It's Raining Cats and Dogs
An Autism Spectrum Guide to the Confusing World of Idioms, Metaphors and Everyday Expressions
Michael Barton
Foreword by Delia Barton
Hardback: £9.99 / $15.95
2011, 160mm x 180mm / 6.25in x 7in, 96pp
ISBN: 978-1-84905-283-2, BIC 2: JNSG2
VFJD
The English language can be extremely confusing and illogical, especially for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who interpret meaning in a very literal way. Why should an announcement that cats and dogs are falling from the sky indicate heavy rain? And what have chickens got to do with being a coward?
It's Raining Cats and Dogs is a witty and stylish insight into the mind of someone with an ASD. It beautifully illustrates why people with ASDs have problems understanding common phrases and idioms that others accept unquestioningly as part of everyday speech. The quirky drawings will entertain and inspire those on the spectrum, giving them the confidence to recognise figures of speech, feel less alienated and even use idioms themselves.
The drawings will form instantly memorable references for those with ASDs to recall whenever they need to and will be helpful for anyone curious to understand the ASD way of thinking. They will enable people on the spectrum and their friends, families, teachers and colleagues to better understand and communicate with each other.
Blog posts
Michael Barton on the Importance of World Autism Awareness Day
27 March 2013
This is an important day in the calendar for autistic people. If only ordinary people (or neurotypicals as people with autism like to call non autistics) were more aware of autism and understood more about the condition, the problems we encounter on a daily basis would be greatly alleviated. Awareness and understanding are the key...
Tips for surviving school for young people on the Autism Spectrum – by Michael Barton
13 April 2012
Michael Barton is a student with high functioning autism. In this 60 second (short) interview, he gives his top tips for surviving school and shares some artwork from his new book, It’s Raining Cats and Dogs, and his hopes for the Autism community. Can you share some of the challenges you, as an individual on...
An Interview with Michael Barton, creator of a new illustrated guide to the confusing world of idioms and metaphors
14 November 2011
"I never actually drew the pictures to be entertaining! I did the drawings because that’s what I thought when I heard the expression... However I soon realised that people found my drawings amusing because they then realised how little sense the English language makes!"
Related events
The Autism Show
14-15th and 28th-29th June 2013 from 10am - 5pm
The Autism Show runs at ExCeL London from 14th-15th June and at EventCity Manchester from 28th-29th June 2013
With shows in both London and Manchester this year, The Autism Show is growing to cater for the needs of the UK autism community. With workshops and one to one sessions available to cater for individuals, parents and professionals, this is one event not to be missed.
JKP author Michael Barton will be speaking at both the London and Manchester events. Join Michael in The Hub - Theatre One at 11.10-11.40 on the 14th June in London. Michael will also be speaking alongside Steve Barker, Damian Milton and Russell Stronach in The Hub - Theatre One between 14.40-15.50 on 29th June at the Manchester event.
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