Harvey’s Silent Discovery
A true story inspired by my non-verbal autistic son.
Using storytelling to open conversations around difference, inclusion and communication.
Meet Harvey’s Silent Discovery
This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of Harvey, a little boy who communicates in his own unique way. Through Harvey’s journey, children learn about acceptance, empathy and the power of inclusion. The story is a gentle, engaging way to start conversations about disabilities and differences, making it a perfect companion to our lesson plans.
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Accessibility is at the heart of my mission, every copy of Harvey’s Silent Discovery includes a free audio narration, and the story can also be read digitally via AAC devices through the CandLE Books app, so children can experience the book in ways that work best for them.
Recent Impact
LA Donations
Supporting Schools After the LA Fires
Proud to be part of over 150 independent children’s authors donating books to schools and communities impacted by the LA wildfires.
Butterfly Building Experienece
A creative, art-based experience designed to help children explore non verbal communication, difference and emotional expression through storytelling and visual making.
2026 Hidden Voices Project
A nationwide project bringing inclusive storytelling and the Butterfly Building experience into classrooms across the UK — giving every child a free book to take home and the chance to explore empathy, creativity, and understanding together.
Why Beyond Words Creative Exists
Beyond Words Creative began with my son, Harvey.
Harvey is non-verbal autistic, and like many children who communicate differently, he is often misunderstood before he is truly seen. I wrote Harvey’s Silent Discovery because I wanted children, families, and schools to understand that communication comes in many forms and all of them deserve respect.
What started as one story has grown into a mission to create inclusive books, accessible resources, and creative programmes that help children explore difference with empathy rather than fear. Through storytelling, artwork and sensory-friendly activities, we aim to give schools practical ways to build understanding while making children who experience the world differently feel less alone.
Everything we create is rooted in lived experience, shaped through collaboration with educators, families and accessibility partners, and designed to ensure that every child can see themselves in the stories they read.
What Families and Educators Say
Reading Harvey’s story opened up such a natural conversation at home about disability and difference. The extra resources made it easy for us to talk about it in an informed, positive way, and my son really understood why inclusion matters.
The Butterfly Builder activity was a brilliant way for the children to practise communicating without words. It really showed them how challenging it can be, while also encouraging teamwork and empathy. A powerful lesson we’ll definitely repeat.
The AAC pack was such an eye-opener for our class. It helped the children understand that we all communicate in different ways, and gave them simple, practical tools to include everyone. It made a tricky concept feel really accessible and fun.
The children were captivated and it made inclusion feel natural and easy to teach.
