No Brain Is The Same, an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will be hosting its Parent Support Group on Tuesday, February 17 from 5:30-7;00 pm. This initiative expands the organization’s mission to bridge the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals by providing a dedicated space for family connection, mutual support, and inclusive play.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 17, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the South Street Church (lower-level social hall), located at 292 State Street, Portsmouth.

The parent group is moderated by Michelle Long, occupational therapist with the Portsmouth School District. While parents gather to share experiences and build community, children from kindergarten through high school are invited to participate in a supervised social time. This unique format allows neurodivergent youth to play and make friends on their own terms in a safe, accepting environment.

At the heart of No Brain Is The Same’s work is a commitment to addressing the "double empathy problem"—the mutual misunderstanding that often occurs between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

“It was incredible to see so many parents at our January support group,” says Carla Cole, Founder and Executive Director of No Brain is the Same. “Between the laughter and the community, it was a truly refreshing experience. Everyone walked away with something—be it a new resource or the comfort of knowing they aren’t alone. We can’t wait to see even more new faces in February!”

In addition to family support, the organization offers impactful school assemblies and workshops featuring signature speaker Megg Thompson (@meggthompsonbehavior). A behavior specialist with over 20 years of experience, Thompson uses a relatable, dynamic approach to teach students and educators how to create truly inclusive spaces.

Event Details at a Glance:
• What: Parent Support Group & Youth Social Time
• When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Where: South Street Church (Social Hall), 292 State Street, Portsmouth, NH
• Cost: Free

Schools, educators, and community members interested in booking an assembly, attending the support group, or donating to the mission can visit www.nobrainisthesame.org.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR
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. She is also a parent to a neurodivergent young adult, and her professional path was shaped by her own experience navigating systems that often fail families. Long 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.

ABOUT NO BRAIN IS THE SAME
No Brain Is The Same is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to fostering empathy and inclusion through neurodiversity education. We provide engaging, age-appropriate assemblies and workshops for schools and communities to help bridge the understanding gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Learn more at www.nobrainisthesame.org.