Myomancy ADHD, Dyslexia and Autism

Blue Bottle Mystery : An Asperger’s Adventure

Kathy Hoopmann

$7.49 via Amazon

This is a warm, fun-filled fantasy story for children with a difference: the hero is Ben, a boy with Asperger Syndrome. When Ben and his friend Andy find an old bottle in the school yard, they little realize the surprises about to be unleashed in their lives. Bound up with this exciting mystery is the story of how Ben is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along. Blue Bottle Mystery is a delight to read that is more than just another kid’s book. 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. Its 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. In Blue Bottle Mystery Kathy Hoopmann has combined her love of children with her passion for fantasy literature to produce a delightful read for anyone who loves an adventure and wants a unique insight into the mind of an Asperger child.

People who have brought this book wrote:

Our "friend" from C.A.R.D. (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) had finished her in-home observations and we got the "diagnosis" over the phone. Our son was unaware of the situation, only ever knowing that he is different and internalizing that as "bad". After some research I determined that the best way to break it to him was via Blue Bottle Mystery. We read the book, not an abnormal occurrence; we homeschool. He understood Ben and finally felt understood a little himself. When the story culminated I asked him who his favorite character was. Ben of course. I then explained to him that he had something very much in common with Ben in that he also has Asperger. My son almost did a cartwheel. Because of this book, he was "proud" to have AS.

I too didn't like the "problem with the brain" language; it almost made me cry. However, I realize this is actually how some professionals talk, so it is "real world". I also realize that, much as I don't like facing it, AS IS a problem at times. I certainly didn't have an issue with the anger Ben's dad felt. My son was 8 before we knew about AS, and I have often found myself feeling "manipulated" by my smart son as when he argues that he can't "pick up the floor" when being asked to clean his room. The hand flailing DOES look weird, and I have felt the frustration and embarrassment that Ben's dad experienced. It made ME feel normal and "forgiven". Ben's dad didn't understand and neither did I, I'm sorry to say. Mr. Jones had to learn and so did I. So I like how this book works on two levels: it introduces AS to the child and to the parent and it sort of comisserates/relates. We all needed that. We have a special place in our hearts for this book. It enabled my son to understand himself and even like himself a little better, and we as parents no longer felt so entirely alone.

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