It's Raining Cats and Dogs ─ An Autism Spectrum Guide to the Confusing World of Idioms, Metaphors and Everyday Expressions

Barton, a UK student who has high-functioning autism and speaks at conferences and schools about the positive aspects of being on the autism spectrum, explains why people on the spectrum have difficulty making sense of common phrases and idioms used in everyday language. He provides examples of idioms, shortened expressions, everyday expressions and sayings, double meanings, metaphors, and instructions and statements, from "getting the sack" to "it's not my cup of tea," with drawings based on those he made when he was in junior high school showing how someone on the autism spectrum might see them, and explaining what the phrases really mean underneath. This helped him remember their meaning and understand the English language and helped his teachers, family, and friends understand the autistic mind. Annotation Ac2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Michael Barton is a student with high functioning autism. He is currently undertaking a Physics degree at the University of Surrey. He gives talks at conferences and schools about the positive aspects of being on the spectrum, hoping to provide encouragement for both parents and children. Michael is a talented musician, playing jazz piano and the French horn, and he also enjoys judo.