Unintentional Humor; Celebrating the Literal Mind™ Paperback – July 15, 2011
by Linda Gund Anderson (Author), Alan J.Lewis (Illustrator), Brett Bednorz (Illustrator), & 1 more
Inspired by a boy with autism, Unintentional Humor is a laugh-out-loud book that highlights the ambiguity of the English language when experienced by a literal mind. Literal interpretations of common expressions such as Surfing the web, Youre in the dog house, and Pig out demonstrate how humor can be used to increase understanding of cultural and developmental language barriers. Unintentional Humor is filled with eighty-five true stories and ninety original cartoon illustrations providing great family entertainment for people of all ages. The twenty-three pages of definitions make Unintentional Humor an effective teaching tool for both home and school. Unintentional Humor is being developed into school curriculum, learning materials, and a series of additional books.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
After years of grappling with her son Brents communication challenges, author Linda Gund Anderson was determined to help others understand the language differences he encountered. Initially focused on the literal interpretation of language experienced by many on the autism spectrum, her message quickly spread to a much larger audience. Using hundreds of the stories collected over the years, she worked together with her son and cartoonist Alan J. Lewis to draw what Brent saw in his literal mind. The unique combination of Brents true stories and Lindas humor provide comic relief that everyone enjoys. Alan J. Lewis is the primary cartoonist for Unintentional Humor. He spent countless hours working with Brent to accurately draw his literal mind. Alan began drawing at an early age and has traveled the world pursuing his art career. He is a talented freelance artist who resides in Colorado.
Product Details
Paperback: 174 pages
Publisher: Gund Publishing (July 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 098345096X
ISBN-13: 978-0983450962
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 6 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Biography
Raising a child with Autism, Linda Gund Anderson spent years writing down stories of the communication challenges she and her son, Brent, experienced. After working on the book for many years, the result is the hilarious book, Unintentional Humor™; Celebrating the Literal Mind™. A combination of true stories and original cartoons, Unintentional Humor™ appeals to people of all ages. Both inspirational and educational, Unintentional Humor™Â is being read in homes and schools around the country. Linda Gund Anderson and her son, Brent Anderson will be on a nationwide book promotional tour in 2013.
Top Customer Reviews
I buy this book 50 copies at a time for my center!
By Janet LIntala, DC on June 28, 2014
Format: Paperback
I buy this book 50 copies at a time for my center, and recommend it to all of my patients who think literally. I encourage parents to treat slang, both verbal and non-verbal (gestures), as a foreign language their child with Autism spectrum disorder can learn. I believe this will help with social skills for both children and adults, and reduce bullying of the mocking type. It is fine to think of the literal meaning of a slang phrase when they hear it, but understanding the “slang” meaning will help them truly join the conversation and participate fully – no more staying quiet and wondering what everyone is talking about!
I tell parents to keep it on the dinner table and learn a phrase a week. Coordinate with teachers and therapists, so that the phrase of the week can be reinforced throughout the day. My goals are for the Autism Spectrum child to both understand slang, and use it when appropriate. Put the siblings on “cool patrol” – they are great at teaching and using slang!
It is a myth that individuals on the autism spectrum have no sense of humor – they don’t seem to get the joke because they may be thinking of the literal sense of the word or phrase. Learning the double meaning of slang lets them in on the joke, and their true sense of humor can be appreciated. I recommend for people without autism to read this book as well, to gain insight into their neurodiverse family members and friends who may think on the literal side.
Overall, I cannot recommend this enough!