We're thrilled to announce that Harvey the Hedgehog: Why Don't I Feel Safe? by Lyndsay Critchlow is officially out now!

We're thrilled to announce that Harvey the Hedgehog: Why Don't I Feel Safe? by Lyndsay Critchlow is officially out now!.

This beautifully written children's story provides a gentle introduction to the experiences of children with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), a profile within the autism spectrum characterised by an anxiety-driven need to avoid everyday demands and expectations.

Harvey the Hedgehog likes knowing exactly what will happen next. So when a new path, a new teacher, and a changed timetable turn his day upside down, Harvey begins to feel worried and unsafe.

With the help of his best friend, William the Woolly Mammoth, Harvey discovers that his brain has a special "safety alarm" that's trying to protect him. Together, they learn that feeling worried doesn't mean something is wrong, and that understanding anxiety can help us navigate change more confidently.

This reassuring story explores:

✅ PDA and anxiety in a child-friendly way ✅ Why change and uncertainty can feel overwhelming ✅ Understanding the body's "safety alarm" response ✅ The importance of friendship, empathy, and support ✅ Celebrating different ways of thinking and experiencing the world

Whether you're a parent, carer, educator, or professional supporting neurodivergent children, Harvey the Hedgehog: Why Don’t I Feel Safe? offers a compassionate and accessible way to start important conversations about PDA, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing.

📅 Release Date: 23rd August

We can't wait to share Harvey's journey with you.