Abstract

Jacqui Jackson has seven children. Luke (author of Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome) has Asperger Syndrome, Joe has ADHD, and Ben has autism. Life is anything but straightforward, but the chaos of the Jacksons' lives is threaded through with humor and common sense. Full of anecdotes and lively thinking, the book explains vividly what it is like to parent young people with such a range of conditions, and provides a wealth of helpful and creative advice for other parents and carers. Anyone who has wondered what life in such a family might be like will be fascinated.
Jacqui Jackson is a single parent of seven lively children, three girls in the midst of adolescence and four boys all of whom are on the autistic spectrum. Along with her son Luke who wrote bestseller Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome, Jacqui is a frequent speaker and writer on autism. After gaining a first class honours degree in social science with the Open University, she is now studying for a PhD at Coventry University, researching into sensory issues in autistic children. In between her hectic schedule she manages to prepare gluten and casein free meals for her three younger boys and work as a volunteer on the allergy induced autism helpline.
`Social care staff, and those working in child and adolescent mental health services should find this insightful account of different children, the family, and parenting issues of great value. In the course of what is often a genuinely funny publication, she manages to cover in some depth issues around diagnosis, educational matters, therapies and interventions, health and safety and risk, sibling issues, and changes from childhood to adolescence…Extremely valuable.'
Care & Health Magazine
`Jacqui Jackson is the inspirational parent of seven children, including four boys, together combining autism, Asperger Syndrome, AD/HD, dyspraxia and dyslexia…I feel sure that there will be something for everyone somewhere in this book…An eclectoic book, just as you would expect, jumping from anecdote, to thoughts about the causes of autism, to advice about how to manage a trip to Disneyland, But compelling reading nevertheless.'
Infant & Child Development
`Ostensibly written to give advice about how to approach professionals, find relevant forms of help, and understand and cope with the differing needs of children with AS, what [Jacqui] also conveys is optimism and joy…The book is packed with helpful advice, although it also works as the readable story of an unusual and interesting family.'
Human Givens Journal, Volume 10, No 4 2004
`The writing style is lively and humorous and the author manages to be informative though not prescriptive. This book provides reassurance and practical support for parents who have children with the above needs. However, it also has relevance to those involved in therapeutic and educational settings as it provides a complete description of everyday life with all the riches and difficulties involved.'
Joan O'Rafferty Occupational Therapist

`Multicoloured Mayhem is also a very well researched book. You will find comprehensive yet easy to understand definitions of most neuro-developmental difficulties as well as short descriptions of various remedial methods. It lists diagnostic criterias and useful websites, recommended reading and well-informed advice.' -Young Minds Magazine

`Jacqui has much to share with her readers, and there is plenty that is familiar, and lots of good, common sense advice… It is a book that parents of children with ASD will feel comfortable with, as it is not written by a 'professional', but someone who lives the life, with its up and downs.'