​Nancy Ceulemans and Heather Cukierski have a shared vision of creating a world where every neurodiverse child is embraced and empowered through the unwavering support of informed educators and parents. Together they authored the book From Awareness to Action: Empowering Early childhood Educators to Support Children with Autism.

This resource was originally created for those supporting young children facing challenges in daycare, preschool or early elementary school, but has grown to also be an excellent tool for parents of young children with autism or developmental differences. 

This book offers the unique expertise of its two authors, who have strong backgrounds in early childhood education and are trained in multiple therapeutic support models. Written in an easy-to-understand, light-hearted, and sometimes goofy style, they seamlessly connect fascinating scientific insights from various professional disciplines into a practical tool that will truly deepen your understanding of all the challenges and wonders you may encounter.

It includes chapters on sensory-motor-reflex observations, the effects of stress, gut irregularities in relation to behaviour, the impact of environmental toxins, nutrition in relation to brain chemistry, language development, family dynamics, real-life Q&A, supportive low-cost play ideas, and more. Real-life stories are woven throughout the book to illustrate the content. It’s not just theory — it’s a toolkit of resources, play ideas, and inspiring techniques that make teaching and learning fun and effective for both the educator and the child.

This book strongly promotes a developmental, playful, relationship-based approach, making it an invaluable resource for anyone committed to fostering an inclusive, strength-based, and supportive environment for young learners. Dive into this indispensable guide and become a curious, knowledgeable, and confident partner in the child’s learning journey.


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​In-person Workshop

This book is also available as a full day in-person workshop for early childhood educators, teaching assistants, teachers, early interventionists, parent support groups, speech language pathologists and more. 


​What readers are saying... 
 
I would highly recommend this book for educators seeking to enhance their skills in supporting children with autism. It is evident that the authors put significant effort into creating a resource that is not only informative but also practical and accessible for educators. The book covers a wide range of topics that are crucial for understanding and supporting children with autism effectively, from sensory issues to family dynamics, and understanding the complexities involved in caring for children on the autism spectrum. The practical approach ensures that the content is not only informative but becomes immediately applicable.
 
Angel Belle C. Dy, MD, MBA
The Growing Brain PH Medical Clinic
Quezon City, Philippines

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This book is spectacular and SO PRACTICAL!!!!! Very easy to read and absolutely JAM PACKED with information. The bite-sized Q&A guides you very quickly to the key points. This is an absolute must-have essential book for Early Childhood Educators and parents alike with a host of actionable techniques to use straight away. You will thank yourself for getting and reading this book!
 
Patrick Ney
Author and Trainer at All About Parenting
United Kingdom & Poland
 
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​This book feels like an essential guide for early childhood educators! It offers straightforward insights and strategies that are easy to implement. Written by authors trained in DIRFloortime®, the book inspires the reader with a unique blend of lightness and playfulness to support young children at different developmental stages — a playfulness which many therapists are missing. A must-have resource that makes learning fun and effective! 
 
Janet L. Oliver PhD.
Neurodevelopmental Specialist
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 
 
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Your book could not have come at a better time. It is 100% relevant to ECE’s, kindergarten teachers and Educational Assistants. I feel that it should be mandatory reading for not only ECE students, but those pursuing a career as an EA. It is a very worthwhile and beneficial read. I especially liked the Q&A, I think I've asked all of those questions at one point or another!
 
Karla Wicks
Educational Assistant
Burlington, Ontario, Canada

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 This is the book we've been waiting for! New ways of thinking are presented concisely and clearly to strengthen one’s understanding of the special needs associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This understanding is immediately translated into actionable strategies. The book is filled with tips and activities for childcare centres but can also easily be used with school-aged children or to support any child with challenges and needs who is without a specific diagnosis. Thank you, Nancy and Heather, for making your extensive knowledge accessible to everyone through this book.
 
Ursula Irniger
Fachfrau für Sensomotorik
Heilpädagogin und Lehrperson
Zürich, Schweiz

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Finally, a very thorough book, specifically tailored for professionals who give their best every day to children, including those with non-typical needs. I enjoyed learning about the influence of nutrition on behaviour and wellbeing, which is an area not often spoken about in my country. The Question-and-Answer section provides meaning to challenges ECEs experience daily. It will clarify a lot for many and provide tools to get started. I am excited to try out the playful activities. What I will take into my practice: Act big and name it, any response is a response, and all behaviours are communication. The book reads very smoothly, even though I am not familiar with English-language literature. Thank you, Nancy and Heather, for presenting autism spectrum disorder information so clearly and accessibly!

​Anne Resseler
Preschool Teacher in Special Education
Reet, Belgium

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 Having made the switch from centre based to home daycare 7 years ago, I no longer have external support or resources. I have been struggling with so many of the topics in your book with a child for over a year now (family dynamics, nutrition, and behaviour to name a few). Your book is very well laid out, clear and understandable.  It has shifted my perspective, given me ideas and hope in my current situation and for potential children in my care. I love the exercises at the end of the book and am certain they will be useful.  I appreciated the scenarios you added that validated your teachings in real life. Congratulations on a job well done. And for all that you do to educate ECE's and parents alike...thank you!
 
Erin Armstrong
Registered Early Childhood Educator
Ontario, Canada
 
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Very informative book, which I feel is a “must” textbook for all ECEs and teachers (of all grades)! This is definitely a book I will require my vision therapists to read!
 
Dr. Angela Dobson O.D.
Rehabilitation and Developmental Optometrist
Vision Sense Optometry

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​This book was very easy to understand and easy to read. I feel this is important because educators feel like they don't have time to read as their days are so busy. Your words of encouragement and kindness were shown in the book and created a safe space of learning. I like the activities in the back of the book the most. This will be a helpful tool for educators, as they are always asking for more ideas and tools to use.
 
Sara Graves
Early Childhood Educator
Coordinator at ECDSC NSCC
 Nova Scotia, Canada