The Playground

The Playground is a gentle and authentic story about sensory overload, language differences, and the everyday challenges autistic children face in places that may seem simple for others but feel overwhelming for them. Through Nico’s eyes, readers are invited into a world that celebrates curiosity, sensitivity, and the beauty of difference.

Inside Nico’s mind is a special place, a playground where his friends live. Each one helps him understand what’s happening inside his body and brain. There’s Innie, who notices Nico’s inner feelings, like when he’s hungry, tired, or too hot; Buzzy, who makes the world feel too loud or bright; Echo, who wants to speak but sometimes can’t find the words; Mask, who changes colours to fit in; Stop + Go, who manages emotions that move too fast or too slow; Zap, who struggles when things change suddenly; and Flo, who helps Nico feel balanced and calm again.

Together, these characters represent different parts of how children process their emotions, sensations, and social experiences. They also help adults see what’s often unseen, that behaviour is a form of communication, and that understanding begins with empathy.