Episode Details

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.

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

• 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

This book isn't about quick fixes. It's about:

• Modeling