At Babipur, we believe that books have the power to help children feel seen, understood, and celebrated. When My Senses Feel Safe by Windy Brzezińska is one of those rare children’s books that shines a gentle light on the everyday experiences of autistic and neurodiverse children, while also helping parents, carers, and teachers to understand sensory needs with more empathy.

We spoke with Windy about her inspiration for the book, the response so far, and her hopes for how it will support neurodivergent children and their families.

The inspiration behind the book

Windy shared that the book grew out of her own family’s experiences:

“I was inspired by my eldest son, who is autistic. Over the years I noticed the contrast between moments when he felt sensory safe and calm, and times when the world around him felt more challenging. I wanted to create something where neurodivergent children and their families could see themselves and their lived experiences reflected on the page. My hope is that children feel seen and validated, and that adults come away with a deeper understanding of what sensory safety really means.”

Helping children feel understood

So many children’s books about autism and neurodiversity focus on challenges. Windy explained that she wanted this book to feel affirming rather than deficit-based:

“So many books about neurodiversity still carry a deficit-based lens. I wanted this story to feel neutral, affirming, and true to children’s experiences, not a list of struggles or ‘fixes’. My hope is that neurodivergent children feel understood and celebrated, while adults, parents, teachers, and caregivers recognise everyday moments where their understanding and flexibility can make all the difference.”

Words and pictures working together

The illustrations by Alona add a rich sensory depth to the story. Windy describes their creative process as deeply collaborative:

“Working with Alona has been an absolute dream! We’re now working on our second book together, and she continues to amaze me with her imagination and talent. I’ll describe a scene or feeling I want captured, and she brings it to life with such sensitivity and detail. We go back and forth on elements until it feels just right. It’s a true collaboration, and I honestly couldn’t ask for a better illustrator to bring these stories into the world.”

Responses from children, parents, and teachers

Since its release, When My Senses Feel Safe has reached homes, schools, and therapy settings around the world. Windy has been touched by the feedback:

“The response has been overwhelming in the best way. When My Senses Feel Safe is being used in preschools, kindergartens, and occupational therapy settings, which is so encouraging. Parents often share that it’s been a powerful conversation starter, helping children express tricky moments they’ve experienced. Perhaps most moving of all, I’ve heard from adults, many late-diagnosed as neurodivergent, who said the book felt healing to read. I hadn’t anticipated that part, and it has been one of the most touching outcomes.”

What we should all understand about sensory needs

Windy emphasises that sensory needs may not always be visible, but they are always real:

“I wish more people understood that just because you can’t see a sensory need doesn’t mean it isn’t deeply real for the child. Our internal experiences shape how we move through the world, and for neurodivergent children those needs can be constant and consuming. That’s why it’s so essential for the outside world to validate, accommodate, and respond with compassion.”

Why Babipur loves this book

Neurodiversity touches many of our own families here at Babipur, and we feel strongly connected to the message of Windy’s work. This book isn’t about “fixing” children, it’s about recognising the richness of neurodiverse experiences and the importance of creating sensory safety in everyday life.

When My Senses Feel Safe is available at Babipur now. We’re proud to share it with our community, knowing it will bring comfort and understanding to children, families, and classrooms alike.  Buy the book online at Babipur