All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome

Kathy Hoopman (author)

Footprint Books, UK: 2006; picture book

ISBN: 1843104814

Genres: explanation, factual text, humour, picture book

Issues: differences, disability, education, identity, special needs, tolerance

Shortlisted for the Children's Book Council of Australia awards.

In the style of Bradley Trevor Grieve, Hoopman has put together an exceptionally clever, touching, whimsical explanation of Asperger's Syndrome. Photographs of all sorts of cats and kittens in all sorts of positions (and expressing all sorts of emotions) are linked to statements about Asperger's.

The humour is kind, designed to stimulate affectionate recognition of the ‘Aspergian world view'. It acknowledges the contradictions of those with Asperger's Syndrome - the ability to use advanced vocabulary, yet a tendency to literal-mindedness and to become confused by words that have multiple meanings, for example.

The greatest value of this delightful book is the clarity with which it introduces readers of all ages to the needs and habits of those with Asperger's Syndrome - anxiety, the need for routine, obsessions with material objects and/or ideas, rituals, responses that can be considered socially inappropriate or rude, loneliness and a sense of isolation.

Most importantly, Hoopman emphasizes the positive side of many Asperger's characteristics, encouraging readers to develop a more compassionate view of someone ‘different'. By using photographs of cats and kittens - cute, funny, furry friends - Hoopman uses subliminal suggestion to engender a more positive attitude in readers, as well as recognizing the strong association many ‘Aspergians' often have with animals.

Highly recommended, especially for classrooms, this is a ‘must have' book for all educators and psychologists - an upbeat, simple introduction to a complex condition that can be very difficult to understand.