Author(s): Jayne Dillon

Aspergers & Autism | Biography & Memoir

Lorcan Dillon was seven years old when his mother, Jayne, first heard him say 'I love you.' The words were not directed at her, but at Jessi-cat, the family pet. Lorcan suffers from autism and selective mutism, a condition that renders him unable to speak in certain situations, unable to express emotions or enjoy hugs and he has never told anyone he loves them. This all began to change with the arrival of a kitten named Jessi-cat. Jessi-cat is the stirring tale of how the affection and attention of a constant loving companion allowed a little boy to start to connect to the world around him. Lorcan spends hours playing with her, cuddling her and telling her how much he loves her. He has also begun opening up to others, making friends at school and is constantly making progress. Jessi-cat proved so inspiring that she was named Best Friend and National Cat of the Year 2012 by the Cats Protection Awards. This book charts the story of this great friendship and how the love between a young boy and his pet has changed his life forever.