Jacqueline Balsamo

I was born in Chile and raised in Sydney, Australia from the age of two. I am a mother of two boys, one autistic and one a gentle big brother whose quiet empathy has become a guiding light in our family.

When my youngest son, Nico, was diagnosed as autistic, it changed how I saw the world. This book was created to help children feel seen and to help adults see them more clearly.

I am currently studying my Master’s in Autism Studies and bring with me a leadership background in media, where I have spent years building culture and community in the workplace. This book marks the beginning of my advocacy journey. I live in Sydney with my family, fuelled by coffee, mindfulness, and a lifelong love of learning.

About Jacqueline

The Playground

The Playground is a gentle and authentic story about sensory overload, language differences, and the everyday challenges autistic children face in places that may seem simple for others but feel overwhelming for them. Through Nico’s eyes, readers are invited into a world that celebrates curiosity, sensitivity, and the beauty of difference.

Inside Nico’s mind is a special place, a playground where his friends live. Each one helps him understand what’s happening inside his body and brain. There’s Innie, who notices Nico’s inner feelings, like when he’s hungry, tired, or too hot; Buzzy, who makes the world feel too loud or bright; Echo, who wants to speak but sometimes can’t find the words; Mask, who changes colours to fit in; Stop + Go, who manages emotions that move too fast or too slow; Zap, who struggles when things change suddenly; and Flo, who helps Nico feel balanced and calm again.

Together, these characters represent different parts of how children process their emotions, sensations, and social experiences. They also help adults see what’s often unseen, that behaviour is a form of communication, and that understanding begins with empathy.

The Playground opens doors for meaningful conversations between children, parents, and teachers about feelings, neurodiversity, and compassion. It encourages a shift in how we describe and respond to differences, offering a shared language that builds connection rather than misunderstanding.

Because language really matters, words matter, and the way we talk about behaviours and emotions can change how children see themselves and others.

Inspired by my real journey as a mum to my autistic son, Nicolas, this story was written to help families, educators, and anyone wanting to create a more inclusive world.