Adventures in Neurodivergent Parenting! Join us for a FREE 5-part education series starting on October 6th.

Does your child have a new or suspected diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia or other learning difference? Do you have a million unanswered questions, feel like you’re barely holding it together some days and find yourself googling “what is a 504 plan” long after everyone is asleep?

We’ve got you.

Join us for Adventures in Neurodivergent Parenting, a FREE 5-part education series for parents of neurodivergent kids, starting Tuesday, October 6th at the Portsmouth Public Library (Zoom options available – because we know how hard it is to get a sitter!)

Please click here to register on the Portsmouth Library website

Tuesday, October 6th: Neurodiversity 101: Brains Behavior and Big Feelings – Dr. Melissa Senior
Join us to demystify the evaluation journey and gain the tools to confidently advocate for your child’s unique strengths. We will explore how to recognize the subtle differences between typical development and neurodivergent traits, and identify who to contact when questions arise. You will learn about the psychological evaluation process—including why, when, and how they are conducted—and receive practical questions to help you find the right evaluator for your family. We will also discuss how to prepare your child for testing and what to expect afterward, from school accommodations to community and medical support.

Tuesday, October 13th: The School Survival Guide: Navigating the Special Education Process – Parent Information Center & Maine Parent Federation
Families play an essential role in helping children succeed in school, and understanding the supports available when they are struggling can make a meaningful difference. This workshop provides a family-friendly overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Special Education (Individualized Education Program/IEP) and the services and protections available to neurodivergent children. While we will focus on the special education process in NH & ME, we will also provide information on federal special education protections and provide resources for families in other states.

Tuesday, October 20th: Kids Do Well if They Can: An Intro to Collaborative Problem Solving – Greta Gauthier
This session will introduce the basic principles of Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to understanding and helping kids with behavioral challenges. Participants gain a more empathetic and accurate understanding of what causes undesired behavior and are given an overview of the key components of the CPS approach. After this course you will be able to recognize situations where lagging thinking skills can lead to undesired behaviors, know your three options for responding to challenging situations and what they can accomplish, and identify how using the CPS approach can lead to positive connection and growth.

Tuesday, October 27th: You Matter Too: Managing Parent Stress, Burnout and the Urge to Hide in the Pantry – Dr. Eliza Humphreys
Parenting a neurodivergent child is a journey marked by fierce love, endless advocacy, unpredictable days, and moments when hiding in the pantry feels like the only reasonable plan. How do parents keep showing up when their own tank is empty? What does it actually take to stay regulated when your child is dysregulated? Your well-being isn’t optional; it’s the foundation on which everything else rests. Learn how stress and burnout show up in caregivers, why self-compassion is a skill, and what co-regulation really looks like in the messy moments.

Tuesday, November 3rd: Lost in Translation: Helping Others Understand Your Neurodivergent Child – Michelle Long, Occupational Therapist
Parents often find themselves acting as translators—helping teachers, coaches, grandparents, healthcare providers, and others understand how their neurodivergent child experiences the world. We’ll discuss advocacy across school, home, family, and community settings, explore how it may look different for children with visible and less visible support needs, and share concrete tools—including sample letters, conversation starters, and practical strategies that families can use right away.

Supporting Parents of Neurodivergent Kids provides parents of neurodivergent kids with education, resources and community to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and support parent mental health. Through knowledge and compassion, we empower families to better understand neurodiversity, strengthen the parent-child connection, and confidently advocate and support their child.