Support
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Parent Support (PS)
Hosted at Seattle Children's
This parent volunteer led organization provides support groups for those who have experienced a loss from miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss. P.S. groups are led by parent volunteers who have experienced childhood loss.
- Visit the P.S. website for current meeting dates, times and locations throughout Puget Sound, including an in-person option at Seattle Children's.
Additional Support Groups
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Celiac Support Group
Sponsored by Seattle Children’s
Seattle Children’s Celiac Program hosts a provider led quarterly support group for children and families with celiac disease. Topics to be discussed include challenges with gluten-free lifestyle and nutrition. This is a time where kids can meet with others with celiac to share their experiences and create a community. We welcome all patients, parents, caregivers and siblings affected by celiac. Read more about the Seattle Children's Celiac Program.
- Please email us to be added to the distribution list or register.
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Craniofacial Center Facebook Groups
- Craniofacial Center Facebook Group
Sponsored by Seattle Children's.
This supportive and welcoming community encourages the sharing of triumphs, tributes, issues and concerns. The Facebook group is moderated by the Craniofacial Center family liaison and only open to patients and families of Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Center.
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- If you don’t have a Facebook account, go to facebook.com and follow the directions to create an account.
- Log into your Facebook account.
- Search for “Seattle Children’s Craniofacial Family Chat.”
- Click the “Join Group” button.
- Receive a confirmation message that says “Request Sent.”
- This request goes to the group manager for approval.
- Within a week, you will receive a message (via Facebook Inbox) confirming your addition to the group.
- Participate by adding something new or helping the group out with what you know!
- 22q Clinic Facebook Group
This supportive and welcoming community encourages the sharing of triumphs, tributes, issues and concerns. Open only to patients and families of the Seattle Children’s 22q Clinic.
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- If you don’t have a Facebook account, go to facebook.com and follow the directions to create an account.
- Log into your Facebook account.
- Search “Seattle Children’s 22q Family Group.”
- Click the “Join Group” button.
- Receive a confirmation message that says “Request Sent.”
- This request goes to the group manager for approval.
- Within a week, you will receive a message (via Facebook Inbox) confirming your addition to the group.
- Participate by adding something new or helping the group out with what you know!
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Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support Group for Youth Who Use Sign Language
Sponsored by Seattle Children’s
This group is for middle and high school youth who are deaf and hard of hearing, and use sign language as one of their ways of communicating. The goals of the group include:
- Receive support from peers
- Increase self-awareness
- Practice communication, social and problem-solving skills
- Foster self-esteem
- Develop self-advocacy skills
For more information, please email Julia Petersen, or call 206-257-7199 (voice/videophone; English and Spanish).
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Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support Group for Youth Who Use Spoken English
Sponsored by Seattle Children’s
Funded by the Childhood Communication Center’s Endowment Fund- Do you have a cochlear implant or a hearing aid?
- Do you communicate with spoken English?
- Do you want to connect with others?
- Do you ever wonder where you fit in?
- Do you want to have some fun?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might want to join one of the social groups offered through Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Kids and teens with hearing loss in 1st through 12th grades who communicate through spoken English are welcome to attend fun groups to interact, socialize and learn with Rachel Barr, AUD, CCC-A; Terra Boulse-Archaro, MA, CCC-SLP; Sheridan Frank, AUD, CCC-A; Whitney Kidd, AUD-CCC-A; Amy Melick, PhD; and Meg Pearson, AUD CCC-A.
There are 4 groups depending on your child’s current grade level:
- K-2nd grade group meets 2nd Tuesday of the month from 4:30-5:30 (Bellevue)
- 3rd-5th grade group meets 3rd Thursday of the month from 6:00-8:00 (Seattle)
- Middle school group meets 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:00-8:00 (Bellevue)
- High school group meets 1st Thursday of the month from 6:00-8:00 (Seattle)
RSVPs for each group are required to ensure we have enough space.
Email Amy Melick at [email protected] if you are interested in attending or want more information.
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Scleroderma Foundation Seattle Support Group
Hosted at Seattle Children’s
The Northwest Chapter of the National Scleroderma Foundation currently meets monthly in person at Seattle Children's. Meetings are open to anyone interested in Scleroderma including patients, caregivers, family, and friends.
- Please visit the North West Chapter Scleroderma Foundation Facebook page for more information and meeting details.
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Sibshops
Sponsored by Seattle Children's
Sibshops provide peer support and education for brothers and sisters of children with special health or developmental needs. These are lively events that include fun activities, games, special guests, discussion and information sharing. Sibshops sessions for different age groups are typically offered every other month on Saturdays throughout the school year.
- For more information or to register, visit Sibshops, send us an email or call 206-987-4133