Kathy Hoopmann
Inside Asperger’s Looking Out
Non-fiction Resource
Inside Asperger’s Looking Out follows in the best-selling footsteps of Kathy Hoopmann’s All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome and All Dogs Have ADHD. Through engaging text and full-color photographs, this book shows neurotypicals how Aspies see and experience the world. Each page brings to light traits that many Aspies have in common, from sensitive hearing and an aversion to bright lights and strong smells, to literal thinking and difficulty understanding social rules and reading body language and facial expressions. At the same time, the book highlights and celebrates the unique characteristics that make those with Asperger’s Syndrome special.
This is the perfect introduction to the world of Aspies, told from their own perspective, for the people in their lives: including family, friends, and classmates. Those with Asperger’s Syndrome will also appreciate this book for the way it shares their own singular perspectives on life.
PEEK INSIDE
Why I wrote it…
In September 2011, I heard John Elder Robison (Look Me in the Eye) speak at the Brisbane Writer’s Conference. I was moved by the entirely different way he saw Asperger’s and how he could explain it so that it was no longer facts, but life. I was privileged to have lunch with him and I mooted the concept of writing a book along these lines – that is from the eyes of an Aspie. By February 2012, it was finished and in the hands of my publisher.
When I first conceived the concept for this book, I had in mind that I would be writing about Asperger Syndrome. However, with the DSM 5 elimination of the term, I was faced with a dilemma. Should I write with the new terminology, High Functioning Autism, or keep to the well known and well loved Asperger Syndrome? I decided to stay with Asperger Syndrome and I hope that, as time goes on and whatever term Aspies are referred to, this book can give revelation and hope to all who read it.
I also must confess that I do not have Asperger Syndrome. To write in first person was always a risk, but when I attempted to convert the text to second or third person, a lot of the insight was lost. However, I did do a lot of research for this book. I talked with Aspies, read their books, and listened to hours upon hours of their personal stories on the internet, in an effort to capture their deeper thoughts and feelings. So, although I’m not an Aspie, I hope that you will forgive my literary licence.
A review and a video
Special education teacher Sue Larkey explains why this book is so useful to everyone in contact with an AS child, and reads aloud from some of her favourite pages. CLICK HERE
Awards and Recognition
2012-2013
Inside Asperger’s Looking Out
Jessica Kingsley Publications, UK 2012
- 2013 Nautilus Award (US) Children’s Picture Books: Silver Medal
- 2012 Foreword INDIE Book of the Year Award – Young Adult Non-Fiction (US): Finalist
Reviews
“In a few words the text on each page succinctly explains what it is like to have Asperger’s syndrome and the illustrations will engage and delight children, parents and those who have Asperger’s syndrome. However, I think this book should come with a government health warning – you may laugh until you hurt!”
Tony Attwood, Minds & Hearts Clinic, Brisbane, Australia, and author of The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome
“Inside Asperger’s Looking Out is a wonderful, whimsical portrait of Asperger’s told with pictures and animals that anyone – young or old – can love. It is destined to be a classic, just like Kathy’s earlier book, All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome.”
John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s
“Most of us see the world from the point of ‘what will others think’, and we adjust our view accordingly. Kathy helps us take another, much more honest look, as she exposes the black and white but very colourful world of the Aspie. This book shows that being different is the most normal way to be. That being one’s self is an adventure not to be missed. This is a book we should all read and have and celebrate.”
Dr Wendy Lawson, author of Life Behind Glass: A Personal Account of Autism Spectrum Disorder
“This book is a visual feast of information on Asperger syndrome and the autism spectrum. Simple, yet complex information is shared with a genius for visual expression. I recommend this lovely book to all who wish to better understand individuals on the Asperger-autism spectrum. Kathy Hoopmann scores another home run!”
Susan J. Moreno, CEO and Founder of MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome