t'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.

Full Description:   

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.

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!"

2011, 160mm x 180mm / 6.25in x 7in, 96pp

Introduction. 1. Classic idioms. 2. Shortened expressions. 3. Everyday expressions and sayings. 4. Double meanings. 5. Metaphors. 6. Instructions and statements.

Stock: usually ships in 7-10 business days!