In this special episode, Tara sits down with her friend and collaborator Sarah Habib from The Calm Caterpillar to share some exciting news—you’re hearing it here first! Together, they’ve written a brand-new book, The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners, and this conversation takes you behind the scenes of how it came to life and why it’s so needed.
This episode is a must-listen for educators, therapists, and parents who want practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support regulation, transitions, and connection—without compliance-based approaches.
About the Book
The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners is a 90-page, full-color, action-oriented guide designed to be:
- Easy to read and visually supportive
- Practical and immediately usable in classrooms and homes
- Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, non-compliance-based practices
The book includes:
- Real classroom photos and examples
- Scripts you can actually use
- Visual supports and calming strategies
- QR codes for free downloadable resources
- Tools for co-regulation, not just “self-regulation”
- Ideas for supporting transitions, calm corners, sensory needs, and deep interests
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
- How the idea for the book started (spoiler: it began with a simple message ☺️)
- Why regulation is the foundation for learning, connection, and communication
- The importance of modeling regulation strategies as adults
- Why mindfulness strategies should be practiced in a regulated state
- How to move away from token boards and “earning” regulation tools
- Using deep interests (like favorite characters) to support transitions and engagement
- Real-life classroom examples that actually worked
- Why consistency across home, school, and childcare matters so much
- The difference between compliance-based approaches and compassionate, child-centered ones
A Big Takeaway
This book isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about:
- Modeling
- Consistency
- Trust
- And honoring how neurodivergent learners experience the world
As Tara and Sarah emphasize, slow burns are okay—real change takes time, repetition, and relationship.
Special Listener Bonus
Podcast listeners get 15% off the book!
👉 Buy the book here or go to www.autismlittlelearners.com/all15
🧾 Use code: ALL15
Feel free to share this episode with colleagues, family members, childcare providers, or anyone who supports neurodivergent learners.
Watch this episode on YouTube here to see everything Tara & Sarah are talking about!
Connect with Sarah Habib
- Website: www.thecalmcaterpillar.com
- Instagram: @thecalmcaterpillar
Be sure to check out Sarah’s regulation tools mentioned in the episode, including Bloomie, Flutter, and Rory, which are being used in classrooms around the world.
This episode is a celebration—of collaboration, shared values, and a resource created with deep care for neurodivergent learners and the adults who support them. As Tara says, regulation is the foundation—and this book is a powerful place to start.
