The Fathers Group

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Cherry Hill, NJ
The Fathers Group

Support group for fathers raising children with special needs. Meet monthly in Cherry Hill, NJ and on Zoom.

Share, learn, and connect with other dads who understand. You’re not alone — your story matters.

09/03/2026

When schools begin the year short of paraprofessionals and special education staff, dads often feel the impact at home first.

A staffing gap can affect the individualized support a child receives, access to classroom activities, transportation, communication with teachers, and consistency throughout the school day. It can also place more stress on families already carrying a lot on their backs.

This is not about blaming individual teachers, aides, or school staff. Many are doing their best in difficult conditions. But every child still deserves the support outlined for them, and families deserve clear answers.

Dads, consider asking:
• What supports are currently in place?
• How is the school addressing staffing gaps?
• What happens if a paraprofessional or related-service provider is absent?
• How and when will families be updated?

Come as you are: concerned, frustrated, or simply trying to understand. You are not alone, and asking questions is advocacy.

What are you seeing in your child’s school as the new year begins?

(Visuals created with AI)

08/21/2026

When a child is overwhelmed at school, safety has to come first, but restraint or seclusion should never be treated as the first answer.

We can hold two truths at once: schools must protect every student and staff member, while children with disabilities deserve prevention, dignity, and support that understands what is behind the behavior. In some cases, restraint or seclusion can be especially distressing for students who already struggle with communication, sensory needs, or trauma.

Families should be able to ask:
• What individualized behavior supports are in my child’s IEP or school plan?
• Are staff trained in prevention and trauma-informed de-escalation?
• What are the clear emergency standards?
• How will I be notified promptly if an incident happens?
• What review and accountability process follows?

Dads, you do not have to know every answer before asking questions. You can request a meeting, bring someone you trust, and speak up for a plan that helps your child feel safe before a crisis happens.

What should schools try before restraint or seclusion?

(Visual created with AI)

08/19/2026

When your child needs support, the last thing any dad wants is to wonder whether the care is safe, effective, and truly centered on his child.

That’s why calls for stronger oversight of ABA and other autism therapy providers matter. Concerns about improper billing and treatment quality deserve serious attention. Children deserve individualized care from qualified providers, and families deserve honesty and accountability.

At the same time, bad actors should not create longer waitlists or new barriers for families already working hard to find help. Oversight should stop fraud and improve quality without blocking access to care.

Dads, it’s okay to ask questions:
• What are the provider’s credentials and experience?
• What are my child’s treatment goals?
• How will progress be shared with our family?
• Are billing and services explained clearly?
• How are my child’s preferences, comfort, communication, and needs respected?

These questions are not about condemning ABA: or endorsing it for every child. They’re about making sure our children receive thoughtful, individualized support, and that families are treated as part of the team.

We carry a lot on our backs. What questions or concerns have helped you evaluate therapy for your child?

(Visuals created with AI)

08/18/2026

If you’ve been hearing about changes in federal special education oversight, you’re not alone in having questions.

Recent agency announcements and reporting describe a shift in some special education responsibilities from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services, while some school civil rights enforcement responsibilities may move to the Department of Justice. Officials describe the goal as better coordination, but families and advocates are also asking important questions:

• Will IEP protections and IDEA oversight remain consistent?
• Who will handle complaints, investigations, and appeals?
• What happens to existing cases or unresolved concerns?
• How will families know which agency or office to contact?

The details and procedures may continue to develop. A child’s IEP does not automatically change because of these reported administrative shifts. For now, dads can stay informed, save evaluations, IEPs, meeting notes, emails, and notices, and ask their school, district, state agency, or trusted advocate for clarification.

This is general information, not legal advice. We’ll keep learning together because when it comes to our children, accountability and clear answers matter.

Dads, what concerns or questions do you have about these changes?

(Visuals created with AI)

08/14/2026

When a preschool child is suspended or repeatedly sent home, the whole family feels the impact. A young child with disabilities may lose valuable learning, friendships, routines, and a sense of belonging. Dads may also feel confused, blamed, or unsure what to do next.

A child’s needs should not be labeled “too difficult” before the right support is tried. Inclusion takes trained staff, clear communication, behavior supports, and early intervention. It also means working with families to understand what a child is communicating and what helps them feel safe and ready to learn.

As dads, we can ask:

What supports are in place before exclusion is considered?
Are the child’s IEP services and accommodations being reviewed?
Is the school communicating with the family regularly and respectfully?
How can teachers, therapists, and parents work together as a team?

Every child deserves access to learning and meaningful opportunities alongside their peers. And every family deserves partnership: not judgment.

What do you wish schools understood about supporting your child? Share your experience or comment INFO if you want to connect with dads who get it.

(Visuals created with AI)

08/12/2026

A disability should never quietly close the door to a child’s educational opportunities.

Advanced programs, special-admissions schools, clubs, sports, arts, and other activities should be discussed with your child’s strengths and support needs in mind, not ruled out before your child has a fair chance.

Dads, it’s okay to ask questions:
• What accommodations are available during the application, testing, or participation process?
• Can my child’s situation receive an individualized review?
• What support, appeal, or alternative pathway is available if access is denied?

Every school and program has its own process, so ask early, request information in writing, and bring your child’s support team into the conversation when helpful. You know your child’s abilities, interests, and potential. Your voice matters.

(Visuals created with AI)

08/10/2026

Dads, before the school year starts, take a few minutes to review your child’s IEP. A little preparation can make the first weeks feel more manageable.

Check these five areas:

1. Accommodations: Are classroom supports, learning tools, testing changes, and sensory needs clearly listed?

2. Therapy services: Confirm which services your child receives, how often, and who to contact with questions.

3. Transportation: Review pickup and drop-off plans, safety needs, bus supports, and any changes from last year.

4. Emergency contacts: Make sure the school has current phone numbers, approved contacts, medical information, and a clear emergency plan.

5. Home-school communication: Decide how updates will be shared and who you should contact when concerns come up.

If anything is unclear or needs to change, request a meeting with the school team. You can also ask questions, take notes, and keep a copy of the finalized IEP for your records.

You don’t have to know everything today. Come prepared, speak up, and remember: you know your child best. We carry a lot on our backs, but we don’t have to do this alone.

(Visuals created with AI)

08/07/2026

Ever notice how a rough day with tummy troubles often turns into a tough day all around for our kids? If you've ever felt like everything is connected: from what's happening in your child's belly to their mood, focus, and how they handle therapies: you are definitely not imagining things.

Science is finally catching up to what many of us dads have noticed in our own homes. Researchers are diving deep into the gut-brain axis, looking at how the gut microbiome and physical wellness tie directly into daily rehabilitation and autism support. It turns out that gut health, physical comfort, and neurological processing talk to each other constantly.

When our kids' bellies feel off, it can affect their sleep, their patience, and how they respond to speech, occupational, or physical therapy. It is a lot to track, and honestly, trying to figure out diets, supplements, and therapies on top of everything else can feel overwhelming.

You do not have to carry all these scientific studies and daily puzzles by yourself. At the Camden County FSO Fatherhood Group, we talk about the real stuff: the wins, the gut issues, the therapy hurdles, and everything in between. No judgment here, just dads who get it.

Come hang out with us at our next meeting. We meet every 3rd Wednesday, both virtually and in person at 1030 Kings Hwy N, Suite 210, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. It's free to attend, and dinner is provided.

Drop a comment with INFO or DM us to get the invite link or details. You belong here.

(Visuals created with AI)

08/05/2026

When was the last time you watched your little one figure something out and felt that quiet rush of pride? Every single milestone feels hard-earned in this journey.

Recent research on autistic preschoolers highlights something fascinating: working memory and language development are deeply linked. In plain English, how our kids hold onto and process information plays a massive role in how their communication grows. It reminds us why patience and daily routines matter so much, even when progress feels slow.

If you have ever worried about your child's speech or wondered if you are doing enough to help their growing mind, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and your child is on their own unique timeline. Every small win, every new word, every connection is worth celebrating.

Come share your experiences, ask questions, or just listen in a space where dads truly get it. No judgment, no pressure. You belong here.

Drop a comment or send us a message to connect with other special needs dads who understand the journey.

(Visuals created with AI)

08/02/2026

Every parent of a child with significant disabilities carries a question that few others fully understand:

"What happens when I'm not there?"

For parents of children who are nonverbal or have limited communication, that question can be overwhelming.

A New Jersey mother's courageous fight to protect her autistic son reminds us why advocacy never ends. Our children depend on us to ask difficult questions, seek answers, and ensure their voices are heard—even when they cannot speak for themselves.

I know this family personally and have witnessed their unwavering love for their son. Their story deserves to be read, not because it's easy, but because it highlights the importance of vigilance, accountability, and community support.

To every special needs parent: you are not alone. Keep asking questions. Keep advocating. Keep showing up.

Please read and share this story. It could encourage another parent who needs to know they're not fighting alone.

https://www.njspotlightnews.org/special-report/a-mothers-fight-to-protect-her-autistic-son-from-abuse/

Address

1030 Kings Highway N, Suite 210
Cherry Hill, NJ
08034

Telephone

+18566622600

Website

https://www.camdenfso.org/

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