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When We Play: Understanding Autism Through the Joy of Play
When We Play is a joyful, inclusive picture book that celebrates the different ways children connect, especially those who experience the world through a neurodivergent lens.
Told through the voice of a loving sibling, this story explores what play looks like in all its forms: spinning, singing, running, sitting quietly, or just being side by side. Whether loud or calm, playful or still, every way of playing is valid-and every child deserves to be seen, heard, and loved for exactly who they are.
Perfect for parents, educators, therapists, and families navigating sensory needs, autism, or developmental differences, When We Play fosters empathy, understanding, and unconditional connection.
Ideal for ages 3-8
Told through the voice of a loving sibling, this story explores what play looks like in all its forms: spinning, singing, running, sitting quietly, or just being side by side. Whether loud or calm, playful or still, every way of playing is valid-and every child deserves to be seen, heard, and loved for exactly who they are.
Perfect for parents, educators, therapists, and families navigating sensory needs, autism, or developmental differences, When We Play fosters empathy, understanding, and unconditional connection.
Ideal for ages 3-8
34 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 10, 2026
I thought that this was a fun book to read and the author has done a really good job with the way that autism is portrayed in the book.
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand. Whilst my daughter is not neurodivergent, quite a few children in her class at Primary School are so this has helped her understand more about their different needs and ways of learning.
She did say to me that this may be why "XXX" behaves like he does and she could link with what she was reading and the boy in her class that she just thought was disruptive and didn't really know why. His mum has told me that he has recently been confirmed as being autistic and they waiting for further SEN support at the moment.
The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too. My daughter enjoyed the book and I loved the message too. This is a must for any Primary School library, as a mum I do think that schools don't do enough to explain to the other children about the differences that some of the children have and that is letting them down.
The author has done a great job with the book and I liked the focus on celebrating each child’s unique way of connecting with empathy and understanding - It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended and a must read!
The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand. Whilst my daughter is not neurodivergent, quite a few children in her class at Primary School are so this has helped her understand more about their different needs and ways of learning.
She did say to me that this may be why "XXX" behaves like he does and she could link with what she was reading and the boy in her class that she just thought was disruptive and didn't really know why. His mum has told me that he has recently been confirmed as being autistic and they waiting for further SEN support at the moment.
The illustrations in the book were great, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life too. My daughter enjoyed the book and I loved the message too. This is a must for any Primary School library, as a mum I do think that schools don't do enough to explain to the other children about the differences that some of the children have and that is letting them down.
The author has done a great job with the book and I liked the focus on celebrating each child’s unique way of connecting with empathy and understanding - It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended and a must read!
October 5, 2025
As a reader, I was so touched by this book. Vanessa does a beautiful job at helping us understand neurodiversity through something every child relates to; play. The story feels warm, real, and full of love. It reminded me how important it is to see and celebrate each child’s unique way of connecting. This book left me smiling and thinking, and I’d recommend it to any parent, teacher, or caregiver who wants to nurture empathy and inclusion.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews