Podcast Summary: The Autism Little Learners Podcast

Episode: "We Wrote a Book! Introducing The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners with Sarah Habib"

Host: Tara Phillips
Guest: Sarah Habib (The Calm Caterpillar)
Date: January 13, 2026

Overview

In this upbeat and practical episode, Tara Phillips and guest Sarah Habib announce and discuss their brand new collaborative book, The Mindfulness Guide for Neurodivergent Learners. Aimed at caregivers and educators, the book is designed to offer neurodiversity-affirming, visual, and actionable strategies for supporting the regulation and mindfulness of autistic and neurodivergent children. The episode delves into the need for accessible, non-compliance-based resources and shares behind-the-scenes insights, key philosophies, and real-world solutions from the new guide.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Book Announcement and Genesis

[00:00–03:58]

• Tara and Sarah excitedly introduce their newly released book.
• The book, 90 pages in full color, is practical and neurodiversity-affirming, meant for immediate implementation in homes and classrooms.
• The origin: Sarah initiated the idea after recognizing a need for more robust, hands-on resources beyond their existing mini-guides.

Quote:
“You know how you can set a goal for yourself and then you actually do it? That’s what happened here.” — Sarah, [01:44]

2. Why Focus on Regulation and Mindfulness?

[03:58–07:19]

• Regulation is the foundation for all learning; dysregulated children (and adults) cannot effectively learn new skills.
• Book fills a gap for accessible, shared resources among all adults in a child’s life—paraprofessionals, family, childcare staff, and teachers.
• Consistency and common language between school and home environments is emphasized.

Quote:
“We can’t teach new skills when a child is dysregulated. We can’t teach new skills when an adult is dysregulated.” — Sarah, [04:48]

3. The Book’s Practical Structure & Visual Focus

[07:47–11:45]

• Designed for visual learners, packed with real classroom images, easy-to-use charts, QR codes for downloads, scripts, and printable resources.
• Visuals and real-world snapshots “show” rather than just “tell.”
• There are plug-and-play elements, including hand tracing, breathing posters, and sensory bin planners.

Quote:
“For me, I am someone that learns a lot from visuals myself ... So having this, it was so important to me and both of us to include real pictures from classrooms.” — Tara, [08:01]

4. Real-Life Scripts and Strategies

[10:42–14:12]

• The book includes scripts and examples—e.g., using a child’s favorite character in video modeling to ease transitions.
• Emphasis on integrating children’s deep interests (like Paw Patrol) into daily routines and learning—not as a reward, but as an inherent motivator.

Quote:
“It’s not just blah, blah, blah, telling you theory—it’s showing you. Okay, here’s some things you can try, this is what it looks like and this is how to do it.” — Tara, [09:09]

5. Mindfulness Tools: Bloomy, Flutter, Rory, and Calm Corners

[14:12–19:14]

• Discussion of practical, sensory tools featured in the book, such as:
  • Bloomy: A tactile, flower-shaped tool for teaching “flower and candle breath.”
  • Flutter: Weighted dragonfly for deep pressure sensory input with textured fabric.
• Discussion on tools vs. toys—the importance of making mindfulness supports engaging and approachable.

Quote:
“These really are effective toys that we use as tools.” — Sarah, [18:54]

6. Key Philosophies: Modeling, Connection, and Non-Compliance Approaches

[19:27–22:46]

• Importance of adults modeling self-regulation and mindfulness—in calm corners and throughout daily routines.
• Move away from token boards and compliance-based regulation and towards relational, interest-integrated strategies.
• Realistic expectations: strategies take time and repetition (not overnight fixes).

Quote:
“Please sit in your calm corner the next time you become dysregulated. Please use a calming technique ... So your students and kids see you doing them as well.” — Sarah, [16:41]

7. Repetition, Neuroplasticity, and Patience

[22:09–23:48]

• Discussing the science of repetition and learning; it can take up to 1,000 repetitions for a neurotypical brain for a skill to be internalized—likely more for neurodivergent learners.
• The need to “unlearn” old patterns and gradually build new ones through trust and consistent practice.

Quote:
“It is going to require that really serious repetition ... people are looking for that quick overnight fix, and that is not this.” — Sarah, [22:21]

8. Hopes for Impact

[19:27–25:29]

• Tara hopes the book helps people move away from compliance-based methods toward interest-based, relational regulation.
• Sarah emphasizes adult modeling and adjusting expectations, recognizing that change takes consistent effort and may be a “slow burn.”

Quote:
“Modeling is key, consistency is key, and ... change your expectations. Is this going to happen overnight? It’s not.” — Sarah, [20:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Regulation is the foundation for learning. It comes first.” — Tara, [00:00]
• “When it’s right, it will be easy. And that’s how it felt [writing the book].” — Tara, [10:05]
• “We really do love Flutter ... you watch them melt in the best of ways.” — Sarah, [17:39]
• “You can’t send a child to a calm corner. What can you do to motivate a child to consider that a space they’d like to use? ... You can link that to deep interests.” — Sarah, [14:12]
• “I really think it’s going to inspire change in action for both educators and parents.” — Sarah, [25:14]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:44: Introduction, book announcement
• 02:40–03:58: Why a visual, action-oriented book was needed
• 04:48–06:02: The importance of regulation and consistency
• 08:01–09:09: Value of visuals and easy-to-implement features
• 10:42–12:26: Example of video modeling for transitions
• 14:12–16:33: Incorporating deep interests (e.g., Paw Patrol), redefining motivation
• 16:56–18:54: Detailed explanation of Bloomy and Flutter sensory tools
• 19:27–21:42: Modeling, patience, and non-compliance approaches
• 22:09–23:48: Repetition and neuroplasticity – realistic timelines
• 25:07–25:29: One-word descriptions of the book: “Incredible” (Tara), “Inspiring” (Sarah)

Conclusion

Tara and Sarah’s conversation is an inspiring, insight-packed introduction to their book and its core message: regulation comes first, and neurodiversity-affirming tools (especially visual and practical ones) are essential for building calm, connected, and effective learning environments. The episode is both a celebration of their accomplishment and an actionable roadmap for educators, therapists, paraprofessionals, and families alike.

Special Offer:
Podcast listeners get 15% off the book with the code ALL15 at autismlittlelearners.com. [24:03]

Find the Hosts & Resources

• Find Sarah Habib: thecalmcaterpillar.com and Instagram @thecalmcaterpillar
• Tara Phillips: autismlittlelearners.com
• Follow for more ideas and support on Instagram/Facebook @autismlittlelearners