All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum

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I was very surprised that this is a children's book, due to some of the negative remarks directed toward aspie kids. If you have only just begun to discover why someone with Asperger's syndrome is different, this book will inform and entertain you. The children welcomed affection from the cats that provided love and support in some distinctive ways; not surprisingly, the cats’ affectionate behaviors differ in some ways from those of dogs ( 24). The pictures of all the cute cats, together with the short but precise description of what it’s like to be on the autism spectrum, makes it the perfect book to learn about autism in a gentle, heart warming and humorous way, regardless of whether you are on the spectrum, a parent or other family member, classmate, friend, colleague or professional in the autism field. Less-positive descriptions pertaining to behavior of the child or cat included: “My son does not interact at all with cats or dogs; he just ignores them”; “In the past, when the child was young, the cat did not like the hyper behavior of the child and would avoid most interaction, but as the child has gotten older, the cat will seek out the child.

I pray that my readers will see past the finer details of disagreement and join with me in celebrating, and growing in understanding of, the richness and diversity of the autistic community. The level of aggression of each female (A) and male neutered cat (B) cat plotted by the cat’s age and group.This study on the behaviors of cats with young children focuses on the affectionate behavior that cats demonstrate toward children and that is appreciated by most children, and is calming and comforting to the children.

This study focused primarily on the particular features of cats’ interactions with children having ASD or less severe ASD, and these children’s responses to the cats. Behavioral questions regarding the specified cat addressed: sleeping location, usual daily time spent with the child, and ratings of the cat on affection, aggression, and fearfulness, playfulness, and friendliness with visitors. As we get ready to release All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum, which is a beautiful new edition of bestseller All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome, we spoke with author Kathy Hoopmann to find out more about what changes have been made, and why an update was needed. 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.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". All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum is like receiving a hug from a lifelong friend you haven’t seen in a while. Among 16 ASD children, five cats were more affectionate with adults than the specified child and one cat was more affectionate with the child than adults. Unlike a lot of other books, the text matches this pictures; sentences are not split over pages, with a break in the middle.

Simply seeing the child being calmer with the cat can be comforting to the parents, as indicated in some of the volunteered comments by parents.Now that statement is recognised as not only incorrect but insulting to those on the spectrum as it belittles the very real challenges they face daily. I have now written probably more words than the book contains, so if you have got this far, for heaven's sake, go get a copy!

I was 13 years old when my mom brought All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome home from an autism conference. It seems that cats in families with an ASD child often provided valuable bonding, attention, and calming affection to the child.

These parents were contacted after some time had passed since they had initially enrolled with the University of California, Davis, Mind Institute. It came out shortly after my son was diagnosed with autism and the book was a huge help in introducing him to autism in a positive, funny and appreciative way. You’d expect teenagers to think they’re too old for picture books when they so desperately want to be seen as adults, but nope – the adorable cats and simple yet positive words to connect everything together made me, a lifelong dog owner and lover, feel a deep connection with cats and autism. So when it came time to update my book to current terminology and sensitivities, I was faced with a very difficult task to get things right, especially knowing that word usage and correctness changes regularly. This revision of All Cats Have Aspergers , has been sensitively updated to include developments in understanding of autism.