Neurodiversity-affirming books, podcasts, and voices we love, plus toys, games, and sensory tools we use and recommend. A good place to start learning alongside your child.
Books & audiobooks
Our go-to reads for understanding your child, from brain science and regulation to autism, ADHD, and PDA. Most are also available as audiobooks.
Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges
Mona Delahooke, PhD
Explains the brain science behind children's behavior in a way that's easy to follow, and offers a compassionate, relationship-based approach that builds resilience and secure connection.
View on AmazonA Different Way of Seeing Autism
Barry M. Prizant, PhD
Reframes autism through a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens, helping families understand the reasons behind their child's behaviors.
View on AmazonDiscovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
Devon Price, PhD
For adults learning about their child or themselves, and for older teens. Covers masking, autistic strengths, common stereotypes, building support, and self-discovery.
View on AmazonUsing Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Calm and Confident Kids
Tina Payne Bryson & Georgie Wisen-Vincent
Shows how play supports development, with practical ways for families to play together that build emotional regulation and problem solving.
View on Amazon12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Explains how emotions and the developing brain work, including how stress can take over the thinking brain, with everyday strategies to help. All of Dan Siegel's books are worth reading.
View on AmazonThe Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
From two ADHD and executive functioning experts, with strategies that build on strengths while supporting harder areas. A teen and adult edition is also available.
View on AmazonStrategies for Education Professionals
Ruth Fidler & Phil Christie
Helps parents and educators support children with PDA (Persistent Drive for Autonomy) at school and in learning.
View on AmazonPodcasts
Linked on Spotify, and also available on Apple Podcasts and most other podcast apps.
Toys, games, and sensory tools
We keep our favorite toys, games, and sensory tools together in one Amazon storefront. Many of them are also easy to find in stores, thrift shops, or on Facebook Marketplace, so you don't need to buy new.
A note on links: As an Amazon Associate, Cultivate Play earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we genuinely use and love. These resources are for general learning and aren't a substitute for individualized therapy.
Get in touch
Reach out for a free phone consultation, or have your pediatrician fax a referral. We serve Rutherford County in home and community, our Murfreesboro office, and telehealth across Tennessee.
Book a free phone consultation. We'll talk about your child and whether we're the right fit. No commitment needed.
Social media
Voices worth following
A mix of neurodivergent self-advocates and professionals who work with neurodivergent people. Links go to Facebook, and most are also on Instagram and other platforms.