We Wrote a Book! Introducing The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners With Sarah Habib

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!

https://youtu.be/kh9FxP9YRxM?si=hGIBq-moWwC5X3df

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.

Connect with Tara Phillips

Learn more about Tara and her work at www.autismlittlelearners.com
Follow along on Instagram at @autismlittlelearners

Be sure to explore Tara's neurodiversity-affirming resources, trainings, and classroom-ready supports designed to help educators and caregivers feel confident supporting young autistic and neurodivergent learners.

Final Words

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.