If you’re raising a special needs child in New Hampshire, you’ve probably discovered something pretty quickly: the resources are out there… but no one tells you where they are, how to find them, or that they even exist.
I remember sitting at my kitchen table one night — my son’s therapy schedule open on one side, my husband’s medical notes on the other — thinking, “How are families supposed to do this without help?”
But over the years, through trial and error and a whole lot of late-night Googling, I started finding little pockets of support. The kind that makes life just a little easier, a little lighter, a little more doable.
And today, I want to share five of the most helpful (and surprisingly unknown) free or low-cost supports available to New Hampshire families.
These aren’t the big, formal programs that require endless paperwork. These are the real-world gems you can start using right away.
1. NH Family Voices: Your “I Wish Someone Told Me This” Resource
This is the #1 resource I wish I had found sooner.
NH Family Voices is run by parents who live the special-needs life. They offer:
- One-on-one guidance
- Help understanding insurance
- Workshops
- Support groups
- Mental health resources
- Help navigating the school and medical systems.
It’s completely free — and they never make you feel judged or rushed. It feels like talking to someone who finally “gets it.”
2. Sensory-Friendly Events at Local Libraries
This one surprises a lot of families because it’s not advertised well, but many NH libraries offer:
- Sensory playrooms
- Quiet reading times
- Adaptive story hours
- Noise-reducing sensory bags
- Calming reading spaces
They’re free, low-pressure, and perfect for kids who may need a slower, softer environment.
And honestly? Sometimes we need that environment too.
3. Family Support Funding (Through Your Area Agency)
Most families have NO idea this exists, and yet it can be incredibly helpful.
Even if your child doesn’t qualify for complete developmental services, many area agencies offer a small pot of Family Support funds. These can be used for things like:
- Weighted blankets
- Sensory tools
- Safety gear
- Therapy supplies
- Camps
- Adaptive equipment
- Respite care
The amounts vary, but even a few hundred dollars can make a huge difference when everything feels expensive.
4. Adaptive Recreation Programs (Low Cost or Donation-Based)
Across New Hampshire, you can find inclusive programs such as:
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Adaptive swim lessons
- TOPSoccer
- Sled hockey
- Sensory-friendly movie showings
- Art programs for neurodivergent kids
Many work on a sliding scale, and some are entirely donation-based.
They give our kids something more critical than therapy — joy, confidence, and connection.
5. Parent Peer Support Groups (Online & In-Person)
This might be the most underrated resource of all.
Peer support isn’t formal. It’s not clinical. It’s not a bunch of paperwork.
It’s simply parents sharing what they’ve learned — the shortcuts, the support, the comfort.
And when you’re raising a child with disabilities and caring for a spouse with special needs, that emotional support becomes vital for your well-being and resilience.
Some of the best places to find free parent-to-parent groups include:
- NH Family Voices
- Facebook groups for NH autism and disability families
- Local mental health centers
- YMCA adaptive programs
- Your Area Agency’s monthly meetups
Even one conversation with another parent can shift the weight on your shoulders.
You Deserve Support Too
New Hampshire may not have the most comprehensive system, but there are resources here — and you deserve to know about them.
Whether it’s a free sensory program, a small funding option, or a parent who understands what it feels like to be stretched thin, every piece matters.
Save this list and share it to help others feel empowered and connected in our community.
And please remember:
You don’t have to do this alone.
