Kathy Hoopmann – February 14 2016

International Asperger’s Day – February 18 2016

Kathy was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, and grew up on a small farm surrounded by lots of animals, a huge orchard and vegetable patch. Moving to Brisbane, she became a primary school teacher, married, completed a Graduate Diploma in Theology in Education, had three great children and started writing. She became interested in Asperger’s and wanted to capture the positives of the syndrome in an Aspie character, and that became her focus for many years. Kathy’s other books include All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome, All Dogs Have ADHD, Haze and The Essential Manual for Asperger Syndrome (ASD) in the Classroom.

Inside Asperger’s Looking Out
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2012; ISBN 9781849053341
Through engaging text and full-colour 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. Kathy is not an Aspie, but hopes readers will forgive her literary licence in writing this in the first person as a lot of insight was lost in her attempts to convert the text to second or third person.

Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger Adventure
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2000; ISBN 9781853029783
For the first time, the issues and frustrations that a child may have with Asperger Syndrome are explored within a fictional format especially for children. This book’s portrayal of Ben as the central character offers other children with autistic spectrum disorders and their peers a positive role model. It is a valuable teaching tool that demystifies children with Asperger Syndrome, justifying their individuality as valid and interesting. Its sequel, Of Mice and Aliens: An Asperger Adventure, is a science fiction novel in which Ben, learning to cope with his newly diagnosed Asperger Syndrome, meets an alien who knows nothing about Earth’s rules and norms and it is up to Ben and his friend Andy to help Zeke survive. Lisa and the Lacemaker: An Asperger Adventure is about Ben’s friend Lisa who also has Asperger Syndrome. After discovering a derelict hut in Ben’s backyard, she meets her mysterious Great Aunt Hannah and must put the past to rest.