Autism Association for Overseas Families
in The Netherlands

Parents and professionals
working together for children
with autism

"Positive Experience" No. 1

I would like to let other parents know about the book "Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger Adventure" by Kathy Hoopmann (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2000, pp96 - I bought it from Amazon in the UK for £7.95.  It is also sold by the National Autistic Society in the UK (www.nas.org.uk )). 

This is a story book - written for children of around 8-13 years old.  It tells the story of Ben - who, with his friend Andy, find an old bottle in the school playground.  A strange mist of smoke is released and strange things start to happen.  As the mystery unfolds - Ben is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.  It is a good read and also introduces children to Aspergers Syndrome. 

I gave the book to my 9 year old son who has Aspergers.  We have never talked about Aspergers and autism with him, and were wondering how we should broach the subject.  I did not say anything about the book - but merely handed it over and said it was a good story and that he should read it.  He took the book, read it all from end to end in one go and came rushing downstairs.  He told me about the book and the story and said that Ben was ever so much like him!  My son had never discussed a book with me before (except to tell me which page number he was on!) - and I was delighted that he had been introduced to the concept of autism very gently by recognising something of himself in a character in a book. 

I would strongly recommend this book to other parents.

This was contributed by Tee Lamb, March 2004

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Updated on:  07 April 2004