Michael Barton

Michael Barton is the author and illustrator of "It's Raining Cats and Dogs" and "A Different Kettle of Fish", both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. He has also self published his third book "What Has Autism Ever Done For Us?"

He is an experienced speaker on autism and Asperger's Syndrome, having given over 100 talks and been featured around the media from Channel 4 and the BBC to the New Scientist magazine and even given a TEDx talk. He has featured numerous times on the main stage at the Autism Show with top professionals and gives talks across the UK about his experiences of being on the autism spectrum. He focuses on the positive aspects of being autistic, which gives people a more optimistic view of the future.

Michael works full time as a Data Analyst and is a patron of CASPA - Life With Autism - a charity based in South East London that runs youth clubs for young people on the autism spectrum.

In his spare time he is an accomplished musician, playing jazz piano, bass guitar, drums and percussion (including spoons) with a variety of bands. On top of that he is a black belt in judo and enjoys skiing, snowboarding and rock climbing.