Support Group helps parents of special needs children Published Nov. 25, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Special Needs Parent Support Group at Sheppard comes together once a month to share information about available programs, vent about problems and relate to one another about raising a child with special needs. "Newer families don't know where to go for services and children are hurt by it," 1st Lt. Jason Forquer, the creator of the support group, said. The resources the support group offers directly affect the quality of life of the parent, which affects Air Force productivity, he said. Tech. Sgt. Daniel Mendoza, father of a 100-percent visually impaired and autistic child, said the groups have helped him vent. "It's stress relieving when you know someone is in the same situation you are," he said. "Parents are always looking for quality services for their kids, especially a kid with special needs." Kristina McNamara is mother of a child that was diagnosed with developed mental delays, a conduct disorder a seizure disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. After two brain surgeries, Mrs. McNamara's daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. Mrs. McNamara said it would have benefitted her to be a part of a support group when her daughter was younger, because she has learned a lot from joining this support group. "When you find another parent that can give you information that's helpful, that's going to alleviate stress, because you're stressing about what you're going to get for your child," Mrs. McNamara said. She said the group also provided information about certain medical appoints qualifying as a temporary duty assignment. She can get reimbursement for taking her daughter to medical facilities in Dallas, because the care isn't available in Sheppard's surrounding areas. For more information regarding the Special Needs Parent Support Group you may contact Lieutenant Forquer at 676-6075.