How it allstarted
About
In 2020, a lonely 14-year-old autistic boy, Eli, was asking his mother who his friends were. His mother, Morinda Cottam, had no good answer.
A week later, six neurodivergent teens were gathered to make pizza and watch movies. The evening was a smashing success.
With that, co-founders Zoë Hart-Wagstaff and Morinda Cottam got to work building The Motley Squad.
“I couldn't help but wonder if there were other teens like Eli just looking for a place in this world to belong, or other parents with hearts breaking just like mine.”
And it turns out, neurodivergent minds make extraordinary friendships.
What we do
Each month, we curate a diverse calendar of activities, outings, and events including game nights, bowling, museum visits, and more—ensuring every neurodivergent participant has consistent monthly opportunities to come build community exactly as they are.
What webelieve
Friends First
Social skills should be more than a theory– they need a circle of friends to practice them in. We are that circle.
Come as You Are
Neurodivergent tendencies? No problem. Typical is over-rated anyway.
Your Squad
Check out the calendar and come to the hangouts that sound good to you. We know it works because our friends keep coming back.
Facilitators on Hand
Instead of coaching, we plan, create safe space, and then let you do the rest. Community grows when familiarity turns into friendship.
