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A child doesn’t need every word to make sense; they need a safe space where rhythm, pictures, and patience invite them in. That’s the spirit of our conversation with author-illustrator Carly Ann Osborne, who blends classroom experience with creative storytelling to help neurodivergent children feel recognised. We explore how The Cute Newt draws from autistic traits and Quinn the Penguin captures ADHD energy, and why those pages matter most when a child says, “I do that.”

Carly shares hard-won insights from working in a mainstream school with neurodivergent pupils: listen beyond words, follow the child’s lead, and give communication more than one doorway. Some children speak in stories or metaphors, others in gestures, drawings, or movement. We talk about co-regulation, the calming power of routine, and simple tools like visual supports and movement breaks that foster trust. Along the way, we swap stories about fostering, where needs vary widely and progress often shows up weeks or months after the first try—proof that patience beats pressure.

We also dig into representation and access. From the first autistic Barbie to classroom bookshelves, seeing yourself on the page can dissolve shame and build confidence. Carly’s characters come from real encounters—a school pond full of newts, a traveller’s penguin photos, a child searching for a 3D-printed capybara—keeping the work grounded and relatable. And yes, we get into the realities of self-publishing versus traditional deals, how indie authors reach schools, and why clarity and craft matter more than celebrity. If you care about children’s mental health, inclusive education, and stories that validate different ways of being, you’ll find ideas you can use tonight at story time.

Subscribe for more conversations on fostering, neurodiversity, and children’s books that open doors. Share this episode with someone who needs fresh tools and leave a review to help others find the show.

For those interested in what Palliative care looks like at home there is "The Last Kiss" (Not a Romance)
Available on Amazon now
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