Neurodivergent local mom has teamed up with an autistic illustrator for a picture book about sensory differences!Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down is releasing in English and Spanish in time for Autism Acceptance Month in April.The vibration in her feet when she runs, the tap-tap-tap of her fork on the table at mealtime, the trickle of cool water running over her hands – these are the things that calm her jitters down. The brightly illustrated story follows a young girl with heightened sensory experiences throughout her day with fun, interactive sounds, and motions. This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle, stomp, or squeeze!“There were sensory preferences that I had as a child that I thought were weird or strange, not like other kids I knew,” says author Lindsey Rowe Parker, “Through pediatric occupational therapies with my kiddos, I have a greater understanding of not only some of their sensory needs, but my own. It’s like a light bulb went on, and I thought ‘Oh wow, now I get it.'”
“I knew that I wanted to partner with an illustrator that understood these experiences, and I found Rebecca Burgess, and autistic illustrator, on Twitter. From Rebecca’s first concept sketches, I knew they were absolutely the perfect person to bring this story to life. Rebecca’s approach to the characters and their relationship was humbling to me, you can feel the support and love in the illustrations.”
Lindsey is a mom at the tail end of toddler-hood, embracing the next phase of parenting while learning to navigate and advocate for her young autistic daughter. With a recent adult diagnosis of ADHD, and a new deeper understanding of her own sensory experiences, she has begun to delve into the neurodiversity community learning all she can from neurodivergent voices. This is her first picture book, and she hopes it connects with everyone who has felt the need for a wiggle, stomp or squeeze!
Get the Book! You can preorder Wiggles, Stomps and Squeezes Calm my Jitters Down at Amazon.com and Bookshop.org. Or you can request it from your local bookstore!Connect with us on: