As we strive to create a more inclusive and understanding world, it's essential to embrace the complexity of neurodivergence. One powerful resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of autism is Unmasking Autism by Devon Price. This insightful book was recommended by our amazing clinician, Becca Keller, one of Heartwood’s resident experts on neurodiversity. Becca’s wealth of knowledge in supporting neurodivergent individuals has made her a trusted resource for families navigating these complexities.

What Makes Unmasking Autism Important?
Unmasking Autism challenges the traditional, often limiting, views of autism. Price takes a compassionate and critical look at how society pressures autistic individuals to "mask" their true selves in order to fit in. This can lead to emotional exhaustion, mental health struggles, and a profound disconnect from one’s authentic identity. Instead, Price advocates for embracing neurodiversity, celebrating each individual’s unique strengths, and creating environments where autistic people can thrive without the need to hide who they are.

Embracing Neurodivergence and Unmasking the Truth
For many autistic individuals, the pressure to conform to neurotypical standards is immense. Masking—concealing one’s authentic self—often becomes a survival mechanism. In Unmasking Autism, Price explains how this practice can be harmful, leading to burnout, depression, and a lack of true self-understanding. This book is a powerful tool in dismantling the stigma around autism, showing that embracing one’s true identity is essential for mental health and well-being.

Becca’s approach to counselling aligns perfectly with the themes of Unmasking Autism. As a skilled clinician specializing in neurodiversity, Becca works with individuals and families to help them understand the importance of self-acceptance and to navigate the challenges faced by neurodivergent people. Her practice at Heartwood emphasizes the value of neurodiversity and the need for a supportive, empathetic approach to care.

The Importance of Language and Understanding
One of the most impactful aspects of Unmasking Autism is how it provides the language and framework needed to discuss autism more openly and accurately. Price’s writing gives voice to experiences that are often overlooked, helping both neurotypical and neurodivergent readers understand the full spectrum of autistic experiences. For parents, educators, and clinicians alike, this book serves as a tool for fostering empathy and creating a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

​Becca Keller’s expertise shines through her work with families, helping them understand autism through a compassionate and empowering lens. Becca supports individuals in discovering their unique identities, teaching parents how to advocate for their children, and offering guidance for living authentically in a world that often doesn’t accommodate neurodivergent individuals.

Take Action – Book a Session with Becca
If you or a loved one are seeking personalized support regarding autism or neurodiversity, Becca Keller is available for one-on-one sessions. Her experience and dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive environment make her an excellent resource for families navigating these challenges.

A Must-Read for Parents Navigating Big Emotions with Their Children
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For many parents, one of the most challenging moments in raising a child is watching them struggle with emotions that feel too big for their little hearts. Whether it’s the anxiety of starting school, the sadness of missing a loved one, or the deep grief of loss, children need a way to make sense of these invisible, overwhelming feelings.

That’s where Patrice Karst’s The Invisible String shines. This beautifully written and deeply reassuring book offers a child-friendly framework for understanding connection, love, and loss—using a metaphor so simple, yet so profound, that it gives children a tangible way to process emotions that are otherwise hard to grasp.

Making the Invisible... Visible.  
Feelings like love, grief, and longing are not things we can see or touch, which makes them particularly difficult for young children to understand. The Invisible String transforms these abstract emotions into something concrete--an unbreakable string of love that connects people, no matter where they are.
In the story, a mother explains to her children that they are always connected to the people they love through an invisible string. Whether someone is across town, in another country, or even has passed away, that string remains strong. Parents have found that this metaphor is especially helpful for children experiencing separation anxiety, grief, or missing a loved one, as it gives them a reference point for something internal and ethereal.

Many families use this book as a bedtime comfort, a discussion starter before a big transition (like starting school or a parent traveling for work), or even as a way to help children cope with the loss of a pet or loved one.

Giving Children the Language to Express Their Feelings
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Invisible String is how it helps children put words to their emotions. Often, children experience a jumble of feelings but don’t yet have the expressive language skills to explain them. This book serves as a bridge--helping children articulate what they feel and understand that all emotions are valid. A particularly powerful moment in the book is when a child asks, "Does the string go away when you're mad at us?"  This opens the door to an essential emotional lesson:  A child can feel multiple, equally valid emotions at the same time—anger and love, sadness and gratitude, excitement and nervousness. It also reinforces that a parent's love is not conditional. The string does not disappear, even in anger. 

Parents often use this moment in the book as a way to reassure children that even when people argue or feel upset, their connection remains. It also teaches children that they are allowed to experience and express complex emotions—like feeling excited about school but also missing home at the same time.

The Invisible String is a tool for emotional resilience. It teaches children that their feelings are real, valid, and can be named and expressed. It reassures them that love persists, no matter the circumstances.

Many parents and educators have found this book to be especially helpful during transitions, such as when a child starts daycare, has a parent who travels frequently, or is coping with loss. Some even use it in classroom settings to teach empathy and connection among students.

Beyond The Invisible String: A Series for Emotional Resilience
What makes The Invisible String even more impactful is that it is part of a multi-book series by Patrice Karst. Each book expands on the themes of connection, love, and emotional resilience, helping children and families navigate a range of life experiences.
Other books in the series include:

• The Invisible Leash – Helping children process the loss of a pet.
• The Invisible Web – A celebration of the interconnectedness of all people.
• The Invisible String Workbook – Activities and exercises to deepen the lessons of The Invisible String.
• You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby – A gentle bedtime story reinforcing the message of connection.
• The Invisible String Backpack – A story about overcoming school-related anxiety.

​Many families who start with The Invisible String go on to explore other books in the series, especially when they find their child facing a new emotional challenge.

If this book resonates with your child’s needs, it might be a wonderful addition to your home library.

Unlocking Your Child’s Full Potential: A Review of The Whole Brain Child

As a therapist who works with children, I’ve had the privilege of seeing how transformative it can be when parents understand how their child’s brain is wired. One of the best resources I’ve come across for helping parents and caregivers nurture their child’s emotional and cognitive development is The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.

The main thesis of The Whole Brain Child is that children’s brains are still developing, and understanding this can help us approach their behavior with greater empathy and insight. Siegel and Bryson combine the latest research in neuroscience with practical parenting strategies, offering tools that encourage healthy emotional regulation, improved communication, and strong connections between parents and children.

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrating the Left and Right Brain: The book emphasizes the importance of integrating the logical, analytical left brain with the emotional, intuitive right brain. By helping children connect these two hemispheres, parents can promote balanced emotional responses and better problem-solving skills.
2. Building Mindsight: One of the book’s central concepts is “mindsight,” which refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s own mind, as well as the minds of others. The authors provide actionable strategies for fostering mindsight in children, helping them develop emotional intelligence and resilience.
3. Practical Tools for Everyday Parenting: Siegel and Bryson share simple, research-based techniques that parents can use in everyday situations—whether it’s dealing with a tantrum, offering comfort, or encouraging cooperation. These strategies are both easy to implement and backed by solid science.
4. Connection, Not Punishment: Instead of focusing on discipline through punishment, the book emphasizes the importance of connection. By creating a safe emotional space and validating your child’s feelings, you can guide them toward better behavior while strengthening your bond.

For anyone interested in parenting with more insight and less frustration, I highly recommend The Whole Brain Child. The book and its associated Parent Workbook are guides to transforming how we interact with and support our children’s growth.