Author(s): Jude Welton

Autism

Expressions that don't literally mean what they say can be confusing for many children, but can be fun when they become familiar. Metaphors are particularly challenging for children with Asperger Syndrome (AS), because they tend to be literal thinkers. These cards can enable children with Asperger Syndrome to enjoy metaphorical language too. Using metaphors may also help children with AS to be more flexible and creative in the way they understand and use language. What Did You Say? What Do You Mean? metaphor cards present 60 common sayings in a fun, illustrated format, encouraging children to understand and play with metaphorical language. Although designed with children with Asperger Syndrome in mind, the cards are useful for all children. The cards are divided into two types: What Did You Say? cards which feature the metaphor and a fun illustration of its literal meaning, and corresponding What Do You Mean? cards which show the actual meaning of the saying. The accompanying booklet contains information and ideas for games and activities. Enjoyable and educational, these cards are great for teachers or parents to use in groups or in one-to-one sessions.

About the author:
Jude Welton has a teenage son with AS. Originally trained as a child psychologist specializing in autism, she is a freelance writer, writing mainly on the arts and Asperger Syndrome. Jude Welton's short novel, Adam's Alternative Sports Day: An Asperger Story, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers was shortlisted for the NASEN and TES Special Educational Needs Book Awards 2005. Jude is author of Can I tell you about Asperger Syndrome? and What Did You Say? What Do You Mean?: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Metaphors, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She lives in Scotland. Jane Telford is an artist and illustrator, who has exhibited paintings and drawings widely in the UK and also internationally.