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Book Reviews of All Cats Have Asperger SyndromeBook Review: A Different CATegory of Autism/Asperger's Summary: 1 Stars
As another reviewer on the US boards noted, autism is NOT a mental disorder; it is a neurobiological, neurosensory condition that affects sensory input, processing and integration. It also affects language to varying degrees. Asperger's Syndrome (AS) is the spectrum partner to autism and is considered by many to be a higher functioning form of autism. I want to thank that reviewer for that; I've banged on the different drum for years saying that as well. Although I didn't care for this book, I would heartily recommend all Kathy Hoopman's other books about young people on the a/A continuum, especially HAZE and OF MICE & OTHER ALIENS.
To its credit, this book does make it clear that people on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum are not deliberately "misbehaving" or stepping out of the line of rigid social conformity. People on the spectrum have sensory issues to contend with and many behaviors from neurotypical (NT) counterparts can be extremely bewildering. It does provide good explanations for a/A related behavior in the captions. For those who feel this book helped open the door to acceptance and understanding, then that is to the good.
That having been said, I thought this book was a disappointment. I honestly believed it would show parallels between cats and people on the a/A spectrum at best, humorous parody at worst. Instead of being more "in-depth," or even remotely humorous or even showing people in full, it merely showcases of pictures of cats engaged in feline behaviors with captions about how cat behavior is similar to Asperger's in humans. What turned me off was the obvious altering of some pictures to prove some point. I thought that looked bizarre and that rather ruined the book for me.
Book Review: A "must have" book... Summary: 5 Stars
What a gem!!!! My 8 year old has Aspergers along with a variety of other physical and mental health issues. He has had an affinity for cats since an early age, and I bought this book as a way to help him feel good about himself....it is worth every penny!! Beautifully written and illustrated (absolutely spot-on photography!!), there are just enough words to provide the reader with an overview of what it feels like to suffer from this isolating disorder, yet it also presents the affliction in such a way that my child does not feel like an outsider...with its humorous approach, it allows him to identify with a living, breathing creature (the cat) that is acceptable to others, therefore giving him away to communicate to others that while he is certainly different, he is not a "wierdo" as he sometimes gets called by those uneducated/uninformed about Aspergers and its unique/quaint associated manifestations. This book will long remain a favorite...he shows it to those he wants to help understand how he feels, and so far there has been an overwhelmingly positive response!! I believe that even if a child is not ready to share his/her challenges with others, this book can provide comfort to them...it can also be used by the parent to educate others about how the child views life around them.
There are no lengthy explanations or detailed discourses regarding Aspergers in this book, but again, that is not the intention of the book.... this picture-loaded book is designed to be simple and help both the child and those around him/her feel more at ease with the way Aspergers children interpret life and act upon their feelings. Great addition to your library!!
Book Review: Enlightening and non-threatening for all ages Summary: 4 Stars
As a psychologist who works with families of children with autism, I frequently counsel parents and family members to think of their child as different and not defective. For several years now, I have helped parents to see their child's social signals are more like those of a cat, that is, they often initiate contact when they want and need it and in their own way. This endearing contribution helps readers of all ages to see how children with Asperger's are different socially and that understanding that difference is the key to establishing contact and a rewarding relationship. This is a wonderful and enlightening coffee table book for homes and offices.
Robert Naseef, Ph.D. is the author of "Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability" and co-editor "Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom."
Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, And Professionals Share Their Wisdom
Living Along the Autism Spectrum: What Does It Mean to have Autism or Asperger Syndrome?
Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability
Book Review: excellent book Summary: 5 Stars
The photographer had a keen photo eye. The photographs go on to show how an Asperger child looks at the world in a unique way. Another photo shows a kitty alone, and states that although "he likes to be near those he loves, he doesn't want them to hold him, preferring squishy places to a hug". Another photo demostrates a scared kitty and states, "An Asperger child often has exceptionally good hearing, and loud sounds and sudden movements may scare him". All in all this book is pretty amazing in the way it explains Aspergers in simple terms, and using large letters to explain each kitten photo in terms of children with Aspergers. By using these adorable photos to explain how cats can be very quirky, aloof and creatures of routine, and that their behaviors, at times, can be somewhat similar to children with Aspergers. This book would be a good teaching resource for siblings, therapists and teachers. Highly recommended I did not know what to make of this book when I saw it on the table at a recent book sale, but cat lover that I am, how could I pass it up for a few cents? The book is just sixty four pages, but not only does the book have great photos of kittens on every page but there is something to be learned by each photo and how the various cat photos relates to Asperger's Syndrome. The book begins by showing a sleeping kitty and telling how the first signs of Aspergers are usually picked up very young.
Book Review: Fabulous! Summary: 5 Stars
Okay, I did not know what to make of this book when I saw it on the table at a recent book sale, but cat lover that I am, how could I pass it up for 50 cents?
The book is just 65 pages, but not only does the book have great photos of kittens on every page but there is something to be learned by each photo and how the various cat photos relates to Asperger's Syndrome. The book begins by showing a sleeping kitty and telling how the first signs of Aspergers are usually picked up very young.
The photographs go on to show how an Asperger child looks at the world in a unique way. Another photo shows a kitty alone, and states that although "he likes to be near those he loves, he doesn't want them to hold him, preferring squishy places to a hug". Another photo demostrates a scared kitty and states, "An Asperger child often has exceptionally good hearing, and loud sounds and sudden movements may scare him".
All in all this book is pretty amazing in the way it explains Aspergers in simple terms, and using large letters to explain each kitten photo in terms of children with Aspergers. By using these adorable photos to explain how cats can be very quirky, aloof and creatures of routine, and that their behaviors, at times, can be somewhat similar to children with Aspergers.
This book would be a good teaching resource for siblings, therapists and teachers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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