Children's Early Autism Resources at CDR

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, a reminder for parents and caregivers: your calm matters, too. 💙

So much of parenting is focused on helping our children through big feelings, difficult transitions, and challenging routines. But children don’t need perfectly calm parents. They need adults who can slow down, reconnect, repair, and try again.

Today, if you can, make a little space for your own regulation, too.

☕ Take the extra few minutes.
🌿 Step outside.
💙 Lower the expectations.
🫶 Ask for help.
😮‍💨 Pause before rushing into the next thing.

Sometimes helping a child feel safe starts with giving ourselves permission to slow down.

Calm grows calm — and small moments matter.

From all of us at ChEAR — Children’s Early Autism Resources at Child Development Resources, we hope your Labor Day includes a little rest, connection, and grace for yourself, too.

09/07/2026

Looking for autism-friendly events, activities, and programs in our region?

maintains resource calendars for each region across the state!

Scan the QR code or follow the link below!
https://linktr.ee/VARegionalResourceCalendars

09/06/2026

Sage words from Dr. Temple Grandin. Thank you Genesis Autism Center for the reminder to use positive, specific language when giving instructions!

💡 Did you know?

For many with ASD, simply saying “NO” may not clearly explain what you want them to do.

Instead of focusing only on what NOT to do, try giving a clear, positive instruction.

❌ “No, don’t eat with your hands.”
✅ “Please, use your fork.”

Small changes in the way we communicate can make expectations easier to understand and everyday situations less frustrating.

Say what you WANT them to do—not just what you DON’T want. 💙

— Dr. Temple Grandin

09/04/2026

Yesterday, ChEAR at Child Development Resources welcomed providers, clinicians, community partners, and family representatives for the September meeting of the Peninsula Autism Resource Collaborative (PARC). 💙

Our conversation centered on what families and providers need most: warmer referral pathways, stronger navigation after diagnosis, better communication among providers, expanded diagnostic access, and practical ways to address insurance and service barriers.

Thank you to everyone who shared their time, experience, and ideas, including representatives from Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD), Commonwealth Autism VA, Compass Innovative Behavior Strategies, Golden Steps ABA, The Neurodevelopmental Collaborative, Oceanside Evaluations, Our Child Therapy, Proud Moments ABA ,and Texoma ABA, at Child Development Resources.

Your willingness to join the conversation is helping build a more connected network of autism services and supports across the Virginia Peninsula.

A special thank-you to Texoma ABA for providing refreshments!

📅 Our next PARC meeting will be Thursday, December 3, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at Child Development Resources. The meeting will be held in person.

08/15/2026

💜For Relaxation Day, let’s talk about co-regulation.🪷

For many autistic children, calming down is not something they can always do independently—especially when they are overwhelmed, tired, or taking in too much sensory information.

Co-regulation means offering your calm, connection, and support while your child’s body works toward feeling safer and more settled.

That might look like:

slowing your own breathing and voice
using fewer words
reducing noise or bright lights
sitting nearby without demanding a response
offering reassuring touch only when it is welcomed

Co-regulation is not about stopping feelings or expecting instant calm. It is about letting your child know, “You are safe. I am here. We can move through this together.”

You do not have to respond perfectly. Calm connection matters most. 💛

08/08/2026

🚲 TRIKE TREK & COMMUNITY DAY IS TODAY! 🎉
Come spend part of your Saturday with Child Development Resources (CDR) for a day focused on families, fun, and community connection!
💙 Explore community resources
🎨 Enjoy family-friendly activities
🧩 Check out our sensory break spaces
🎁 Giveaways and more
🤝 Meet organizations serving local children and families
🚲 And, of course, Trike Trek!
There’s still time to join us. Bring the kids, invite a friend, and come see what’s happening at CDR!
📍 CDR – 312 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA
🗓️ TODAY until 12:00 PM
Come celebrate our community with us! 💙💚💜

08/08/2026

Step 1: Show them
Step 2: Teach Them
Step 3: Repeat and HAVE FUN! No pressure, no problem!

***Most importantly, HONOR ALL COMMUNICATION ATTEMPTS!****

A communication attempt can be as simple as a grunt, gesture, opening of the mouth as if to speak. Do not expect perfection, honor anyway your child is trying to communicate with you. Where you are today is not where you will end up!

08/08/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!

CDR's SuperHero Trike Trek and Community Day STARTS at 8:30!

Come meet CHASE from Paw Patrol, visit animals in our petting zoo, eat hot dogs and popcorn, celebrate with music, games, tricycle racing, ice cream and more! Everyone is invited.

8:30-Noon
Child Development Resources
312 Waller Mill Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23185

***********************This is an event for ALL! ******************************

Sensory Calming Quiet Zone area will be open for those who might need a break from all the excitement!!

AAC Choice Board and Song Board Giveaways will be at the Infant Parent Program Table!!
*****************************************************************************

08/05/2026

Check out new space at Child Development Resources! Hope to see you at the Trike Trek and Community Day this Saturday at 8:30!