Launching Your Neurodiverse Teen
This is a free event hosted by SEED / Seed High School for parents of neurodiverse teens and tweens!
What does it really mean to prepare a neurodiverse teen for adulthood? In this session, Dr. Kathryn Stewart, Executive Director, Orion Academy, will move beyond the idea that successful transition means landing in the "right" program - whether that's college or something else - and focus instead on what it actually takes to help a young person manage the demands of adult life.
Drawing on the transition philosophy she has developed at Orion Academy, Dr. Stewart will explore a practical framework built around five key areas: education, employment, independent living, relationships, and health management. Along the way, she'll cover the themes that make transition planning work - self-advocacy, purposeful failure, gradual transfer of responsibility, and reality based planning.
We hope that parents would leave this parent ed with a clearer sense of how to support their teen's growing independence!
Register here: https://givebutter.com/LaunchingNeuroDiverseTeen
Fall Happy Hour
How has the school year been going? Come and connect with other parents and caregivers of students with diverse learning needs. We’ll be at Lafayette Public House. Look for our sign and pull up a chair. Head indoors if the weather is inclement.
BORP Adaptive Aports Expo
This is not a SEED - sponsored event, but we wanted to share it with our community.
“4TH ANNUAL ADAPTIVE SPORTS EXPO
One Day. A Dozen Adaptive Sports. Find Your New Favorite.
Cycling, kayaking, wheelchair basketball, rock climbing, and more, with BORP coaches and experienced participants on hand to help you try something new. Free to attend, open to people with a wide variety of disabilities and their family and friends.”
More info here: https://www.borp.org/expo/
Trick or Treat
This is not a SEED - sponsored event, but we wanted to share it with our community.
Register here: https://partiful.com/e/AjhkjlbmtAKMlfKdXigj
November Coffee Talk
It’s time again for our monthly Coffee Talk from 9 am - 10:30. This is a time for parents and caregivers to share and connect. We’ll see you there!
Location: TBD
December Coffee Talk
It’s our last Coffee Talk of the year! It’s from 9 am - 10:30. This is a time for parents and caregivers to share and connect. We’ll see you there!
Location: TBD
Gingerbread Decorating Party
This cherished, annual tradition is back! This is an all-ages, family friendly holiday event where you can decorate some gingerbread.
Preregistration is coming soon, and tickets will be required (one per person over the age of 2).
October Coffee Talk
We’re back at Lafayette Public House for our monthly Coffee Talk from 9 am - 10:30. This is a time for parents and caregivers to share and connect. We’ll see you there!
Is My Child's Speech on Track?
This is not a SEED Lafayette sponsored event, but we wanted to share it with our community
“Is My Child’s Speech on Track? What Every Parent Should Know”
“Wondering if your child's speech is on track? This interactive workshop helps parents understand speech and language milestones, recognize early signs that additional support may be beneficial, and learn simple, evidence-based strategies to encourage communication during everyday routines. Parents will leave with practical tools, trusted resources, and time for questions and discussion.
Leah Schwenk, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist and owner of Speech Method Therapy. She specializes in pediatric speech, language, feeding, and early communication. Leah provides family-centered, culturally responsive services through in-home and Teletherapy throughout the Tri-Valley, helping families support communication with practical, evidence-based strategies. All services are offered in both English and Spanish.”
More info at: https://ccclib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6a90af50be148200298a94ef
Contact: Stacey Hinton at stacey.hinton@library.cccounty.us
Coffee Talk
We’re back at Lafayette Public House for our monthly Coffee Talk from 9 am - 10:30. This is a time for parents and caregivers to share and connect. We’ll see you there!
Welcome Back Happy Hour
How is the summer over already? How is everyone feeling about the new school year? Come and connect with other parents and caregivers of students with diverse learning needs. This is for anyone with students preschool - high school! We’ll be at Lafayette Public House. Look for our sign and pull up a chair.
Welcome Back Coffee Talk
How is the summer over already? How is everyone feeling about the new school year? Come and connect with other parents and caregivers of students with diverse learning needs. This is for anyone with students preschool - high school! We’ll be at Lafayette Public House. Look for our sign and pull up a chair.
Dons Day - Sensory-Friendly Hour
Dons Day at Acalanes is coming up! There is a sensory-friendly time that we wanted to share about. This is not a SEED sponsored event, but we wanted to spread the word.
“We know Dons Day can be a lot, lively music, crowds and excitement! For students who would prefer a quieter, calmer experience, we invite you to attend during our dedicated sensory-sensitivites window from 7:30 - 8:00 am, before the day gets into full swing.”
See Chris Huber at the Memorial Gymnasium at the front of campus.
SEED End of Year Happy Hour
Join other parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities and diverse learning needs at our LAST SEED Happy Hour of the 2025-2026 school year!
We’ll be back at Lafayette Public House.
SEED May Coffee Chat
Join us for coffee and breakfast treats with other parents and caregivers of kids with diverse learning needs and disabilities in the SWELL Center at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
Please note: The SWELL Center, located to the left of the Lafayette Library entry plaza, is reserved for SEED and will be open prior to the library’s public hours.
Let us know if you plan on attending so we can plan accordingly:
Rock for a Cause 2026
Join us on Friday, May 1st from 6-9 pm for live music, food and drinks at Up The Creek Records in Walnut Creek. We'll be celebrating another school year, with friends old and new and honor our Educator of the Year Awardee. It's a night to come together and support SEED's vision to provide support and resources for families & educators of children with diverse learning needs, through grants, workshops, and connection! Keep it casual; 90s attire suggested. This is a 21+ event. Get your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/Rock4SEED2026
Family Day at Lindsay Wildlife
This is a family friendly day for our Seed Lafayette families at Lindsay Wildlife Center in Walnut Creek. Although the upstairs will be open to the public, we will have the private downstairs space to ourselves. Some snacks and light refreshments will be provided. Additionally we've partnered with Eleprint Studio (https://www.eleprintstudio.org) to offer all children a one-of-a-kind 3D printed keepsake from the day (to be mailed home afterwards). We ask that you purchase one ticket per person ages 2 and up. This is not a drop-off event.
Please purchase tickets here (one per person): https://givebutter.com/lwc2026
SEED April Coffee Chat
Join us for coffee and breakfast treats with other parents and caregivers of kids with diverse learning needs and disabilities in the SWELL Center at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.
Please note: The SWELL Center, located to the left of the Lafayette Library entry plaza, is reserved for SEED and will be open prior to the library’s public hours.
Let us know if you plan on attending so we can plan accordingly:
An Evening with Dr Temple Grandin
This is not an official SEED Lafayette event, however it’s something we thought our community should know about.
“Meet Dr. Temple Grandin live at the Orinda Theatre, as part of Elevate Every Voice by Las Trampas, the leading program in the East Bay that focuses on empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Temple Grandin is one of the most influential voices of our time: an animal science professor, inventor, and advocate whose groundbreaking work has transformed both animal welfare and our understanding of autism. As a Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University, she has revolutionized humane livestock handling with designs that are now industry standards worldwide.
In 2025, USA TODAY named Dr. Grandin one of its Women of the Year, honoring her as one of just 61 women nationwide recognized for breaking barriers and inspiring lasting change. Her extraordinary journey is also the subject of the new award-winning feature documentary, An Open Door, which has captivated audiences at festivals across the globe and is now streaming worldwide.
From her early years navigating nonverbal autism to her rise as a world-renowned scientist and advocate, Dr. Grandin’s story is one of courage, innovation, and hope. Her voice continues to inspire millions and this event offers a rare opportunity to hear her wisdom, experience her perspective, and be moved by her vision for a more inclusive and compassionate world.”
Find out more at https://www.orindamovies.com/events/58978-an-evening-with-temple-grandin/ or email tickets@orindatheater.com
Navigating the IEP Process
Join this talk on Navigating the IEP Process with Laura Clarke.
Presenter: Laura Clarke has served children with disabilities and their families in a variety of capacities for over 30 years, including as an Instructional Aide, Teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment, Coordinator of Special Education, Director of Special Education, Elementary School Principal and Program Specialist for Community Schools. Meeting the needs of all learners, their families and our community has always been her passion. She received her Bachelor's Degree and Multiple Subject Credential from Azusa Pacific University, her Master's Degree and Special Education Credentials from California State Polytechnic University Pomona and her Administrative Credential from the University of LaVerne. Laura believes deeply and is totally committed to the work of removing barriers for teaching and learning and building collaborative communities to support best practice
SEED Happy Hour with SEED High School!
Join other parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities and diverse learning needs at SEED Happy Hour! We will be co-hosting this event with SEED High School. Come and get your questions answered!
Look for us at Headlands Lafayette!
Let us know if you can make it by signing up here:
March Friendship Circle
This is a SEED High School sponsored event in partnership with Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. This is for youth with special needs 9th grade through transition program.
Participants who require a 1:1 aide in the school setting must be accompanied at Friendship Circle by a parent or 1:1 aide. Parents should stay with their student during their first Friendship Circle to help ensure LOPC staff are familiar with your child and their needs.
It is every 3rd Thursday during the Spring Semester from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Remaining date is 3/19.
Please RSVP at: susan@lopc.org
Ask an Advocate with Gina Miller
Join this Ask an Advocate talk with local educational advocate Gina Miller, hosted on Zoom. This is a great chance to get your questions answered about IEPs and other topics. Specific questions are helpful, and can also be asked anonymously. Find out more about Gina Miller here: http://www.ginamillerconsulting.com
REGISTER HERE and submit your questions ahead of time
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair 2026
This is not a SEED-sponsored event, however it is a community resource that our community might be interested in.
“The City of Walnut Creek is excited to host our 2nd Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair in partnership with Care Parent Network! Our 2026 resource fair will be hosted on Saturday, March 7th from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. We invite cities in Contra Costa County that provide programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to apply to be a vendor. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the various services available in Contra Costa County, talk to experts in each organization, and engage with other members and care providers of the IDD community. This is a great opportunity for vendors to connect in-person with the IDD community to learn more about their needs and market your programs! Click here to apply. Questions? Contact me via email at dixon@walnut-creek.org or via telephone at (925) 943-5899 ext. 2439. “
SEED Coffee Chat
Join Dr. Brent Stephens and Jon Deane from the Lafayette School District for coffee and breakfast treats and other parents and caregivers of kids with diverse learning needs and disabilities.
Please note: The SWELL Center, located to the left of the Lafayette Library entry plaza, is reserved for SEED and will be open prior to the library’s public hours.
Let us know if you plan on attending so we can plan accordingly:
LAFSD Student Transition Planning
This is an official LAFSD event, not a SEED sponsored event. We are guessing on the times, and will update when we know. Assuming the topic will be about “student transition planning” based on a flier from September 2025. Questions? Email: studentservices@lafsd.org
SEED Coffee Chat
Unfortunately we’ve had to cancel our February Coffee Talk. Keep your eyes peeled for future events!
February Friendship Circle
This is a SEED High School sponsored event in partnership with Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. This is for youth with special needs 9th grade through transition program.
Participants who require a 1:1 aide in the school setting must be accompanied at Friendship Circle by a parent or 1:1 aide. Parents should stay with their student during their first Friendship Circle to help ensure LOPC staff are familiar with your child and their needs.
It is every 3rd Thursday during the Spring Semester from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Remaining dates are 2/19 & 3/19.
Please RSVP at: susan@lopc.org
Parent Education: Autism and Girls
Join this virtual Parent Education talk on Autism and Girls with presenter Carrie Rodrigues.
About the Presenter: Carrie Rodrigues is a veteran school psychologist with extensive experience supporting students from preschool through 12th grade. She has a strong background in developing inclusive early childhood programs and is deeply passionate about early identification and intervention. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) (CA License #3780), and is highly skilled at conducting comprehensive assessments in all areas of suspected disability to determine special education eligibility. In 2022, Ms. Rodrigues was recognized as CalECSE's Exemplar Lead for Assessment Practices. She holds particular expertise in autism assessment, identification, and support, and formerly served as a cadre member of the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN), where she trained countless educators in evidence-based practices for autism. Currently, Ms. Rodrigues serves on the administrative team of the California Early Childhood Special Education Network (CalECSE). A frequent speaker at conferences and on podcasts, Ms. Rodrigues shares insights on topics such as assessment, inclusive practices, neurodiversity, and autism—particularly autism in girls. She is also a proud mother of two wonderful neurodivergent children and a passionate advocate for the neurodiversity movement.
LAFSD Special Education Funding Meeting
This is an official LAFSD event, not a SEED sponsored event. We’re guessing on the time, and will be updated when we have more info. Assuming the topics in question will be related to special education funding, based on flier from September 2025. Questions? Email: student studentservices@lafsd.org
This event will be held on ZOOM. Look for the link in a district email.
SEED Happy Hour
Join other parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities and diverse learning needs at our first SEED Happy Hour of 2026!
Let us know if you can make it by signing up here:
January Friendship Circle
This is a SEED High School sponsored event in partnership with Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. This is for youth with special needs 9th grade through transition program.
Participants who require a 1:1 aide in the school setting must be accompanied at Friendship Circle by a parent or 1:1 aide. Parents should stay with their student during their first Friendship Circle to help ensure LOPC staff are familiar with your child and their needs.
It is every 3rd Thursday during the Spring Semester from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Remaining dates are 1/15, 2/19 & 3/19.
Please RSVP at: susan@lopc.org
Friendship Circle - December 2025
This is a SEED High School sponsored event in partnership with Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. This is for youth with special needs 9th grade through transition program.
Participants who require a 1:1 aide in the school setting must be accompanied at Friendship Circle by a parent or 1:1 aide. Parents should stay with their student during their first Friendship Circle to help ensure LOPC staff are familiar with your child and their needs.
It is every 3rd Thursday during the Fall Semester from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. This is the last date of the fall semester. Look for more dates in the spring!
Please RSVP at: susan@lopc.org
Gingerbread Decorating Party
Join SEED for a FREE festive holiday party with gingerbread decorating and more! All ages and abilities welcome. RSVP by Dec. 6th to reserve a gingerbread house (one per family). This is not a drop-off event. Siblings welcome. Only one ticket needed per family, not per child. You don't have to stay for the whole time. This will be held at the Lafayette Community Center in the Arts & Crafts Room. Space is limited! Registration is required: https://givebutter.com/Ginger25
November Happy Hour
We’re switching things up this month with our Happy Hour. We’re moving over to Lafayette Public House, just in case it gets a little chilly outside! This 21+ event is a great time for parents and caregivers to relax and connect with others. Please join us before heading off on Thanksgiving break!
Friendship Circle - November 2025
This is a SEED High School sponsored event in partnership with Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. This is for youth with special needs 9th grade through transition program.
Participants who require a 1:1 aide in the school setting must be accompanied at Friendship Circle by a parent or 1:1 aide. Parents should stay with their student during their first Friendship Circle to help ensure LOPC staff are familiar with your child and their needs.
It is every 3rd Thursday during the Fall Semester from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. Remaining dates are 11/20 and 12/18.
Please RSVP at: susan@lopc.org
Lafayette Chamber Community Thanksgiving Breakfast
This is not a SEED sponsored event, but we thought our community would appreciate it. This event is also not free.
“Join us for a morning of inspiration and gratitude as we spotlight the power of design, compassion, and community collaboration. We invited businesses, organizations, residents and community leaders.”
“Breakfast provided by Sunrise Bistro & Catering. Sunflower Hill will present Designing Dignity: Inclusive Housing for Neurodivergent Communities.”
$45 / person
Register at www.lafayettechamber.org/breakfast
Have a Suggestion for an Event?
We here at SEED are always excited to bring new events to our community. But this truly takes a village. Want more age-specific content? Let us know! Just learned about a new opportunity? Please share it with us! Passionate about parent eds? Tell us about it!