It’s the Polar Plunge XVIII Winter Festival to benefit the Special Olympics of Virginia.  Why not take the “Plunge”? This is a Fun and worthwhile event and one that the kids will love to watch.  No charge to watch the fun but all “plungers” pay $100 or up to take the plunge.  Events take place at the Virginia Beach oceanfront, between 6th and 9th streets.

More than 3200 thrill-seekers are expected to jump into the Atlantic Ocean with nothing more than swimsuits and zany costumes!  And even if you scream like a little girl, you are still a superhero to the Special Olympics of Virginia.  Be sure to check out the official Plunge website to find out more about the festivities, which include a Friday night plunge party, live music, food, ice carvings and  more … PLUNGE.

Kids Zone – The Polar Plunge® Winter Festival is a family affair so pack up your children, friends and neighbors and stop in at the Kids Zone, which features inflatable rides and visits from a few local favorites, including the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s Monster Fire Truck!

Other Plunge entertainment includes live music, tasty treats, vendor displays and of course, the Plunge! There is no fee to view the Plunge, but a $5 donation is required to access the heated tent and festival area on the beach.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) Meetings feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another and stay on top of the latest information in the autism world. Each TACA group maintains a resource library of the latest autism books and tapes that can be checked out by members at no charge. Meets every 1st Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Sentara Princess Anne Health Campus. For more information, visit www.tacanow.org/virginia.

Talk About Curing Autism- Tidewater Chapter

Day:	Meets the 1st Tuesday of every month
Time:	7-9 p.m.
Location:	1925 Glenn Mitchell Drive, Second Floor Suite 210, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 Get directions from your location
Coordinators:	Jamie Marcil and Jennifer Hewitt
Child care:	Not offered at this time, sorry.
November 3	Parent Education Meeting
December	No Meeting

http://www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/index.htm

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/tacavirginia/

Autism Society of America (ASA)

Monthly meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Endependence Center at 6300 East Virginia Beach Blvd in Norfolk from 7-9 p.m. Free “autism-friendly” child care available with a reservation. Reservations must be made at least 3 days prior to meeting. For more information, Contact TASA at 757.461.4474.

Hampton Roads Area Asperger/PDD/High Functioning Autism Family Support Group

For more information, visit http://www.meetup.com/aspergers-267/ or contact Robyn at robynvitto@yahoo.com or call or text cell 218- 6507. Events and Guest Speakers monthly.

Sensory Processing Disorder Support Group

A group that meets in Yorktown. For more information, contact Amy at amybornhoft@yahoo.com or visit www.spdfoundation.net.
Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater (F.A.C.T.). Free monthly socials the 3rd Saturday of every month from 12-3 at 929 First Colonial Rd. Teen night for teens with Aspberger’s and high functioning autism 2nd Friday of every month. Has Camp Wannagoagin in the summer. For more information, visit www.camp4autism.org.

Autism Society, Tidewater Virginia

http://www.tidewaterasa.org/index.php

ADD/ADHD and Developmental and ASD Groups

Amazing Me

The group’s mission is to create a forum for children and parents to socialize with local people whose children are affected by ADD, ADHD, Speech Developmental Delays and Pervasive Developmental Disorders including ASD. Activities include quarterly meetings and venues to socialize in areas proven to be safe, beneficial and fun for these children and parents. For more information email Eve at eve@amazingme.org or visit www.amazingme.org.

Hampton Roads Special Education Parent Support Group

Provides parents with information and support so they can effectively advocate for their childrens needs.  Visit the http://www.hamptonroadspedpsg.com/ for more information.

Food Allergy Groups

Food Allergy Support Group of Tidewater (FASGOT)

Provides educational support about food allergies to the community and networking for its members. Meets 5 times a year with expert guest speakers at the Children’s Hospital of Kings Daughters. Also has a regular play group and Meet and Cheat Dinners. For more information, email Tracy at fasgot@yahoo.com or call 284.4450 or visit www.fasgot.com.
Chesapeake Tidewater Celiacs, a Chapter of Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF)

National organization that provides services and support regarding Celiac Disease (CD) and Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) through programs of awareness, education, advocacy, and research. Meets every third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Chesapeake Lifestyle Center. For more information, email Trish Cyrs at pcyrs@cox.net or call 757.541.0798 or visit www.celiachealth.net.
Tidwater Celiac Sprue Association (CSA)

Local networking club for individuals living gluten free. Meets every third Tuesday of the month at 7pm at Norfolk General Hospital. For more information, email celtnut_2000@yahoo.com or call 757.410.5245 or visit www.celiac.freeservers.com.

Please contact us to let us know about local support groups in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News that is for families or children.  Any groups for children or families with family members with Autism, Aspergers, PDD, developmental delays, ADD/ADHD, Food Allergies, childhood medical conditions, and anything else.