Big Little Feelings Bring Neuroaffirming Parenting to Help Group Summit
The TIME100 Most Influential Digital Voices of 2026, bestselling authors, and parenting experts will headline Help Group’s flagship summit, bringing their neuroaffirming, evidence-informed approach to supporting children and families
Help Group’s 30th annual Summit takes place October 16 at the Skirball Cultural Center
Tickets available now at helpgroupsummit.org
Help Group, a leading nonprofit serving children, adolescents, and individuals with autism, learning differences, and mental health needs for more than 85 years, today announced that Big Little Feelings founders and bestselling authors Deena Margolin, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Kristin Gallant will keynote its 30th Annual Help Group Summit, taking place Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The annual conference convenes nationally recognized researchers, clinicians, educators, advocates, and caregivers to share the latest evidence-based strategies and innovations advancing neurodiversity, mental health, and child development.
As trusted parenting experts whose work reaches millions of parents every day, Gallant and Margolin’s keynote will challenge one of the most deeply rooted assumptions in parenting: that children’s behavior is something to fix. Drawing from neuroscience, lived experience, and the voices of neurodivergent adults, they’ll introduce a growing neuroaffirming framework that asks parents, educators, and clinicians to view behavior as communication from a child’s nervous system.
“We are honored to keynote Help Group’s 30th Annual Summit and to be part of a day focused on supporting children, families, educators, and clinicians with compassion, clarity, and practical tools,” said Deena Margolin and Kristin Gallant, founders of Big Little Feelings. “So much of our work is rooted in helping adults better understand what is happening beneath an individual’s behavior and respond in ways that build connection, emotional resilience, and trust. Help Group’s commitment to neurodiversity, mental health, and whole-child support aligns deeply with that mission, and we’re excited to join this community for such a meaningful milestone year.”
Centered on this year’s theme, “Limitless,” the 2026 Help Group Summit will explore how research, collaboration, and person-centered support can unlock potential at every stage of life. Designed for mental health professionals, educators, therapists, parents, and caregivers, the day-long event will feature expert-led sessions on autism, ADHD, emotional well-being, executive functioning, learning differences, and family support, while providing continuing education opportunities and practical tools attendees can bring back to their homes, schools, clinics, and communities.
“We’re excited to welcome Deena Margolin and Kristin Gallant to this year’s Help Group Summit,” said Dr. Susan Berman, CEO of Help Group. “This year’s theme, ‘Limitless,’ reflects our belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive and that’s made possible when they’re supported by compassionate care, evidence-based practices, and a community that believes in their potential. Bringing together leaders in research, education, and clinical care creates a unique opportunity for professionals and families to learn from one another and move the field forward together.
Celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, Help Group continues to shape the future of neurodiversity and mental health through its nationally recognized schools, clinical services, research-driven programming, and community initiatives. Most recently, the organization expanded its community impact by opening a new LGBTQ+ Youth Center in Hollywood, creating a welcoming and affirming space for young people to access support, resources, and connection. Signature events like the Help Group Summit and the Mental Health Matters Breakfast bring together leading experts, educators, advocates, and families to foster collaboration, share evidence-based practices, and champion greater opportunity for individuals and communities.