Children with Tourette Syndrome

Book excerpt: 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. Theres 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. Theres 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. Its also essential reading for professionals and teachers who need to understand this complex disorder.