What do you think?
Rate this book
When My Brain Is Messy
A rhyming story filled with colorful illustrations, “When My Brain Is Messy” is about a young autistic dinosaur who experiences BIG emotions from sensory processing differences.
Written from the young dinosaur's point of view, using simple words that are easy for kids to understand - Suitable for ages 2-8 years.
Offers coping techniques and tools to help achieve emotional regulation.
Watch as your child notices the dinosaur’s tummy changing color every time they achieve calm and happiness.
Helping autistic kids feel seen and accepted for who they are - “That dinosaur is just like me!”
Recommended by psychologists, occupational therapists, and teachers.
“My body needs some time and space
to stop and to reset.
This little space can really help
and makes me less upset”
Written from the young dinosaur's point of view, using simple words that are easy for kids to understand - Suitable for ages 2-8 years.
Offers coping techniques and tools to help achieve emotional regulation.
Watch as your child notices the dinosaur’s tummy changing color every time they achieve calm and happiness.
Helping autistic kids feel seen and accepted for who they are - “That dinosaur is just like me!”
Recommended by psychologists, occupational therapists, and teachers.
“My body needs some time and space
to stop and to reset.
This little space can really help
and makes me less upset”
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2023
10 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 17, 2023
Well written and so beautiful
10/10 recommend. This book covers all the bases, from a Mum of an Autistic 3 year old, this is perfect for explaining situations clearly and sensitively. It would be perfect for schools to share with the sensitive kids and help educate others.
10/10 recommend. This book covers all the bases, from a Mum of an Autistic 3 year old, this is perfect for explaining situations clearly and sensitively. It would be perfect for schools to share with the sensitive kids and help educate others.
March 31, 2024
Technically, this is a book for kids, but I bought it for myself because I thought the concept was cute and the drawings adorable.
I wasn't expecting to end up crying though, simply because I felt so seen.
I wish I had have this when I was a kid.
I wasn't expecting to end up crying though, simply because I felt so seen.
I wish I had have this when I was a kid.
April 14, 2024
Great story explaining what it’s like to be neurodivergent
Sweet rhyming book about being neurodivergent and some of the things that can help with the “messy brain” feeling. I read it on kindle unlimited but have now bought the paperback to have at home for my kids
Sweet rhyming book about being neurodivergent and some of the things that can help with the “messy brain” feeling. I read it on kindle unlimited but have now bought the paperback to have at home for my kids
December 23, 2023
So wonderful!
November 18, 2024
This book was pretty cute. Since it's a picture book it's super easy and fast to read. Which tbh you just need sometimes. I think this really is a great way to teach children about sensory issues. It's an easy, fun and cute way tbh in my opinion. It really gets the point across. Also liked the rhymes in it, it was nice. So i learned something important in a fun and cute way. And i just love cute dinosaurs so that was also a plus point.
July 31, 2025
Fantastic social story
I loved this book. It is written in accessible language for both adults and children. It explores feelings and would be great to use with all children, especially neurodivergent children. The suggestions of what to do to help children regulate are brilliant. The illustrations compliment the text beautifully, making the tone of the book warm and friendly. I believe it is a book children would choose to read time and time again.
I loved this book. It is written in accessible language for both adults and children. It explores feelings and would be great to use with all children, especially neurodivergent children. The suggestions of what to do to help children regulate are brilliant. The illustrations compliment the text beautifully, making the tone of the book warm and friendly. I believe it is a book children would choose to read time and time again.
September 22, 2024
wonderful book
Added this to my kindle to read to my grandson and granddaughter as they are both on the spectrum (one diagnosed one waiting for assessment) Read it myself first and it is so helpful. My granddaughter is recently diagnosed with autism so we are still learning. My grandson hasn’t been diagnosed yet but he obviously has autistic traits. This book will help them both so much
Added this to my kindle to read to my grandson and granddaughter as they are both on the spectrum (one diagnosed one waiting for assessment) Read it myself first and it is so helpful. My granddaughter is recently diagnosed with autism so we are still learning. My grandson hasn’t been diagnosed yet but he obviously has autistic traits. This book will help them both so much
December 18, 2023
excellent
My daughter read this book aloud with me and it helped us to make sense of our messy brains and why we sometimes feel a bit sensitive - we are just overstimulated. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who is or suspects they are neurodivergent or has an ND kid.
My daughter read this book aloud with me and it helped us to make sense of our messy brains and why we sometimes feel a bit sensitive - we are just overstimulated. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who is or suspects they are neurodivergent or has an ND kid.
September 23, 2024
This is a great little book for all kids, we all have days when our feelings are messed up. It's written in rhyme with beautiful illustrations, showing ways to calm your head a little when things become too much. Loved this cute little book.
October 6, 2024
Amazing book for all children
Tania has written such a beautiful book that perfectly explains how children can feel sometimes.
It is written in such a beautiful way without judgement and perfect for all children.
The illustrations fit perfectly with the story as well.
Tania has written such a beautiful book that perfectly explains how children can feel sometimes.
It is written in such a beautiful way without judgement and perfect for all children.
The illustrations fit perfectly with the story as well.
February 3, 2024
Super cute!
Loved this book! Really great illustrations. I would highly recommend to any family. O hope to read more from this author in the future.
Loved this book! Really great illustrations. I would highly recommend to any family. O hope to read more from this author in the future.
April 6, 2024
When My Brain Is Messy by Tania Wieclaw – A perfect story for a sensitive or neurodivergent little reader! Happy Reading!
August 30, 2025
Amazing book 📖
February 15, 2025
such a cute book
Such an adorable depiction of autism for children! Im an autistic child and this is such a perfect yet powerful description of autism
Such an adorable depiction of autism for children! Im an autistic child and this is such a perfect yet powerful description of autism
August 3, 2025
Absolutely wonderful. Gentle, validating, and beautifully illustrated — this book captures the experience of neurodivergence in a way that feels both educational and comforting. A must-have for parents, educators, and kids navigating big feelings.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews