J.S.Kiss and I were discussing the intriguing traits of people with Asperger’s and envisaged how a world where everyone was on the autism spectrum would be. Before we knew it, we had pages of notes and the seed of a novel was born. Neither of us had worked closely with another writer before, so it was exciting to delve into the world of co-authorship. We were struck by how much richer a novel could be when two minds were at work. We fed off each other’s imagination and brought out each other’s strengths. We aimed to write a book to show that each individual fits into the tapestry of life and how the diversity of human traits, abilities and characters is key for any society to reach its full potential.

To read more about how Judit and I work together, click here. 

1 Can you explain a bit about your experience with ASD, and Asperger’s Syndrome? 

 Kathy:  As a primary teacher, I saw many children on the spectrum, mostly undiagnosed, but quirky and interesting. I also had personal experience of ASD in the family so it distressed me to see so many negative portrayals of those on the spectrum in schools, by some specialists, and the media. Fifteen years ago, I decided to start writing about the positives of those with ASD in fiction and later nonfiction so that children could identify with the characters and know that they were not alone with the diagnosis and could learn to be proud of their strengths while recognising their weaknesses. 

 J.S.Kiss: According to Kathy, I am on the spectrum!  I tend to think we all are, just a little.  We all have our Aspie traits.  I certainly have a lot of affinity and personal experience with Asperger’s Syndrome.

 2 What’s the book, Elemental Island about? 

 On an isolated island utopia where science and logic rule, Astie stumbles upon Danny who has landed in a forbidden flight machine. She enlists her only friend, her cousin Jakob to help the boy.  Soon they find themselves tampering with the Overseers memory, running from the Monitors and triggering a Code Red One. Yet, none of this havoc compares to the secret the stranger harbours, which when revealed, will shake the foundations of the place she calls home. 

 3 What’s the goal of this book? 

 Elemental Island presents an upside-down world where autism is the norm and neurotypicals are diagnosed with Social Syndrome.  Through this premise, we wanted to give children on the spectrum a set of characters they could identify with, while giving neurotypical kids a relatable insight into what it is like to be the outsider.  We also aimed to write a book that’s positive, entertaining and funny.  The kind we like to read.

 4 Can you talk about your want for a paradigm shift – and how you think literature can help this?

 Literature, especially for children, is very powerful.  You open a book and get lost in the world the author has created for you.  You relate to the characters and learn through their experiences.  Understanding brings acceptance, and beyond acceptance is the realisation that we each have our place in the world and our role to play. We aimed to write a book to show that each individual fits into the tapestry of life, and that diversity of human traits, abilities and characters is key for any society to reach its full potential. If we are able to impart this to our children, we give them the tools to create a better world where everyone is appreciated for who they are. 

5 How did you and J.S.Kiss get in touch and why did you choose to collaborate? 

 J.S.Kiss: Kathy, and I met in Dubai many years ago.  I have since moved away, and on one of her visits, we began discussing what a world where everyone was on the autism spectrum would be like. Before we knew it, we had pages of notes and the seed of a novel was born. Kathy approached her publisher who immediately said yes. Neither of us had worked closely with another writer before, so it was exciting to delve into the world of co-authorship. We were struck by how much richer a novel could be when two minds were at work. We fed off each other’s imagination and brought out each other’s strengths.

  6 Where was the book launched?

Elemental Island was launched at a gala event presented by the Child Early Intervention Medical Centre at Atlantis the Palm, in Dubai called “Listen to the Autism Beat”. We were excited to be part of this wonderful event that showcases and celebrates the gifts and talents of kids on the autistic spectrum. Kathy was a guest presenter and Judit flew across from Hungary to join her.