Skill Builders

10/08/2025

🍂 Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat!
A celebration for kids all abilities to enjoy in a more calm and inclusive environment. Costumes welcome but are not required.

Sunday, Oct 19, 1-6 pm
Clemyjontri Park, 6317 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101

🔗 Buy tickets online: https://bit.ly/46zqml3

09/30/2025

YouToo Tennis is back again at the Potomac School, partnering with , to play and learn tennis. No experience required; all are welcome!

Upcoming dates:
October 5th from 3-4pm
October 19th from 3-4pm
October 26th from 3-4pm
November 2nd from 3-4pm

YouToo tennis is completely free, and they will provide equipment (feel free to bring your own if you’d like)!

09/29/2025

09/28/2025

This Saturday, our AAC Parent Support Group enjoyed learning about Virginia’s new AAC training law for IEP teams. A big thank you to Toby and Lindsay Latham, parents and disability rights activists, for sharing information on the bill with us! To learn more about AAC Parent Group, or to join, email jane@skillbuildersllc.com.

09/19/2025

Join us on Monday, September 22, at 1pm EST for “School Troubles: Refusal, Resistance & Sources of Stress” - a FREE parent support and discussion group led by Dr. Dan Shapiro, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician.

👉🏽 Register for this free discussion at http://shorturl.at/bemHZ .

This week in our free Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Parent Support Group, we will explore:

🧑‍🏫 the challenges of school avoidance

📚 resistance to academic work

🏫 struggles with the social complexities of school

These difficulties can arise for many different reasons—ranging from ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and self-control challenges, to inappropriate academic demands, poor school fit, or insufficient supports.

Together, we will discuss how to understand the underlying “why,” share strategies for addressing both emotional and academic needs, and brainstorm individualized approaches tailored to each child’s strengths and challenges.

The focus will be on fostering collaboration with your child and their school team, building hope, and working toward solutions that help children feel capable, supported, and ready to learn.

Join other parents and Dr. Dan by Zoom for a participant-led discussion.

Different themes are selected by the group each week.

Share experiences and ideas. Support each other. Brainstorm solutions.

You are not alone.

09/13/2025

09/09/2025

We’re excited to share a wonderful opportunity with a new community partner. The McClerren Group is hosting a free parent group for those of children with special needs. The next cohort launches September 30th! Link in comments for more information.

09/04/2025

Huge welcome to our newest OT member, Ms. Georgia! Be sure to give her a wave or a high five when you see her in any one of our offices.

08/29/2025

Excited and belated welcome to one of our newest SLPs, Cindy! Give her a big hello when you see her after school on Wednesdays & Thursdays in McLean 👋

08/28/2025

Next month! Save the date: Saturday 9/27 in our McLean office. RSVP to Jane.

08/04/2025

SAVE THE DATE: August 16, 2025. 11am. 💻

LINK in comment: Toby Latham, counsel at Vasseghi Law Group, advises individuals, organizations, and companies on matters concerning disability law and policy.

During this webinar, Toby will share his experience as an advocate for and with people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This conversation will cover (i) common pitfalls Toby has encountered with developing and managing Individualized Education Programs for students who need and use AAC, (ii) an overview of Virginia’s first law addressing supports and services for students who need and use AAC in our public schools, and (iii) a preview of advocacy projects he and others are working on to improve AAC services and supports.

The event will close with an informal meet-and-greet — a chance for attendees to connect, ask questions, and build community.