`A useful addition to the reference library of parents and professionals working with children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders'. -- The National Association for Gifted Children
`Stuart-Hamilton sets out to explain everyday phrases that are intended to be interpreted symbolically, and which would be meaningless, confusing or embarrassing if interpreted literally...The dictionary contains a clear guide and includes politeness ratings, indicating the level of offence that may be caused when using certain words or phrases'. -- communitycare
`Are you in the pudding club? Do you look like a dog's dinner? Have you joined the great majority? If you do not have Asperger'syndrome or another autism spectrum disorder, and you answer is in the affirmative in all cases, you know you are pregnant, badly dressed, and dead. If you do have Asperger's syndrome or the like, you have taken these questions literally rather than symbolically and are only just starting the process of interpreting them. Stuart-Hamilton (developmental psychology, U. of Glamorgan) lists hundreds of expressions so those with autism spectrum disorders and others (including the innocent, those new to UK culture and language and all the rest of us who cannot make sense of a certain symbolic phrases) can better sort out what those around us are saying'. -- Book News
` This is a truly inspirational book and teaching tool and a very successful dictionary for all. It should be on the bookshelves of every inclusive classroom, house and office'. -- Good Autism Practice
`I found this book both entertaining and informative; I would highly recommend it for both people with ASD and carers alike: all expressions come with a star rating, indicating appropriateness/politeness level (i.e.: * mild, ** best to avoid, *** avoid at all costs!). It illustrates just how complex the English language is. I think it will be an invaluable tool. A brilliant idea if you're not sure what an expression means or which one to use. I also found this book incredibly amusing in parts, e.g. As rare as Hen's Teeth.' -- Autism West Midlands
