My Brain is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration follows a little girl who explores her senses in a creative and fun manner. What was the inspiration for your story?

My inspiration is my daughter. She’s now five years old, but the book was written when she was two; we just started her assessments with medical professionals for her neurodiversity diagnosis. I wanted to give her an easy way to communicate her sensory needs to me so that I could help her to regulate and fulfill those needs.

I wanted to remind myself (and her) that everyone processes information in different ways, and that should be celebrated. I wanted to focus on how she learns and processes information from the environment and show it in a positive light. By using animals, children can verbalize and easily express their sensory needs to grown-ups, who can then help them to meet those needs. For example, I feel like an octopus, I want to touch things, or I feel like a lion, I want to be loud today.

As a two-year-old, she had a limited vocabulary, but all kids that age are familiar with animals, so that’s how the book came to be.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

Sensory seekers are individuals who have a strong desire for sensory input, such as movement, touch, and sound. They may seek out intense sensory experiences and engage in behaviors such as jumping, spinning, or touching objects with different textures, so I wanted to write something that helps parents and educators to provide those inputs in a safe and meaningful way. Educators might not be aware that a child has additional sensory needs, so the book provides a way for kids to communicate this and also the jacket cover and endpapers have sensory ideas for grown-ups to help facilitate these needs. I wanted a resource that is easy for parents and educators to pull out and really practical ideas to incorporate into daily routines.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about neurodiversity and sensory processing?

A common misconception about neurodiversity and sensory processing is that sensory sensitivities or challenges are simply a matter of preference or overreaction. This misconception can lead to the belief that individuals who experience sensory processing differences are being difficult, dramatic, or seeking attention. It’s important to look at these behaviors and examine the reasons why and how we can help kids meet their sensory needs. Once these needs are met, they often find it easier to regulate their emotions and behaviors, and this facilitates their learning.

In reality, sensory processing differences are neurologically based and can significantly impact how individuals perceive and respond to sensory stimuli. Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), may have heightened or diminished sensory responses, which can affect their daily lives and interactions.

What is the next story that you’re writing, and when will it be published?

I have a board book called Counting to Calm due out in 2024, also with Soaring Kite Books. It’s a picture and counting book on self-regulation for toddlers. I also have a middle-grade fiction book due next year with Dixi Books set in an ecotopian future.

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram