MY BODY MANUAL: A Neuro-Affirming "User Guide" for Kids

Turn abstract feelings into concrete data. A companion resource for the Usborne Book of the Body (and other anatomy books).

Does your child know they are hungry, or do they just get "hangry"?
Do they struggle to sit still, or feel like their clothes hurt?
Do standard books explain how the body works, but not how it feels for them?
For many neurodivergent children (ADHD/Autistic), the standard "rules" of the human body don't match their lived experience. Biology books say, "The stomach rumbles when hungry," but an ADHD child might feel a headache or sudden rage instead. This disconnect is called Interoception, and it is often the missing link in emotional regulation.
"My Body Manual" bridges that gap.
Designed specifically for rigid thinkers and children who struggle with "talking about feelings," this resource transforms the abstract world of emotions and sensations into a concrete Scientific Lab Report.
Instead of asking "How do you feel?" (which can be overwhelming), this pack asks them to run a "System Check" on their unique machinery. It validates that their body is not "wrong"—it just has a different Operating System.

What’s Inside the Pack?

This printable resource is designed to work page-by-page with the Usborne Book of the Body and How It Works (or any standard anatomy book), turning reading time into a journey of self-discovery.
The "Lab Reports" (Worksheets for the Child):
🧠 The Control Center (Brain & Senses): Mapping processing speed ("Buffering"), focus styles ("Laser Beam" vs. "Disco Ball"), and sensory filters.

🍎 Fuel & Energy (Digestion): Identifying personal hunger signals (Interoception) and "Safe Foods" vs. texture aversions.

⚡ Chemical Messengers (Emotions): Re-framing meltdowns as "System Overheats" and identifying Dopamine triggers.

🛡️ The Shield (Skin & Touch): A tactile audit for clothing sensitivities ("The Tag Enemy") and temperature regulation.

🦴 The Framework (Skeleton & Muscles): Understanding Proprioception (bumping into things), posture fatigue, and the need to "fidget to focus."

🌬️ Air Intake (Lungs): Connecting breath-holding to anxiety and concentration.

The "Parent Protocols" (Guides for the Adult):
🛠️ Troubleshooting Guides: Specific, actionable strategies for each body system. (e.g., How to support a 'Floppy' sitter, How to handle a 'Dopamine Crash', The 5-Second Rule for processing).

🤖 The 'User Profile' Card: A one-page summary sheet your child can fill out and give to teachers or grandparents to explain exactly how their machine works.

Why This Resource Works:

Removes Shame: It frames differences as "System Specs" rather than behavior problems.

Supports Rigid Thinking: Uses forced-choice options and checkboxes rather than open-ended questions.

Builds Advocacy: Gives children the specific vocabulary to tell you what they need (e.g., "I'm buffering" or "My sensory shield is too thin today").

Perfect for: Parents, OTs, and Educators working with Neurodivergent children aged 7-12.
Format: Digital PDF Download
Created by: Kirsty McKenzie, Neurodiversity Coach