Understanding your Child's

Emotional Development

Soren Richardson, FND PEN, is hosting a virtual workshop with the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 10:30 am on Zoom (Register in advance) and live in the DSACF Facebook group.


This month's guest speaker is Lisa Math, Director of the Family STAR (Support, Training, Assistance, and Resources) for Family Network on Disabilities.


This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand their child’s emotional development and how to support their exceptional needs. In this presentation, we will learn how a child develops emotionally, what impacts a child’s emotional development, identify how trauma can impact health, mental health, and family dynamics, learn how to create the story you want to tell, and get resources to support your child and family.

Big picture

Workshop Resources

FND Resources

Lisa Math B.S, CRPS-F - lmath@fndfl.org

Lisa Math is the Director of Family S.T.A.R. program (STAR stands for Support, Training, Assistance, and Resources) for Family Network on Disabilities. She is also a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS-F) with an endorsement in working with Families.


In her role at FND, she supports families who have children with special healthcare needs, complex medical conditions, developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, and the professionals who serve them. She has created webinars, resource materials, curricula, and presentations that are given at conferences and meetings throughout the state.

Her most important role is that as a parent of a 25 year old young adult who has multiple medical conditions and mental health challenges. She educated herself and navigated multiple systems of care to advocate for her child's needs and has used her lived experience to support others in their journey.


Lisa is an award winning poet and writer, and enjoys traveling and watching historical dramas.

Soren Richardson - Soren@fndfl.org

Soren is Co-Director for the Parent Education Network, a project under the Family Network on Disabilities (FND). Soren has completed Florida Partners in Policymaking and Pete’s Wrightslaw workshops. Soren has been involved with the public school system and IEPs for over 6 years and enjoys educating parents on how to navigate the special education process. Soren lives in Central Florida with her husband and son. Soren was born and raised in Aruba and speaks four languages (English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento).

Florida's Leading Voice for Down Syndrome

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF) is committed to offering hope, acceptance, and empowerment to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Through ongoing programs, events, and resources for both members and non-members alike, we're building a loving Central Florida community of awareness through advocacy and education.
Upcoming webinars:

March 15, 2023: Inclusion/ WDSD

April 19: 2023: Autism Awareness Month/Dual Diagnosis

May 17, 2023: The importance of Self Advocacy

June 21, 2023: ADD/ADHD Workshop


Topics may change depending on guest speakers.


Past webinars:

June 21, 2021: Diploma Pathways: Transition Middle/High School

July 20, 2022: All About the Apps

August 17, 2022: Back to School - Know your Resources

September 32, 2022: Beginning the Journey 1

November 16, 2022: Meaningful Inclusion/Access Point

Jan 18, 2022: APD

February 15, 2023: Understanding your child's Emotional Development