Tourette Syndrome

From The Critics

Tourette Syndrome is a disease that few know about yet from which many suffer. This volume, one of a series of excellent books published by the nonfiction house, Twenty First Century Books, is an excellent introduction for both lay and expert readers about this often misunderstood, yet common physical condition. Scientists say that 1 in 2,000 people are often inflicted with this compelling physical phenomena which results in uncontrollable range motor ticks ranging from the simple (intermittent eye and finger movements) to the complex (persistent involuntary leg, arm, and head twitching). Solid facts and captivating vignettes fill this slim, accessible volume of information about this disease that can often make life miserable for its unsuspecting victims. Moreover, proper medical, behavioral, and dietary treatment (all aimed at management, not cure), are thoroughly reviewed with the hope of helping those in need. Young people who have this syndrome will find comfort in the case studies that depict lives, that are undoubtedly, similar to their own. A valuable resource for all interested. 2002, Twenty First Century Books, 112 pp.,
— Mary Little

Children's Literature

Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is aptly described as a physical illness, and "people who have it cannot control what they do and say." They make "movements and sounds called tics, that are beyond their control." Brill does a nice job of portraying this burdensome illness through vignettes of children at all ages, as one that can be lived with. In fact, the strength of the book is in the advice given on living with TS at home, school and in society. A chapter on medications for TS will also be of great interest. In discussing the what and why of TS, the book begins with a slightly disconcerting impression that tics are actually TS, and anyone who has tics has the disease. The tics are described first, followed by a diagnosis section stating, "Not everyone who has tics has TS." A number of statements would best be referenced, such as theories about lack of oxygen after or during birth possibly causing TS. Also troublesome are various unreferenced statements made about the incidence of TS that do not agree. On the jacket, we read, "one in every 2000 children between the ages of two and eighteen will be diagnosed with it." Inside, we read, "about one in 200 Americans find they have very mild signs of TS." Further, we read that "recent studies estimate that TS affects about one in 2,500 people in the U.S..." The chapter notes at the end are quite brief. Occasional black and white photos of normal-appearing children are an important addition, however the book jacket, if designed to draw readers in with the somewhat scary photo of a child who looks disturbed, (by being out of focus, one assumes he is having a tic,) it might work. There is a glossary, an index, a list of resource organizations, afurther reading list and brief source notes for each chapter. The writing is clear and directed to child-readers. Report writers should be encouraged to use the reference list included to seek out additional facts and corroborating research information. One thing is certain¾the reader will know after reading this book how children with TS feel and cope with life. Part of the "Twenty-First Century Medical Library" series. 2002, Twenty-first Century Books,
— Elaine Wick

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Tourette's, a surprisingly common (1 in 2000) and compelling physical condition of unknown origin, is introduced through the stories of three teens who experience a range of motor and vocal tics ranging from the simple to the complex. Chapters follow a logical progression covering description, causes and triggers, treatments (medical, behavioral, and dietary, all aimed at management, not cure), home and school challenges, and development of coping skills. Since the condition also impacts all those in the person's proximity, social aspects are addressed at length. Effective black-and-white photos illustrate many of the symptoms and management strategies, and the glossary and resources are extensive. Students will find their questions addressed and clearly answered in this book.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.