Parent Education Series
Practical tools for managing meltdowns, school meetings, and everything in between.
Starting October 6, 2026 at the Portsmouth Public Library.
Does your child have a new or suspected diagnosis of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, 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 in-person and online education series for parents of neurodivergent kids, starting Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Portsmouth Public Library*.
The series is FREE and open to the public, but registration is required.
*While all parents are invited to attend, this series is designed for parents of kids with a new or suspected diagnosis of ADHD, autism or other learning difference.
FULL SERIES SCHEDULE
Neurodiversity 101: Brains, Behavior, and Big Feelings Tuesday, October 6 / REGISTER
The School Survival Guide: Navigating the Special Education Process Tuesday, October 13 / REGISTER
Kids Do Well If They Can: An Intro to Collaborative Problem Solving Tuesday, October 20 / REGISTER
You Matter, Too: Managing Parent Stress, Burnout, and the Urge to Hide in the Pantry Tuesday, October 27 / REGISTER
Lost in Translation: Helping Others Understand Your Neurodivergent Child Tuesday, November 3 / REGISTER
Come for one session or the whole adventure — whatever your bandwidth, childcare, or nervous system will allow.
Note: The button below will take you to the Portsmouth Public Library registration page. You will need to register for each session separately using the links on their website.
Questions? Send us a note.
Session Descriptions
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Navigating your child’s development can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. This presentation offers a comprehensive guide to understanding neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, AuDHD, learning differences, and communication disorders. 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. Join us to demystify the evaluation journey and gain the tools to confidently advocate for your child’s unique strengths.
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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. It will also offer practical information, helpful resources, and opportunities to build confidence in navigating school systems. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how to advocate for their child, collaborate with school teams, and ensure their neurodivergent child has access to the supports and opportunities needed to learn, grow, and thrive. While we will focus on the special education process in NH, we will also provide information on federal special education protections and provide resources for families in other states. -
This session will introduce the basic principles of Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to understanding and helping kids and adults 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. -
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. Find out practical ways to validate your own experience, calm your nervous system, and care for yourself with the same fierce love you give your child.
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Parents often find themselves acting as translators—helping teachers, coaches, grandparents, healthcare providers, and others understand how their neurodivergent child experiences the world. This practical, strengths-based workshop explores how advocacy changes over time, from speaking for your child in the early years to supporting them in becoming their own self-advocate. 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.
Speaker Bios
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Dr. Melissa Senior is a licensed psychologist and owner of Resilient Minds Psychology, PLLC, in Windham, NH. Specializing in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for children and adolescents, she focuses on high-masking ADHD, autism, and learning disorders. Dr. Senior practices from a neuroaffirming perspective, prioritizing customized supports and interventions that honor each child's unique strengths. Her background in public schools provides a valuable lens for guiding families through educational services, and she actively advocates for students in school meetings. Dr. Senior earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill, where she later served as an adjunct professor. She is licensed in NH, MA, and NC, and holds a PSYPACT credential to practice virtually in 40 states. -
Jennifer Cunha is the Director of Programs for the Parent Information Center. She holds a BS in Special Education from Lesley College and has spent the last 24 years supporting parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs to navigate and advocate in the NH special education process. She believes that when families, educators, and other professionals have the skills necessary to work together as team members, children experience stronger outcomes. The Parent Information Center has served as NH’s Parent Training and Information Center since 1977. Its purpose is to support parents of children/youth with disabilities and special health care needs, and the professionals who support them, work together more effectively. -
Greta Gauthier is a dedicated school counselor with over twenty years of experience supporting students and families in New Hampshire public schools. Throughout her career, she has worked across elementary and high school levels, gaining a deep understanding of child development and the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent youth at every stage of their education. Additionally, Gauthier is a certified trainer of Collaborative Problem Solving, an evidence based, trauma informed approach developed at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Think:Kids program. The Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) approach helps kids meet expectations, reduces concerning behavior, builds children’s skills, and improves family relationships. Gauthier holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Vanderbilt University and a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. -
Eliza Humphreys, MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician, certified life coach, and founder of Eliza Humphreys MD, LLC, a coaching practice dedicated to helping parents and caregivers achieve work-life balance, communicate with confidence, and live in alignment with their values. Drawing on more than 20 years of clinical pediatric experience and advanced training in trauma-informed coaching, mindful self-compassion, and transformational parenting, she brings a unique blend of medical expertise and compassionate coaching to her work. Dr. Humphreys is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a facilitator of trauma-responsive workplace trainings, and a physician peer supporter. She writes about parenting and well-being for Psychology Today and KevinMD, and holds degrees from Bowdoin College, UCSF School of Medicine, and UC Berkeley School of Public Health.
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Michelle Long is a neurodiversity-affirming occupational therapist in the Portsmouth School District where she supports neurodivergent students from kindergarten through high school and into community transition programming. Michelle brings a deep respect for disability and difference to her work, grounded in both her upbringing and over a decade of immersion in neurodiversity-affirming practice. She regularly provides trainings and presentations for schools, parent groups, and professional organizations, with a focus on helping neurodivergent children—and their families—thrive, not just cope.
What is SPNK?
SPNK 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.