We want to support autistic children and their carers to communicate their emotions, sensory experiences and needs through beautifully designed visual resources.
It started with a conversation between two friends: one a parent to an autistic child; the other a graphic designer.
Talking about the challenges around creating communication resources for her autistic son (which were often hastily scribbled on torn sheets of paper) in the moments of emotional, sensory, and cognitive overwhelm he experienced, along with the frustrations as a parent having often searched, with very limited success, for things that would help neuro-divergent children cope with changes to routine, it became apparent this was a something that needed addressing at a wider level.
This led us to create a range of printable resources that others could benefit from too. Resources that make people smile when they see them, that people want to have on display in their homes, or left out on the coffee table. Resources that ease the additional load that neuro-diversity in a neuro-typical world can leave on the shoulders of parents, carers, and loved ones.
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Hi, we’re Nicola & Joanna
The faces behind Learning Leo.
NICOLA
Mum to Leo & Rubik’s Cube Pro
Having an autistic eight year-old son, I get that being the parent of a neuro-diverse child can be really, really hard.
It can feel incredibly lonely. It can feel like you’re always having to ask for something. It can feel like you’re constantly having to explain or justify your needs. It can feel like your child is either too far, or not far enough on the spectrum to receive adequate support… and it’s exhausting.
I found that using planners and additional communication resources really helped with my son, but it became just another thing to think about, figure out and do on top of everything else.
I hope that our resources make things a little easier, by always being there for you, and one less thing you have to think about to support your child.
A Few Fun Facts About Me:
🧵 I love sewing and make most of my own clothes - I’m usually seeking out new patterns and fabrics online.
🚀 I used to work as a rocket scientist!
🐶 Currently learning about a whole new kind of motherhood, with the addition of a family puppy!
JOANNA
Graphic Designer & Colour Lover
Not even having a child, never mind one with additional needs, I’d feel guilty that I could never truly understand Nicola’s daily challenges, and how to best support her as a friend.
Her frustration at “not being able to draw on paper what’s in my head”, when mentioning the things she was trying to create to help her son, is where I realised I could help.
Our goal is always to design resources that are as beautiful as they are practical and helpful. Sometimes being particular about how things look, especially if you’re in a position where you might feel you should be ‘grateful for what you’re given’ can seem unimportant (or even *gasp* selfish).
Creating something that you enjoy using, looking at and having in your home is how we try to blur the line of being reminded that your child requires something ‘different’ to having something that brings you ease and joy.
A Few Fun Facts About Me:
🎨 Have had a creative career that’s covered illustration, web design, signwriting, graphic design and even tattooing!
🪕 Currently learning (very slowly!) to play the banjo.
🐱 Bordering crazy cat-lady territory.