Kathy Hoopmann
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome
Non-fiction Resource
This engaging book is an ideal, gentle introduction to the world of Asperger Syndrome (AS). Drawing inspiration from the feline world, its delightful colour photographs of cats bring to life familiar characteristics such as sensitive hearing, scampering at the first sign of being stroked, and particular eating habits. Touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes the difficulties and joys of raising a child who is different and leaves the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality, and potential of people with Asperger Syndrome.
Why I wrote it…
There are so many, many books out there about Asperger’s Syndrome and autism. Some of them are excellent. Some of them are so full of technical jargon that only specialists can pretend to understand them. But most of them are very wordy. I wanted to write a simple book that grasped the ‘essence’ of Asperger’s; that highlighted the postitives without ignoring the difficulties of the syndrome. I wanted a book that people could read in ten minutes and come away with their eyes opened and a smile on their faces.
Sue Larkey, an autism spectrum educator has created some teacher notes for this book. Check them out here.
Awards and Recognition
2007
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome
Jessica Kingsley Publications, UK 2007
- CBCA non-fiction (Eve Pownall Award), Australia: Shortlisted
- Childhood Wellness Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, US: Bronze Medal
Reviews
`There is a great deal of truth in humour. If you have only just begun to discover why someone with Asperger’s syndrome is different, this book will inform and entertain you. The descriptions provide an accurate balance between the qualities and difficulties associated with Asperger’s syndrome, while the photographs will make the journey of discovery enjoyable and remarkable.’
Tony Attwood, author of Asperger’s Syndrome and The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome
‘A warm and understanding approach to the syndrome and those people affected by it. Each page has a beautiful glossy photograph of an endearing kitten or cat doing something a child with Asperger Syndrome might do, such as taking a risk with no idea of the danger he might get into. Accompanying each photo is a short sentence or phrase, explaining how such a child may feel, think or act under certain circumstances. It is a heart-warming and encouraging book and ideal for anybody who cares for an Asperger child, although I would recommend everybody to read it at least once (I have now read it four times), as it helps those of us who are ignorant of this condition to understand it more fully. I found this book to be both poignant and humorous, without being patronising. I believe the author has aimed to educate and inform but without overwhelming the reader with statistics or technical jargon. In my opinion she has achieved this aim.’
The National Child Minding Association
‘The one thing I notice most about cats, and respect them for, is their independence. It’s a funny thing because this is also what I notice about my Aspie friends. In fact, I see this in my own life as well. It’s a unique quality that sets us apart from most other humans. Just like cats are not like dogs. I mean we wouldn’t want them to be, would we? Kathy’s humorous book that highlights the unique qualities of individuals with Asperger’s has us “down to a T”.’