New York, NY – August 10, 2026 – Children’s author and neurodiversity advocate Kristina Mausling is sharing the personal experiences that inspired her Thomas children’s book series, encouraging families, educators, and caregivers to better understand autism by viewing challenging behaviors through a lens of empathy.
Inspired by her parenting journey, Mausling’s books draw from real-life experiences raising an autistic son whose emotional responses and sensory sensitivities reshaped her understanding of childhood behavior and emotional regulation.
Like many parents, Mausling initially believed she was doing something wrong when her son became overwhelmed by changes in routine or busy public places. Over time, she realized that what appeared to be misbehavior was often the result of sensory overload and emotional dysregulation rather than intentional defiance.
A pivotal moment came after one particularly difficult meltdown when her son quietly told her, “I didn’t mean to yell, Mommy. My brain was too loud.” The experience inspired Mausling to create stories that reflect the experiences of neurodivergent children while helping families better understand their unique perspectives.
“That moment changed the way I understood my son’s experiences,” said Mausling. “I wanted to create stories that help children feel seen while giving parents and caregivers a new perspective on behaviors that are often misunderstood.”
The Thomas series explores different aspects of neurodivergent experiences through stories that promote empathy and inclusion.
Thomas Needs a Tool! celebrates creative problem-solving and recognizing each child’s unique strengths.
Thomas Plays Too highlights the different ways autistic children connect with others while encouraging peer acceptance and inclusion.
Thomas Rides Free celebrates developmental milestones reached at an individual pace and emphasizes patience, encouragement, and self-confidence.
According to Mausling, one of the greatest misconceptions surrounding autism is that meltdowns are behavioral choices. Through her books, she hopes readers will recognize that sensory overload can leave children overwhelmed rather than intentionally disruptive, encouraging adults to respond with understanding and supportive strategies.
By sharing her family’s story, Mausling hopes to encourage conversations about neurodiversity and inspire parents, educators, and caregivers to look beyond behavior and recognize the unique strengths of every child.
The Thomas children’s book series is available on Amazon.
About Kristina Mausling
Kristina Mausling is a children’s book author and advocate for neurodivergent children. Drawing from her family’s lived experiences, she writes stories that celebrate neurodiversity, resilience, emotional growth, and inclusion. Through her books, Mausling aims to help children, parents, educators, and caregivers better understand neurodivergent experiences while fostering empathy and acceptance.
Media ContactCompany Name: Krissy Burton (Kristina Mausling)Contact Person: Krissy Burton Media TeamEmail: Send EmailPhone: 4084253432Country: United StatesWebsite: https://kristinamausling.com/
