Events | UC Davis MIND Institute

The UC Davis MIND Institute provides a diverse range of events that are open to the community. These events cater to various interests and needs. Some of the offerings include informative lectures, support groups specifically designed for parents, teenagers, and siblings, family festivals, resource fairs, and many other engaging activities. These events are aimed at fostering a sense of community and providing valuable resources and support to individuals and families.

Join thousands of 22q families worldwide to celebrate a fun-filled awareness day at zoos all over the world! Organized and developed by the International 22q11.2 Foundation, 22q at the Zoo is aimed at raising the public profile of Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion syndromes.

The Sacramento Zoo event is Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. 1 p.m., supported by the 22q Healthy Minds Clinic of the UC Davis MIND Institute and the UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center.
Email hs-22q@ucdavis.edu if you're interested in attending.

The MIND Institute's Child Life Program organizes fun events that are free and open to everyone in the community. These events are designed for the whole family to enjoy and include activities that are suitable for kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Some of the events we've had in the past include movie nights, family game nights, trunk-or-treat events, and a family resource fair where you can find helpful resources.

Distinguished Lecturer Series

The UC Davis MIND Institute’s Distinguished Lecturer Series are public lectures by nationally and internationally-recognized researchers in neurodevelopmental disabilities.

The Summer Institute on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

This annual event is intended to help participants keep pace with the latest in evidence-based treatment and research on neurodevelopmental disabilities and the implications for best practices in prevention, assessment, and treatment. We are excited to offer this inter-disciplinary event, bringing together researchers and self-advocates to share valuable information and personal experience. This event is open to all health care professionals, educators, therapists, self-advocates and families/caregivers.

Seminarios de excelencia en investigación del neurodesarrollo (SEIN)

Seminars of Excellence in Neurodevelopmental Research (SEIN)

Los Seminarios de excelencia en investigación del neurodesarrollo (SEIN) es una iniciativa del Instituto MIND que tiene como objetivo la divulgación de la información científica más actual relacionada con el neurodesarrollo y trastornos asociados. Los ponentes de estos seminarios incluyen reconocidos investigadores clínicos y básicos especializados en el tema. Estos seminarios son en español y dirigidos a investigadores y profesionales de todos los países de habla hispana. Familias son bienvenidas.

Presentaciones anteriores del SEIN en YouTube

Sankofa (African American Developmental Disabilities Alliance) (PDF)

The parent support group, the African American Developmental Disability Parent Alliance is now named Sankofa Parent Support Group. The word Sankofa comes from an African language which means “go back and fetch it” which is significant to the mission and purpose of the group which is to take information and resources we learn back to people in the community. Sankofa was founded in 2015 in order to meet the unique needs of parents of Black children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Since our inception, Sankofa has supported the needs of the parents by providing advocacy and resources that have increased awareness of developmental disabilities at the community level.

Dinner and childcare will be provided. For more information about Sankofa, contact bjcshaw@ucdavis.edu. These meetings are co-sponsored by the UC Davis Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CEDD) and Warmline Family Resource and Parent Training and Information Center.

MIND Institute Sibling Support

2025 In-Person Sibling Sessions (PDF): This program is for kids and teens (ages 7-17) who have a sibling with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or other neurodevelopmental conditions. These sessions provide a supportive and welcoming space where siblings can be themselves, feel valued, and openly discuss the joys and challenges of having a sibling with different needs.

2025 Virtual Sibling Group (PDF): Our virtual sibling groups are for children (ages 7-13) who have a sibling with autism, ADHD, fragile X syndrome, down syndrome or other neurodevelopmental conditions. These groups provide a supportive and welcoming space where siblings can be themselves, feel valued, and openly discuss the joys and challenges of having a sibling with different needs.

Family Navigator Virtual Parent Support Group

Navigating school, therapies, and in home services can be overwhelming. Join us for a discussion group with Family Navigator parent mentors to learn more about community resources. Group members are encouraged to bring related questions and share their experiences. Ongoing participation is welcome.

To receive your Zoom link, please register now.

Group content varies across sessions, please contact the Family Navigator program with specific requests or questions: 916-734-4152 or hs-mindfnp@ucdavis.edu

Family Navigator Support Group: Parents of Adult Children and Teens (PACT)

Join us for a discussion group with the Family Navigator team. This group is open to families and supporters of people in their teens through adulthood. Group members are encouraged to bring questions and share their experiences. Ongoing participation is welcome.

For more information, please contact 916-734-4152 or hs-mindfnp@ucdavis.edu

CEDD Padres para Padres (Parents Supporting Parents)

CEDD Padres para Padres es un grupo de apoyo contínuo que se lleva a cabo completamente en español. Esta es una oportunidad para que los padres de niños y adultos con discapacidades del desarrollo del condado de Sacramento, compartan sus recursos, ideas y sentimientos en un ambiente de apoyo y confidencialidad. Las reuniones se llevan a cabo el primer martes de cada mes de 6 a 8 p.m. a través de Zoom.Para registrarse, por favor llame al 916-734-1812 o envíe un correo electrónico a ccorral@ucdavis.edu. Patrocinado por el CEDD Centro para la Excelencia en Discapacidades del Desarrollo.

CEDD Parents Supporting Parents is an ongoing support group that is conducted entirely in Spanish. This is an opportunity for parents of children and adults with developmental disabilities of Sacramento County, to share their resources, ideas, and feelings in a supportive and confidential environment. Meetings are held on the First Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. via Zoom. To register, please call 916-734-1812 or send an email to ccorral@ucdavis.edu. Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.