Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents' Guide [Paperback]

Tracy Lynne Marsh (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 24, 2007

When first published, this guide was the only book to offer up-to-date information and advice for families. Now in an updated edition, "Children with Tourette Syndrome" offers even more. There's new information on the latest research and medical developments in the field, and sections on education, legal rights, family life, daily care, and emotional issues are thoroughly revised. Written by leading experts in the field and experienced parents, this guide provides an excellent blend of professional expertise and empathetic advice. Families with newly diagnosed children find answers to their most pressing questions about this often perplexing neurological disorder, as well as coping strategies and emotional support. This second edition includes new information about the effects of Tourette syndrome at different stages of development from childhood into adulthood. There's more on coexisting conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, Asperger syndrome, and learning disabilities. The book also provides an overview of the biochemistry of TS, what to expect from a medical workup, as well as a discussion of more than 30 different drugs used to treat TS and related conditions. There are strategies for coping with many of the challenging characteristics of TS such as impulsivity, obsessive thoughts, attention and sleep problems, and difficulties with sensory integration. A new chapter on Habit Reversal Training (HRT) explains how this behavior intervention can help some people control tics. Parents find the latest on special education rights, and expanded information on how to design an appropriate education plan for their child. For families raising a child with TS, this comprehensive handbook gives them hope and relieves their sense of isolation. It's also essential reading for professionals and teachers who need to understand this complex disorder.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a physical disorder of the brain that causes involuntary muscle tics and vocal noises; obsessive-compulsive and attention deficit disorders are frequently present as well. Because symptoms of TS generally appear before the age of seven, this guide is a particularly important addition to the literature on this long-misunderstood and misdiagnosed illness. The medical, educational, social, and legal issues associated with TS are addressed through clear and comprehensive essays written by specialists and parents. The book also provides parents with useful coping strategies while focusing on ways to encourage children to reach their highest potential. Each chapter concludes with candid statements by parents that convey the pain and triumphs associated with this disorder. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries supporting healthcare curricula.
- Linda Cullum, Lake Superior State Univ. Lib., Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"The perfect companion for parents and caregivers alike." --Kirkus Reports, December 2006

"This valuable resource for parents and educators is recommended for all public libraries." --Library Journal, February 15, 2007

"This guide is a good reference to professionals working with children diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome." --ADVANCE for Physical Therapists & PT Assistants, July 16, 2007

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House; 2 edition (January 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890627364
• ISBN-13: 978-1890627362
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, enormously helpful, with great advice, June 13, 2001

By 

franq "nolansmom" (Long Island, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parent's Guide (Special Needs Collection) (Paperback)

My 8-year-old son has ADHD, OCD and tic disorders (though not full-blown Tourette Syndrome). This book was an enormous help for me in understanding the tic disorder and also the ADHD and OCD which often co-occur with TS and tic disorders. It is written in a very easy to read, friendly, compassionate way. There is a lot of clear advice here. TS is complex and often misunderstood. The book helps you cope with and understand many of the related problems. It teaches acceptance, dealing with friends, relatives, schools, etc. It is a very thorough book. After reading it, I felt less helpless and more empowered to deal with these issues. The book talks about the importance of acknowledging your child's frustrations and feelings, which will help him to learn to share them more directly with you. For example, saying, "I know you're trying really hard, and it's frustrating when the other students can't seem to understand that you can't stop doing certain things." This book helps you to also empower your child, and to embrace what is special about him. It says, "If you believe in your child as an individual whose Tourette syndrome is only one aspect of her total being, your child will also be more likely to see herself as someone with abilities, rather than disabilities." I strongly recommend this book. It will help.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jam Packed Guide for Parents and Professionals, March 25, 2002

By 

Dr. Rosemary Bannon Tyksinski "www.rosemarys-... (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parent's Guide (Special Needs Collection) (Paperback)

This is a compact little guide is packed with useful information both for parents and professionals. It is not cluttered with long narratives of people's "personal stories". While there is definitely a place for that approach, I needed a quick primer that would easily acquaint me with the full range of difficulties faced by a child with Tourette Syndrome as well as those faced by her parents. As a clinican, I needed to arm myself in a hurry with an understanding of the essential issues relevant to this population in order to manage a school crisis. It gave me everything I needed to effectively advocate for my young client and her parents.

It is a quick read, informative and clear. The book humanizes TS and provides basic information about etiology, development, and treatment, medication, symptom management, and guidlines on how to interact with school staff. Suggestions for designing an effective educational plans,advocacy strategies, and a basic description of legal rights are also included.

I recommend this book without hesitation.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource For Parents, March 30, 2005

By 

E. Grimm "Book Worm Man" (Long Island) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parent's Guide (Special Needs Collection) (Paperback)

My son has Tourettes. This was the first book that I bought when he was diagnosed and I found it to be invaluable. It is a great resource for the parents of the newly diagnosed or even those who have been dealing with it for some time. The book lets you know what to expect and how to cope. A must have for anyone dealing with a special needs child with this disorder.