Multicoloured mayhem : parenting the many shades of adolescents and children with autism, Asperger syndrome, and AD/HD

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. Cover Page......Page 1 Title Page......Page 4 ISBN 1843101718......Page 5 Contents......Page 6 Acknowledgements......Page 12 1. Introduction......Page 14 2. Meet the Jacksons......Page 19 3. An Autism Cocktail......Page 25 An extra splash of colour......Page 26 Causes of autism......Page 39 The autism detective......Page 41 The overlap between AD/HD and autism......Page 42 A colourful tapestry......Page 43 A bit more about Ben......Page 50 A diagnosis of autism......Page 53 School......Page 63 Routine and change......Page 65 Therapies and interventions......Page 67 ...and now a bit more about Joe!......Page 75 Does my child have AD/HD?......Page 76 Parenting an AD/HD child......Page 85 School and AD/HD......Page 90 Interventions......Page 94 6. Asperger Syndrome......Page 104 Asperger Syndrome – a ‘mild’ form of autism......Page 105 Awaiting a diagnosis......Page 106 Asperger Syndrome in the family......Page 107 Running an ‘emulator’......Page 116 Asperger Syndrome in adolescence......Page 121 Different is cool......Page 124 7. Family Fun......Page 127 An unseen guest......Page 128 ...and a few more visitors!......Page 130 Treasured memories......Page 134 Large families......Page 139 Food for thought......Page 140 8. Sibling Situations......Page 148 Sibling rivalry......Page 149 Siblings of children with autism and AS......Page 153 Siblings of children with AD/HD......Page 156 Language difficulties and siblings......Page 159 On the positive side......Page 162 9. Adolescence......Page 164 Teenage transformations......Page 166 Avoiding conflict......Page 176 Setting boundaries......Page 178 Sex, drugs and rock and roll......Page 180 10. Holidays: Coping with Change......Page 184 Disney World diaries......Page 186 A change is as good as a rest!......Page 201 Travel tips......Page 202 Disney advice......Page 204 Autism nightmares......Page 206 A tribute to Emma-Jane......Page 208 AD/HD hazards......Page 212 Anxieties of Asperger Syndrome......Page 214 Dangers of dyspraxia......Page 218 Safety suggestions......Page 221 12. The Parents’ Survival Guide......Page 224 A time for everything......Page 226 Count your blessings......Page 227 Maintaining your own identity......Page 228 Sleeping sickness......Page 229 Survival skills......Page 233 13. A Conclusion to the Chaos......Page 238 DSM-IV 299.00 – Diagnostic criteria for Autistic Disorder......Page 240 DSM-IV 299.80 – Diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s Disorder......Page 242 Gillberg’s criteria for Asperger’s Disorder......Page 243 DSM-IV 314.00 – Diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder......Page 244 Useful Websites......Page 247 Recommended Reading......Page 250 References......Page 251 Index......Page 252

Have you ever been called a freak or a geek? Have you ever felt like one? Luke Jackson is 13 years old and has Asperger Syndrome. Over the years Luke has learned to laugh at such names but there are other aspects of life which are more difficult. Adolescence and the teenage years are a minefield of emotions, transitions and decisions and when a child has Asperger Syndrome, the result is often explosive.
Luke has three sisters and one brother in various stages of their adolescent and teenage years but he is acutely aware of just how different he is and how little information is available for adolescents like himself.
Drawing from his own experiences and gaining information from his teenage brother and sisters, he wrote this enlightening, honest and witty book in an attempt to address difficult topics such as bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about AS, school problems, dating and relationships, and morality.
Luke writes briefly about his younger autistic and AD/HD brothers, providing amusing insights into the antics of his younger years and advice for parents, carers and teachers of younger AS children. However, his main reason for writing was because "so many books are written about us, but none are written directly to adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. I thought I would write one in the hope that we could all learn together."

Booknews

Jackson, a 13-year-old from the UK, is one of seven children. He has Asperger Syndrome (AS), one of his brothers has AD/HD, and another is autistic. Jackson's conversational and humorous text offers helpful insights into the challenges faced by those with AS, on such topics as fascinations and fixations, sensory perception, diet, sleep, teenage language, problems with socializing at school, homework, dealing with bullies, dating, and moral dilemmas. Written for adolescents with AS, and for their parents. Distributed by Taylor & Francis. Jackson is also author of A User Guide to the GF/CF Diet for Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

What is the GF/CF diet? Does it work? What's it like to go on it? In this user guide to the gluten and casein free diet, Luke Jackson, who is 12 years old and has Asperger Syndrome, tells you everything you need to know - both good and bad. The details of his first-hand experience of the diet show how it has improved the quality both of his own life and that of other members of the family. Jacqui Jackson, Luke's mother, decided to try the diet for Luke and his two brothers - Joe who has AD/HD and Ben who has autism - and found the results to be highly rewarding: as Luke says, the diet `really can change people's lives'.Luke offers practical advice on topics such as what to expect when beginning the diet, tips for how to alleviate any initial discomfort, through to advice on how to rearrange the kitchen to avoid-cross contamination. The book includes quotes from other members of the family, a chapter by Luke's mother on how to cope with the challenges of cooking for a family where some people are on the diet and others are not, along with a selection of the family's favourite recipes. An extensive list of useful addresses and websites of suppliers, a food diary for an average week, and suggestions for packed lunches are also included, making the book a really practical source of information.Luke's message is one of unfailing encouragement. Despite the downsides, he and his family have no regrets about going on the diet. This positive and honest book is an important source of encouragement and advice for people whose lives are touched by autism, AS or AD/HD, for parents considering implementing the diet with their children, and for anyone on the diet, young or old. Part of the Reading Well scheme. 35 books selected by young people and health professionals to provide 13 to 18 year olds with high-quality support, information and advice about common mental health issues and related conditions.Winner of the NASEN & TES Special Educational Needs Children's Book Award 2003Have you ever been called a freak or a geek? Have you ever felt like one? Luke Jackson is 13 years old and has Asperger Syndrome. Over the years Luke has learned to laugh at such names but there are other aspects of life which are more difficult. Adolescence and the teenage years are a minefield of emotions, transitions and decisions and when a child has Asperger Syndrome, the result is often explosive.Luke has three sisters and one brother in various stages of their adolescent and teenage years but he is acutely aware of just how different he is and how little information is available for adolescents like himself.Drawing from his own experiences and gaining information from his teenage brother and sisters, he wrote this enlightening, honest and witty book in an attempt to address difficult topics such as bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about AS, school problems, dating and relationships, and morality.Luke writes briefly about his younger autistic and AD/HD brothers, providing amusing insights into the antics of his younger years and advice for parents, carers and teachers of younger AS children. However, his main reason for writing was because'so many books are written about us, but none are written directly to adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. I thought I would write one in the hope that we could all learn together'. Annotation "There is much medical and scientific research (as well as a wealth of evidence from parents of autistic children), that children and adults with autism and related disorders benefit considerably from a gluten free and casein (milk protein) free diet. These findings persuaded a sceptical Marilyn Le Breton to try the diet with her autistic son, Jack. The diet proved very successful and changed the lives of both Jack and the rest of the family." "This is the book that Marilyn wishes had been available to her when she first began the diet with Jack. The book explains in layman's terms what the diet involves, those foods that need to be excluded from the diet and those which are safe to use. It addresses frequently asked questions and mis-conceptions about the diet, such as "Is the diet too difficult and time consuming?" "How strict do you need to be?" "Is the diet expensive to implement?". The book gives practical advice on how to implement the diet, what to expect when you begin the diet, how to adapt family meals and how to minimise gluten and casein creeping into the diet. There is a wide selection of recipes, an extensive list of suppliers of specialist food in the UK and suggestions of where to look for further information. This is the first book of its kind to be written specifically for those living in the UK." "Marilyn's own experience and sensible approach ensure that this book will be invaluable for any parent of an autistic child or adult, who wishes to implement the diet."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved Although there is increasing professional recognition of the links between ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders, this is the first book to analyse them in depth. In Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry, Lisa Blakemore-Brown uses the metaphor of the 'tapestry' to explain more clearly to parents and professionals the interwoven nature of these disorders. She demonstrates how by focusing on defined threads of the individual's tapestry, such as communication ability or hyperactivity, within the larger picture, we can better assess the individual's needs and make more effective interventions. She argues that the more traditional approach, which aims to ameliorate specific problems rather than working within the bigger picture, can actually prove counter-effective. In a comprehensive chapter on interventions, the author discusses different approaches, emphasising the importance of early intervention and of finding the right approach for the individual child. Case studies are described alongside drawn tapestries to show how this simple visual method can easily be used to illustrate the history, current status and ongoing progress of a child. In this way, the tapestry can be used as a construct to define rich and unique personal landscapes. Useful for parents as well as professionals, this groundbreaking book demonstrates how a deeper understanding of the complexity of human development can lead to more appropriate early intervention and treatment plans for children who manifest complex symptoms, thus helping them to lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

"There is much medical and scientific research (as well as a wealth of evidence from parents of autistic children), that children and adults with autism and related disorders benefit considerably from a gluten free and casein (milk protein) free diet. These findings persuaded a sceptical Marilyn Le Breton to try the diet with her autistic son, Jack. The diet proved very successful and changed the lives of both Jack and the rest of the family." "This is the book that Marilyn wishes had been available to her when she first began the diet with Jack. The book explains in layman's terms what the diet involves, those foods that need to be excluded from the diet and those which are safe to use. It addresses frequently asked questions and mis-conceptions about the diet, such as "Is the diet too difficult and time consuming?" "How strict do you need to be?" "Is the diet expensive to implement?". The book gives practical advice on how to implement the diet, what to expect when you begin the diet, how to adapt family meals and how to minimise gluten and casein creeping into the diet. There is a wide selection of recipes, an extensive list of suppliers of specialist food in the UK and suggestions of where to look for further information. This is the first book of its kind to be written specifically for those living in the UK." "Marilyn's own experience and sensible approach ensure that this book will be invaluable for any parent of an autistic child or adult, who wishes to implement the diet."--BOOK JACKET.

People with autism often are intolerant of gluten (a protein in four types of cereal) and casein (a protein found in animal's milk). There are many testaments to the benefits for such people of a diet that excludes gluten, casein, monosodium glutamate and aspartame, and these persuaded Marilyn Le Breton to put her autistic son Jack on the diet. This is the book that Marilyn wishes had been available to her when she first did so. In it she explains what the diet is all about and how it works, what foods can form part of the diet and what should be excluded. She addresses frequently asked questions and misconceptions, such as 'Is the diet too difficult and time-consuming? How strictly do I need to adhere to it? Is the diet expensive to implement?' and gives practical advice on basic equipment and ingredients, what to expect when your child starts the diet, how to adapt family meals and how to minimise cross-contamination in the kitchen. The book includes a wide selection of recipes, an extensive list of addresses and websites of suppliers of foodstuffs in the UK, and suggestions for finding out more information. It is the first book of its kind to be written specifically for those living in the UK. Marilyn's own experience and sensible approach ensure that this book will be invaluable for any parent of a child with autism, or any adult considering embarking on the diet As the evidence increases that gluten free and casein free diets can really improve symptoms in certain developmental disorders, Jaqui Jackson decided to try it out with her sons Luke, Joe and Ben. Joe has AD/HD, Ben is autistic and Luke has Asperger syndrome. In this book, Luke Jackson writes about his own experiences of being on this diet, "to let other people with AS know they are never too old or too "mild" to embark on this diet. It really can change peoples lives." Luke offers practical advice on topics such as what to expect when beginnng the diet, tips for how to alleviate any initial discomfort, through to advice on how to rearrange the kitchen to aviod cross-contamination. The book includes a section onhow Luke's mother copes with the challenges of cooking for such a large family, along with a selection of Luke's favourite recipes. The book also includes a list of useful addresses and Websites of suppliers coupled with suggestions as to how to find more detailed references In comparison to previous generations, there is an increasing amount of information available for today's adolescents with Asperger Syndrome (AS), yet these crucial and formative years are still not as well documented as childhood and adult experiences of individuals with AS. Adolescence is a difficult time for any teenager, but when you have Asperger Syndrome this already emotionally complex time of life becomes all the more challenging. Reflecting the views of parents, professionals and those with AS themselves, this book tackles issues that are pertinent to all teenagers, such as sexuality, depression and friendship, as well as discussing topics like disclosure and therapeutic alternatives that are more specific to those with AS. This book aims to make the transition from child to adult as smooth as possible, and is an essential survival guide to adolescence.

Blakemore-Brown, a psychologist, uses the tapestry metaphor to help parents and professionals understand the complexly interwoven nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. This is by no means, however, a self-help guide in layperson's language. Blakemore-Brown argues that traditional approaches to such disorders, which seek to ameliorate behavioral problems in isolation, can actually be counterproductive. Instead she suggests that focusing on specific threads, such as communication ability or hyperactivity, as parts of a larger picture can lead to better assessment and more effective treatment. She emphasizes early intervention and finding the approach that's right for each child. Distributed by Taylor & Francis. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Blakemore-Brown, a psychologist, uses the tapestry metaphor to help parents and professionals understand the complexly interwoven nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. This is by no means, however, a self-help guide in layperson's language. Blakemore-Brown argues that traditional approaches to such disorders, which seek to ameliorate behavioral problems in isolation, can actually be counterproductive. Instead she suggests that focusing on specific threads, such as communication ability or hyperactivity, as parts of a larger picture can lead to better assessment and more effective treatment. She emphasizes early intervention and finding the approach that's right for each child. Distributed by Taylor and Francis. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR Childhood and adult experiences of individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are becoming increasingly well documented, yet the crucial formative teenage years have, so far, been neglected. Adolescence is a difficult time for any teenager, but when you have Asperger Syndrome this already emotionally complex time of life becomes all the more challenging. Reflecting the views of parents, professionals and those with AS themselves, this book tackles issues that are pertinent to all teenagers, such as sexuality, depression and friendship, as well as discussing topics like disclosure and therapeutic alternatives that are more specific to those with AS. This book aims to make the transition from child to adult as smooth as possible, and is an essential survival guide to adolescence.

jacqui Jackson Has Seven Children. Amongst Them, Luke (author Of Freaks, Geeks And Asperger Syndrome) Has Asperger Syndrome, Joe Has Ad/hd, Ben Has Autism, And Matthew Has Dyspraxia And Dyslexia. Life Is Anything But Straightforward, But The Chaos Of The Jacksons' Lives Is Threaded Through With Humour And Common Sense. Full Of Anecdotes And Lively Thinking, Her Book Vividly Explains 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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, i wasnt able to put it down! I especially like Jacqui's anecdotes about the 'girls' relationship with the 'boys' in their family, as the girls seem so charming and delightful, whereas the boys often sound like little terrors! Far from complaining about this however, jacqui takes real life situations which may sometimes be the absolute opposite of comical, and changes them into hysterical tales. an altogether fascinating book! Jacqui Jackson has seven children. Luke has Asperger syndrome, Joe has AD/HD and Ben has autism. The chaos of their family life is threaded through with humour and common sense. This book explains vividly what it is like to parent young people with such a range of conditions Offers insights by a teenager with Asperger's syndrome into the difficulties of the disorder, including information on fascinations and obsessions, sensory perception, sleep, bullies, moral dilemmas, eating, and socializing. Annotation "People with autism often are intolerant of gluten and casein. This book explains the benefits of a gluten and casein free diet, gives practical advice, and includes a wide selection of recipes." This text is intended to contribute to the development of a greater freedom between professionals and parents in the quest to understand and support children with multiple learning disorders The above characteristics portray a behavioural and social pattern found in many adolescents and children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome(AS). Over recent years there has been a growing awareness concerning the autistic spectrum but diagnosis criteria still very enormously. "Tapestries have been woven to depict fascinating, complex and colourful stories about people for centuries."