Breaking the stigma

This story is part of a series in the Summer 2026 issue

This summer, spark a conversation about inclusivity

With a goal of creating stories that exceptional children will be able to see themselves in, two childhood friends founded ReadAbilities Publishing House. Tracey Tong reports 

 

 

They met in high school in Orleans and for years, were nearly inseparable, hanging out at the mall, attending concerts and working part-time jobs at the same grocery store. They kept in touch after one of them moved away for university.

Samantha Clusiau-Lawlor and Renée Tessier never planned to go into business together. After all, they lived in different cities, with Clusiau-Lawlor in Ottawa and Tessier in Toronto.

But friendship finds a way.

 

 

Following Tessier’s return to Ottawa in 2018, the pair founded ReadAbilities Publishing House in 2021 after learning about a shortage of children’s books featuring neurodiverse characters. “What was available focused on pointing out the differences and isolating the characters,” says Tessier.

The goal of their company? To create a series of books that educates children and their families about different types of neurodiversity – a more inclusive term which refers to children whose neurotypical development differs from what is considered typical and includes autism, ADHD and dyslexia – and to remove any stigma surrounding these labels.

“It started more as a ‘what if’ and quickly became a reality,” says Tessier of ReadAbilities. “We wanted to create something in which kids could see themselves and not feel as though they are atypical.”

Timing-wise, it came together like magic. Clusiau-Lawlor already had extensive experience with illustrating children’s materials and Tessier, on maternity leave, expressed a desire to write. “Everything fell into place perfectly,” Tessier says. “We spent a lot of time at Samantha’s kitchen table writing, drawing, and brainstorming.”

Their first book, Adventure with Moose, written by Tessier and illustrated by Clusiau-Lawlor, gives a unique insight into the world of a moose with autism. “We had a lot of experts around us to chat with and get feedback from,” Tessier says.

 

 

With a book under their belts, discussion turned to how to make their vision of inclusivity a business and a community. The solution was ReadAbilities Publishing House.

“It’s so important for kids to see themselves in books and in all media,” says Tessier. “When children see characters that think, feel, or experience things similarly, it reinforces that their way of being is valid. It helps them build confidence, improve their self-esteem and solidify their sense of belonging.”

For the people who care about those kids, the books can help give insight into the child’s world, increase their capacity to empathize with them, help build stronger relationships and reduce confusion.

The book is also a great educational tool for exploring neurodiversity in the classroom, at home or at the local library, says Clusiau-Lawlor. Adds Tessier, “we are trying to shift away from the view that something is missing and instead focus on both the challenges and values of neurodivergence.”

 

 

 

Other books published by ReadAbilities include The Bath… and Beyond! by Ottawa author Adrienne Himes and inspired by the writer’s own children; and Wild Wonder, which follows polar bear Snow as she navigates life with ADHD.

 

 

 

“We see Snow get ready for school, attend class (maybe daydream a bit), show off her talents and come home,” says Tessier. “What we want to create is a book where we show how our characters interact with the world and how the world interacts with them.”

All of these books have something in common: they are helping children feel seen and understood. “They are helping parents and siblings connect,” says Tessier, “and helping peers understand their schoolmates. We are hoping to remove stigma and encourage inclusion and kindness.”

While the books have an important purpose, they remain appealing and accessible to their primary audience – the children. “I think the creative and calming visuals will grab their attention,” says Clusiau-Lawlor.

“I think all children will be able to see themselves in Snow,” Tessier chimes in. “We have had a few test readers (with ADHD and without) who were able to relate with her.”

ReadAbilities has other books in the works, as well as a goal of eventually producing stories on topics like dyslexia – “my sister is dyslexic, and it was impossible to find any books about it when she was diagnosed,” says Tessier – and stimming behaviours. “My son is five years old and claps and flaps his hands a lot,” says Clusiau-Lawlor. “While he will likely outgrow this behaviour, I’d also love to explore a book about hand flapping/clapping so that he and others can see themselves represented without any shame tied to the behaviour.”

Currently, ReadAbilities sells at markets and online. “A few teachers and educators have purchased our books for their classrooms,” says Tessier, “and we are exploring our options when it comes to working directly with school boards. The challenge there is that school boards typically have strict procurement procedures.”

Other challenges include competing with larger publishers (and their prices and outreach) but Clusiau-Lawlor and Tessier have deemed the effort as worth it.

“I think we’ve already succeeded,” says Clusiau-Lawlor. “We’ve spoken to a lot of people who have expressed to us how much this literature means to them or to their families and friends.”

“We’ve had a few parents tear up when reading the books at our booths,” Tessier says. “We had an adult cry while reading Adventure with Moose. She said she felt seen. And that was truly the best thing she could’ve said.”

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For more information

Instagram @Read_abilities

Website readabilities.ca

 

 

Did you know?

The purchase of each ReadAbilities book supports local charities. Each author can pick where they would like their donations to be sent.

 

“We’ve had a lot of parents say that they see their own children in the characters. That means a lot to us. We’ve also had quite a few use [the books] as a teaching tool to have their kids relate to their schoolmates. This is why we do this. We love to hear it.”

• Renée Tessier

“There’s nothing more satisfying than making a child smile or feel seen through the books.”

• Samantha Clusiau-Lawlor

 

Want to be a published children’s author?

ReadAbilities wants to help other Canadian authors bring their inclusive stories to life. If you’re a writer with a story idea that connects with ReadAbilities’ mission, they want to hear from you. Ideas are not limited to picture books or a certain age range. Email readabilitiespubhouse@gmail.com.