Nova’s ColorsA story about seeing the world in a special wayBy, Victoria HurleyArtistic design and illustrations generated by Gemini AI in collaboration with the author.
Nova experiences the world through colors, sounds, and feelings that swirl together in their own unique way. This story invites readers into Nova’s vibrant world, showing how they learn, play, and shine as an autistic child. Through sensory moments, supportive relationships, and everyday routines, children discover that everyone experiences the world differently and that every way is beautiful.
Meet Nova!This is Nova. Nova loves colors, bright reds, soft blues, sparkly yellows.Nova likes to paint and build.Nova sees little things that other people might not notice.
In our classroom, every child’s brain mixes colors in its own special way.Nova’s brain mixes colors in a way called autism.That means Nova’s brain sees and understands things a little differently, like using a special paintbrush that no one else has.
Sometimes Nova’s words come out soft and slow, like gentle watercolors.Sometimes Nova points, shows a picture, or uses hand movements instead of talking.Nova might need a little extra time to answer, and that’s okay.Everyone shares their thoughts in their own way.
Sometimes Nova likes to paint alone, mixing colors quietly.Other times, Nova watches friends play for a little while before joining in.Playing together can feel a bit tricky, but Nova is learning every day.
Nova likes bright colors. But sometimes colors or sounds can feel too big.All kids are different; everyone has things they like and things that feel too much.Soft voices, cozy spaces, and smooth clay help Nova feel calm.
When it’s time to clean up or change activities, the colors can feel like they change too fast for Nova.Switching to something new can feel surprising.Nova feels better when they know what color is coming next.
We use a colorful picture schedule so Nova can see the day, like a rainbow of activities.We give Nova extra time before changing to something new.We use clear, simple words and show what will happen next. These things help Nova feel safe and ready.
During music time, Nova loves feeling the drum sounds, like colors you can feel.We use bright scarves, big movements, and soft lights so Nova can follow the beat with their eyes and body.Everyone gets to dance in their own way.
One morning, Nova felt unsure about going outside. Their colors were swirling like red and grey. We sat together and checked the picture schedule. The next color was green for outside time.Nova held my hand, took a deep breath, and walked to the door. Slowly, their colors felt happy again.
Nova’s family shares their colors, stories, and traditions.Every family learns about autism in their own way.Some know a lot, and some are still learning.We listen and support them, because families know their children best.
Nova is creative. Nova is curious.Nova’s colors make our classroom shine.Autism is just one part of Nova’s beautiful picture.
About the AuthorMy name is Victoria Hurley, and I’m a second-year Early Childhood Education student at Nova Scotia Community College. I’m a wife, a mother of three, and an artist who loves bringing creativity into my work with children. I created this book for my course ECSP 1015: Diverse and Inclusive Practice in ECE to explore inclusive storytelling and help young learners understand and celebrate neurodiversity. I’m passionate about creating welcoming, sensory-rich spaces where every child feels valued, supported, and free to be themselves.
Sources• Artistic design and illustrations generated by Gemini AI in collaboration with the author.• Autism Canada. (n.d.). About autism. https://www.autismcanada.org/history-ofautism• Autism Nova Scotia. (n.d.). Programs and resources. https://www.autismnovascotia.ca/• Canadian Pediatric Society. (n.d.). Your child’s development. Caring for Kids. https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-anddevelopment/your_childs_development• Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.(2025). Capable, confident, and curious: Nova Scotia’s early learning curriculum framework. https://www.ednet.ns.ca/docs/nsel_curriculum_framework_en.pdf• Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/publichealth/services/diseases/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd.html