Biography

Jacqui Jackson has seven children, four of whom are on the autism spectrum. You may remember her son, Luke, wrote Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome in 2001, to great acclaim. There is great public interest in Jacqui herself, and she is a regular speaker at conferences nationally and internationally. This interest has intensified rapidly since BBC2 televised their documentary on the Jackson family in July 2003. My Family and Autism had viewing figures of 3.4 million (documentaries in this slot rarely get more than 2 million viewers), and it also renewed public interest in Luke's book. The interest generated by this programme has not abated and following the publication of her book, Multicoloured Mayhem there was much media interest, including the BBC drama Magnificent 7.

After gaining a first class honors degree in social science with the Open University, Jacqui has now successfully completed her doctorate and holds a Phd in design and sensory issues in ASD.

Jacqui is also a trustee and member of the Scientific and Advisory Committee for Reseach Autism along with some of the worlds leading authorities on autism spectrum disorders. Research autism is a charity which researches into interventions for people with ASD.

In between her hectic schedule she manages to prepare gluten and casein free meals for her three younger boys and vegetarian meals for her girls.

• See also Family Photos