Author Description

Jack and the Rainy Day is more than a children's story. It's a gentle guide to empathy, understanding, and hope for families and classrooms learning about autism. When Jack's shoes got wet in the rain, it wasn't just about puddles or socks. For Jack, even a small, unexpected change felt overwhelming. His mum knew the weight of these moments. With patience and gentle guidance, she helped Jack face his challenges step by step, showing him that he wasn't alone. Years later, Jack carried those lessons forward. When he met another boy struggling with the same feelings of being "stuck", he didn't try to fix him or tell him what to do. He simply sat beside him and shared music through a pair of earbuds. No words. Just presence. And in that quiet moment, Jack became the friend he once needed. This story is written for children, but it speaks to everyone. Jack and the Rainy Day offers a window into the inner world of children who experience autism and other developmental differences, making the invisible challenges of mental inflexibility easier for siblings, peers, and classmates to understand. Inside this book, you'll find: A relatable story that helps children see beyond behaviours and understand feelings. A simple but powerful lesson in empathy: how to be present, kind, and supportive. Discussion questions and activity pages designed for parents, teachers, and counsellors to guide conversations after reading. A gentle introduction to Relationship Development Intervention (RDI(R)), a programme that helps families build resilience, flexibility, and strong guiding relationships. This book is ideal for: Families raising children with autism or other developmental differences Siblings and peers learning to understand and support their friends Teachers, counselors, and therapists loo