Washington DC, District of Columbia
11 Members
The purpose of this group is to foster a sense of community, support, and connection for families impacted by juvenile arthritis. Through a mix of online presentations and in-person family events, we aim to provide meaningful opportunities each month to learn, connect, and grow together. Most importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone- you are part of a larger, compassionate community that understands and stands with you.
Our primary focus for in-person events is supporting families in the Metro DC area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia
Upcoming Events
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Wednesday, January 14th, 20267:15 PM ET1h
-
Virtual Event
- 5 people attending
Come together for peer-led sessions on a variety of topics and group activities as it relates to raising a child
with JA. We foster a sense of community, support, and connection for families impacted by juvenile arthritis.
We aim to provide meaningful opportunities each month to learn, connect, and grow together. Most
importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone- you are part of a larger, compassionate community that understands and stands with you.
Join the conversation.
-
Wednesday, March 11th, 20267:15 PM ET1h
-
Virtual Event
- 4 people attending
Come together for peer-led sessions on a variety of topics and group activities as it relates to raising a child
with JA. We foster a sense of community, support, and connection for families impacted by juvenile arthritis.
We aim to provide meaningful opportunities each month to learn, connect, and grow together. Most
importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone- you are part of a larger, compassionate community that understands and stands with you.
Join the conversation.
- Event List
-
Wednesday, January 14th, 20267:15 PM ET1h
-
Virtual Event
- 5 people attending
Come together for peer-led sessions on a variety of topics and group activities as it relates to raising a child
with JA. We foster a sense of community, support, and connection for families impacted by juvenile arthritis.
We aim to provide meaningful opportunities each month to learn, connect, and grow together. Most
importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone- you are part of a larger, compassionate community that understands and stands with you.
Join the conversation.
-
Wednesday, March 11th, 20267:15 PM ET1h
-
Virtual Event
- 4 people attending
Come together for peer-led sessions on a variety of topics and group activities as it relates to raising a child
with JA. We foster a sense of community, support, and connection for families impacted by juvenile arthritis.
We aim to provide meaningful opportunities each month to learn, connect, and grow together. Most
importantly, we want you to know that you are not alone- you are part of a larger, compassionate community that understands and stands with you.
Join the conversation.
-
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
-
Virtual Event
-
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
-
Virtual Event
-
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
-
Sunday, May 17th, 2026
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Thursday, July 16th, 2026
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Connect Groups - Metro DC (DMV) JA Families
Comment
Comments [1]
Hello everyone,
Our kid was just diagnosed this week so we are looking for any resources taht you may be able to share. Specifically, we are hoping folks can help direct us to: 1. Rhematologist/Immunologist that is solid pediatrics but also treats adults - we have a teen diagnosis and would like continuity of care into young adulthood. If not, we will take your best ped. rec. in the DMV, ideally NW DC or nearby MD.
2. Othamologist that could assess, monitor, treat for potential occular involvement. Again, ped. to adult would be ideal but we need ped. at the moment.
3. PT recs.
4. OT recs. and specifically one that would be available to go to school and support with specialized activities - our kid has an advanced skill that they engage in at school that may require accomodation during flare-ups.
Thank you so much. Also, if you know any groups for teen girls or just any support info. you can offer would be very meaningful.
Did your child get diagnosed by a rheumatologist?
1. Rheumatologist/Immunologist (Pediatrics → Adult Continuity)
Dr. Patience White (GW / DC) – Board-certified in both pediatrics and adult rheumatology, and highly regarded for helping teens transition into adult care. Located in NW DC/MD-friendly radius.
2. Ophthalmology (for monitoring/treating ocular involvement)
Eye Doctors of Washington (Chevy Chase / NW DC) – Strong pediatric ophthalmology team; easy access for NW DC or MD suburbs.
Wilmer Eye Institute – Johns Hopkins (Bethesda) – Pediatric ophthalmology with experience in JIA-related uveitis and long-term monitoring.
3. Pediatric Physical Therapy (PT)
Milestone Therapeutic Services (DC/MD) – Provides pediatric PT with experience supporting kids and teens with chronic conditions and flare-related mobility challenges.
4. Pediatric Occupational Therapy (OT) + School Support
Dynamic Kid (DC/MD) – Offers OT for ages 0–21 and can work directly with schools to support specialized activities and accommodations.
Paradigm Therapy Partners – Another DC-area option that provides school-based OT and coordination.
5. Peer Support / Teen Resources
The Arthritis Foundation often hosts teen meet-ups, family programs, and online youth communities — great for connection and support.
Some providers (especially larger practices/hospitals) also run teen chronic-illness or transition-age support groups, so asking your rheumatologist’s office can be helpful.
If anyone has additional recommendations — especially rheumatologists or ophthalmologists with both pediatric and adult experience, or any support groups for teen girls — we’d really appreciate it. Thank you to everyone willing to share guidance as we get our bearings this week.