Multicoloured Mayhem: Parenting the Many Shades of Adolescents and Children with Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD

by Jacqui Jackson

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.

Genres: Parenting, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2003

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Sarah Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anecdotal stories were great, but some de-bunked science in it - not surprising considering when it was published tbh. Great to know I'm not alone in navigating the landscape of a kid with ASD.

[Jen]

This book is a fascinating look at a family of 7 children -- 4 boys on the autism spectrum, and 3 neuro-typical girls.

I didn't like the author's writing style -- a little too casual and full of generalities -- and the book kind of meanders here and there.

At this point I'm not sure if I'd recommend this book so much for learning about having multiple autistic children, as I would for just staring, mouth-gaping, at the insanity.

And I'll say one thing for sure: I am SO GLAD that my child isn't in the habit of "smearing poo." I'd be ok if I never had to read about that again.

[Sheelagh]

Another fabulously strong lady who inspires me on a daily basis

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing, highly recommended for anyone interested in or knows someone with add, or on the spectrum. A must for parents and caregivers....teachers and nursing staff should be FORCED to read it aswell!

[Aneta Jackowska-Musiol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only parents of autistic or any other disorder children should read this book.