"I'm looking at the Solar System display when I hear a child close by shouting at his mum, to which she replies 'No need to bite my head off!' I've heard of laughing your head off (to laugh a lot) and even biting your tongue (to be quiet) but biting someone's head off puts a rather more vivid picture into my mind!"

During a trip to London, taking in tube announcements, guitar shops, and the Science Museum Michael Barton explores and explains the confusing "neurotypical" world of contradictory signage, hidden meanings and nonsensical figures of speech.

His quirky and comic illustrations bring to life the journey from the comfort of his familiar university surroundings into the hectic bustle of central London.

A fun and enlightening read for friends, family, caring professionals and anyone interested in an alternative viewpoint on the world. Sure to "strike a chord" with other day trippers on the autism spectrum.

Hidden meanings and nonsensical speech on a day-trip to London with Aspergers

About the Author
Michael Barton is a final year student studying Physics at the University of Surrey, UK. He gives talks to a wide range of audiences about his experiences of being at the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum, emphasising the positive aspects and relating these to the traits that scientists exhibit. Michael is the author and illustrator of It's Raining Cats and Dogs, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. He is an accomplished musician, playing jazz piano, bass guitar, French horn, drums and percussion (including spoons) with a variety of bands. Michael is also the President of the University Judo club and is a keen rock climber. For more information see www.michaelbarton.org.uk. He lives in Guildford, UK.

Reviews
Michael Barton has - once again - produced a beautiful and funny book, with his own fresh perspective on the bizarre idioms of the English language, rendering them more comprehensible to people on the autism spectrum. His attractive illustrations break up the text and the result is a gem of a slim book. -- Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, Director of the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
As a fan of Michael's first book on idioms, I was very pleased to read his latest work. In this new book, we accompany Michael, as he journeys through a typical day in his university life. It is simply delightful; as interesting and informative, as it is amusing. The content will make it a huge hit with most children on the spectrum, but for me, as the mother of a young man with ASD, it is the glimpse of Michael's successful life that makes it so compelling. From judo to guitar playing to student status, Michael is truly cool and my only beef with this excellent book is that it came to an end far too quickly! -- K.I. Al-Ghani, special education teacher and trainer, author of The Red Beast and several books relating to special education for children and adults
I love Michael's book "It's Raining Cats and Dogs" and now this book gives us further insight into the complexities of our use of language and how it is assumed we understand the illogicality of ambiguous expressions. The book describes Michael's journey through a day out in London with all the pitfalls of potential miscommunication. The book is witty and fun to read and captures Michael's very positive outlook to life. -- Dr Judith Gould, Director, The NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism



Book Information
ISBN 9781839971242
Author Michael Barton
Format Paperback
Page Count 80
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 120g
Dimensions(mm) 214mm * 138mm * 10mm