Vanessa Guevara

Hi, I’m Vanessa Guevara — a support needs staff, wife, and proud mother of two.

When I’m not spending time with my family, you’ll find me reading thrillers, listening to music, or sneaking in a workout class at our local gym. Family means everything to me, and it’s through my personal journey that When We Play was born.

I wrote this story to celebrate the beauty of neurodivergence, and the unique, magical bond that siblings with autism often share. Every child plays, communicates, and connects in their own way — and I believe those differences are worth celebrating.

Through this book and future work, my goal is to provide insight, encourage inclusion, and uplift all families — especially those navigating the joys and challenges of supporting a child with unique needs.

Thank you for being here and for supporting stories that reflect all kinds of families and all kinds of love.

At the heart of everything—there’s family

Every laugh, every challenge, every milestone shared becomes a thread in the fabric of who we are. Children remind us of life’s purest joys, and family gives those joys a place to grow.

When We Play was inspired by the beauty that lives within everyday moments—the quiet, magical bonds that form between siblings, especially those who see and experience the world differently.

This story is a love letter to inclusion, to neurodiversity, and most of all, to the unconditional love that lives in every family.

Because every child deserves to feel celebrated.

And every family’s story is worth sharing.

Celebrate Every Way of Playing

When We Play is coming soon—don’t miss your chance to share this heartwarming story with the children in your life.

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When We Play

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“My sibling and I don’t always play the same way.

Sometimes they spin, sometimes I sing,

Sometimes we sit side by side—

But no matter how we play, we always have fun… together.”

When We Play is a warm and joyful picture book that celebrates the many ways children with different sensory needs experience the world. Told through the voice of a sibling, this story honors neurodivergent expression, family connection, and the beauty of unconditional love.

Perfect for:

Parents and caregivers of children with autism or sensory differences
Inclusive classrooms and early childhood educators
Families who want to celebrate play, connection, and empathy

Ages 3–8 | Paperback | 32 pages

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