Cats and Dogs — Understanding Autism Spectrum and ADHD with Kathy Hoopmann

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Kathy Hoopmann and her delightfully humorous and sensitive books that help to explain how it feels to be on the autism spectrum or to have ADHD — All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum and All Dogs have ADHD.

These books are perfect for use in both the home and classroom settings. Children and adults on the spectrum or diagnosed with ADHD will find themselves in the books, and others will recognise and develop understanding and empathy for their fellows who may travel the world on a slightly different path.

All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum and All Dogs have ADHD are updated versions of Kathy’s previously published and successful books All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome and All Dogs Have ADHD. Kathy explains her reasons for updating them.

“I first published All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome in 2006 and All Dogs Have ADHD in 2009.  Fast forward 11 and 14 years and although both books were still selling well, the layouts were dated and some of the text needed tweaking to represent current views and terminology. The biggest criticism I had was that they were written with male pronouns

And, as many girls have ASD and ADHD, they also wanted to see themselves on the page. With these things in mind, I took the opportunity to freshen up the entire books and revitalized them with all new images as well. “

They are definitely beautiful books and delightful to look at, filled from cover to cover with cute cat and dog images.  However, the books are more than just that. Kathy shines a positive light on the sometimes-quirky behaviours that are endearing in pets and helps us recognise the beauty and joy we can discover in diversity. She encourages us to accept ourselves and others just as we are.

A recommendation by Haley Moss

The updated version of All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum has a beautiful foreword written by Haley Moss, Esq., an autistic attorney, author, artist and advocate. Haley writes:

“Me-wow! I was 13 years old when my mom brought All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome home from an autism conference. 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. I couldn’t describe the magic of how cats perfectly explained everything I felt and knew about myself. Kathy’s stunning depictions of autism resonated deeply with me. I was already confident and proud to be autistic, and that pride was solidified in a picture book.”

Haley continues to explain the positive and profound effect the book had upon her own self-awareness and the understanding of those in important relationships with her. Of the updated book, Haley says,

“All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum is like receiving a hug from a lifelong friend you haven’t seen in a while.”

I don’t think you could get a better recommendation that that.

Both All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum and All Dogs have ADHD help us develop a greater understanding of cats, dogs and people. Through that understanding we learn to develop empathy and compassion and a world that is a nicer place for all of us.

About Kathy Hoopmann

Kathy Hoopmann has written over twenty books with translations into nineteen languages.  She has won, and been shortlisted for many literary awards, including the Children’s Book Council of Australia Award and has four times been awarded a Nautilus Award (US) which is granted to ‘books that change the world’.  Kathy is best known for her writing on various diagnoses from autism to mental illness, in fiction and non-fiction.  The simplicity, charm and insight of Kathy’s books have made them must-haves for children and adults worldwide. 

Previous interviews

Check out these previous interviews with Kathy

Teaching Children with ASD — Ideas for the classroom when we discuss her book The Essential Manual for Asperger Syndrome (ASD) in the Classroom.

Review: The Secret Science Society’s Spectacular Experiment about her fun junior fiction book co-written with Josie Montano.

Contact Kathy Hoopmann

Find out more about Kathy Hoopmann and her books

On her website: www.kathyhoopmann.com

On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62718.Kathy_Hoopmann

On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathy-Hoopmann/e/B001JP44WA

Connect with her on social media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathyhoopmannauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathyHoopmann

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-hoopmann-88225742/

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