Book Description
Getting Personal, Stories of Life with Tourette Syndrome contains twenty-two stories depicting life with Tourette syndrome. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Getting Personal: Stories of Life with Tourette Syndrome
I think that it is a great book. If you look into one of 22 stories in the book, you will find that one of them is MINE. My name is Eric Daily. The article is called " Thank You Dateline ". I discoverd that I had TS in October of 1998. I am 37 now.
Michael Defilippo contacted me through my web site and asked me if I would like to tell my story. I of course told him sure. He has done a wonderful job in editing and writing this book. It shows the personal side of TS, from words of those who actualy deal with it on a daily basis. You may contact my web site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CW_TS

A Much Needed Book
As a parent of a child with Tourette syndrome, I read whatever I can about this neurological condition. What helps the most are stories about adults who have "survived" childhood and adolescence and are now successfully living their adult years. Their life experiences give me hope for my son, and they inform my son that he is not alone and that he has a future. This is EXACTLY the kind of book we needed to read! There are so few books of its kind (I know of only two others). Michael DeFilippo and the various essayists in the book display much honesty and courage. This book is not only for those who have Tourette syndrome and their families; it is for educators at all levels, employers, and all people everywhere! We are all different in some way, and yet we are all very much the same. Thank you, Michael, for that lesson.

The daily lives of those with Tourette Syndrome
Compiled by Michael G. DeFilippo (who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in 1998), Getting Personal: Stories Of Life With Tourette Syndrome is a collection of true anecdotes from those who have the Tourette condition, often called the "cursing disease" as it is characterized by involuntary verbal outbursts such as curse words. Informal insights into the daily lives of those with Tourette Syndrome combined with "first-person" journal entries to make for a rewarding, informative reading that speaks directly from experience to life and which is especially recommended reading for the friends and families of those who are afflicted with Tourette Syndrome.

Tourette Syndrome Personal??Now it Is
Aside from reading this engaging collection, I have only had one other experience that made me -- a lifelong Touretter -- feel at ease with my mind and body.That was at the Tourette Syndrome of America's national conference. I never could imagine roomfuls of people displaying the wide spectrum of tics that accompany the greatly misunderstood disorder; roomfuls of people all like me.It was the first time in 35 years that I felt I truly belonged.

Now, Michael DeFillippo has recreated that experience with this touching and "real" collection of essays.TS is not just the "cursing disease;" in fact, as DeFillippo and his contributors point out, that symptom is one of the rarer tics. In fact, where this book triumphants is where the media has shamefully fails.It portrays TS as is truly is: a very diverse disorder with a vast array of symptoms that each carry their own severity. The accounts you will read are from everyday people who suffer, or are close to someone who suffers from TS. The prose is not all glamorous or "sexy;" instead the beauty of the words are found in their realism.

You don't need to know someone with TS to appreciate Getting Personal (although, as statistics reveal 1 in 200 Americans display some form of the disorder, most likely, you do).These accounts personify TS while reminding us that we all have something that affects our lives, and teaches us understanding and acceptance on a grander scale.The cast of characters who tell their stories are entertaining, empathic and enjoyable.Read Getting Personal.No matter what your circumstances, it will give you a sense of belonging.

Extraordinary View
DeFilippo gives an extraordinary view of Tourette Syndrome by capturing the hearts, minds and souls of each individule's story.
He has professionally and compassionatly compiled several stories of real people living with Tourette Syndrome and overcoming the day to day obstacles into one incredible book. This book takes you on a journey through several peoples lives and gives the reader great understanding of this disorder. Living with Tourette Syndrome myself, I find this book to be real and true to life. It is easy raeding and I find myself in many of the stories. After reading accounts of people who live with this disorder, I know that I am no longer on this journey alone.
Thank you, Mr. DeFilippo, for your honesty and understanding of Tourette Syndrome and for opening your heart and sharing with each of us. Also, thank you to the contributers for each of your stories. ... Read more

Book Description
Our story is educational and insightful, presented in a manner in which you don’t need a medical degree to understand it. This book gives detailed personal accounts of struggles and accomplishments of raising a child with a disability. You will gain knowledge, support and understanding of the disability world. Parents, teachers, family members, friends and medical professionals alike will walk away from reading this book with a new understanding of Tourette’s syndrome and associated disabilities. Tourette’s Syndrome: Our Story, Everything We Wish We Were Told, and Hints We Learned Along the Way is written by a parent of a child with a disability for all those who interact with a child with a disability. Learn new coping techniques and gain an inside understanding of the disability world. This is a must-have in your literary collection, not just for reference but for inspiration and support. ... Read more

Book Description
As a child with Tourette's, Brad was ridiculed, beaten mocked, and shunned. This story of unwavering determination proves anyone can make their dreams come true. Ends with 20+ motivational tips on living with a disability. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

A TEACHER CAN MAKE OR BREAK THE LIVES OF STUDENTS
As an accomplished pianist, teacher and adjudicator I spend most of my time with individuals of all ages. Teaching and adjudicating are perhaps the most challenging of all! Like Brad Cohen, I have Tourette Syndrome and growing up as a "baby boomer", a time when extremely little was known about Tourettes, teasing, being bullied and considered a virtual headache to my teacher's made my life a living hell. All I had to turn to was my God given gift of music!
Brad Cohen grew up with the same horrific challenges that Tourettes brings with it. A teacher is someone every student should be able to turn to for support, a shoulder to lean on, a friend, when you feel your own are not there for you. Growing up in this day and age is a daunting task. Brad Cohen knows this all too well, and shows his understanding of it through his actions as a teacher. He knows what it is like to not have teachers there when he needed them most in his life. He turned having TS, a debilitating disorder into a tool of support and understanding for those lives he touches everyday. New disorders are being discovered at an alarming rate. The future teachers and classrooms are not yet equipped to handle what lies ahead for them. My niece is a teacher and she can hardly cope with the demands of her position as they stand. Teachers will need the support of people like Brad Cohen travelling to various school boards as I do as a Music Therapist to educate new teachers on how to integrate students with disorders and other issues into the classroom. Teachers' Colleges will have to provide the means to offer clinical studies in what lies ahead such as Tourette Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, learning disorders , behavioral problems and so much more. Educating our teachers as Brad Cohen has educated his students and fellow teachers is paramount if the future of our world's children will have a chance to survive what lies ahead of them. Teacher Assistant's will need to become a necessity in every classroom, and trained in specific areas. One teacher per class will no longer be enough, if those students who require extra attention are going to be successfully integrated into the classroom of the public school system.
Brad Cohen has touched the lives of so many students in his life as a teacher! They say that if you can touch the life of one person, you have done your job. Brad Cohen has surpassed this objective time and time again!
I can only hope, that more people like Brad Cohen will give of their talent's as I try to do as a music therapist, to educate and help prepare the schools, teachers' and students' of tomorrow!
I once received a letter from a student I adjudicated in a competition, and it said; "not often enough in life, do we take the time to say "Thank You", thank you sir for your knowledge and encouragement, it means so much!"
Now it is time for me to say "THANK YOU" to Brad Cohen, a teacher who has touched many lives."
To everyone in the profession of teaching, this is a book that will positively "re-charge" your love of being an educator!

Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus.(Per) M.Mus.(MT) A.Mus. Licentiate, L.R.S.M. AMTA (professional member)

Everyone should read this book.
This book is great for so many reasons.Anyone can read this and walk away with something.If you have Tourettes (or any disability), it is such a positive, supportive, encouraging story. I wish I had boxes of this book to pass to every teacher, doctor, friend, grandparent, parent and child. Tourettes is something almost everyone in the world will encounter in some way. Disability dicrimination, is unfortunately also something everyone will encounter in some way. This book provides a unique, well written perspective of life with an uncontrollable, misunderstood disorder.I reccomend it to you.

A Teacher With Tourette Syndrome (TS)


I too am a teacher with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and have experienced many of the same things that author Brad Cohen describes in this fascinating book. All of his life, Cohen has worked to overcome his disability. Even when he became ultimately successful, Cohen has still experienced difficulties. For example, even as an adult, he has been asked to leave restaurants and other public events. A few times, however, this has worked to his advantage. While at the Olympics in Atlanta, for example, a number of patrons complained about his tics. But instead of being expelled, Cohen was reseated in a better seating area.

His parents were divorced and, for most of his early life, his father was distant from him. In elementary school and junior high, Cohen was often ridiculed and mocked by other children. Teachers mistakenly thought that he was doing his tics purposely in order to disrupt the class, and punished him accordingly. Many children with TS also have comorbid ADHD and OCD. Cohen described how hard it is to read and comprehend a book. The average person should imagine trying to comprehend a book while it is jerked around every few seconds.

In time, Cohen was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). He was taken off stimulants, which, in common with many others with TS, only aggravated his condition. His first experience with a TS support group was not at all positive. Members of the group focused on the negative, not how to overcome it and be successful. This is not what Cohen needed to hear. In time, Cohen learned how to educate others about his disorder. Unfortunately, in junior high, there were too many individuals who refused to be educated. However, he did have a supportive principal who allowed him to speak to a school gathering about his condition.

Cohen developed socially by being involved in Jewish organizations. By high school, things got better. The students increasingly overlooked his tics and accepted him as a person. He began to dream of being a teacher.

When Cohen went to Bradley University, he learned not only educational theory but also got valuable hands-on teaching experience with children. But when he tried to get his first teaching job, the door kept getting slammed in his face. Ultimately, he had to go through some 25 principals before he found one that would hire him. "I just cannot see you as a teacher", one candidly remarked.Things seemed hopeless. It looked as if Tourette Syndrome had won over him. But he refused to give up his dream.

Finally, he was hired, and proved himself to be an excellent teacher. He at first taught second grade, and made every child feel wanted. Cohen made the following observation (p. 160) which should be a challenge and inspiration to all teachers: "If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do. If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow...go to the cutting edge of your competence, which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don't quite know what you're doing, know you're growing."

A true story of real courage
Brad Cohen's first hand account of how he became a teacher despite having Tourette's syndrome isn't great writing, but if you've ever known someone with Tourette's you know how amazing his story is. Happily most people today know what this disease is--as I was growing up with a brother who had it, no one did. If you haven't seen it, it's hard to imagine the noises, tics, cursing, and mental agony of living with this incurable problem. Cohen's book gives an intimate look at what it feels like to have your body taken over by urges that can't be controlled. He also sensitively portrays the distress and confusion of parents who try to deal with a problem for which modern medicine is almost useless. Again we see a situation where young children in the classroom can accept behaviors that the wider world can't tolerate, and Cohen's openness about his problem with these children is the secret of his success. One gets the sense Cohen's life will always be a struggle--although he has many friends there's no mention of a woman in his life, and gaining acceptance with new people is always going to be a risky business. But his courage is amazing. This book should be required reading for any child who doubts his worth as a person because of this terrible disease.

Front of the Class
This was the most amazing book I've ever read. My son was recently diagnosed, and I am so encouraged after reading Brad's book. He is reading it himself now. I am an elementary classroom assistant as well, and am grateful for the insight it provided me in working with students with various disabilities. I think reading this book should be a requirment for all teachers, and anyone working in the school setting, regardless of thier position. Thanks so much Brad! I was so sorry when the book ended, because I enjoyed reading it so much. I am purchasing it as a gift for a teacher as well. I will enjoy telling many people about this very special book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Coping With Tourette Syndrome...
Barbara Moe has done a great job writing a book that is very informative for parents of children with Tourette Syndrome, yet light and entertaining enough to hold the attention of a teen or preteen that is seeking help and/or advice on how to deal with this disorder.Many books that I have read on the subject simply gave the facts about TS but offered little help. This book was refreshingly different and really gave me an insight to what my twelve-year-old son deals with every day.

good for kids
this is a good book for kids affected by touretes syndrome. It gives alot of valaable info. however the atuhors jokey attiutde got on my nervrs sometimes.however i think she does that to put kids at ease. ... Read more

Book Description
This volume provides a summary review of all recently published and ongoing research initiatives related to Tourette Syndrome. The latest research is presented in a clinical context, and controversial issues are fully discussed using an evidence-based approach. These issues include the prevalence of TS, the nature of the TS phenotype, the role of autoimmunity in the development of TS, the role of comorbidity in functional outcomes of TS patients, and approaches to identifying the TS gene/genes. Chapters describe recent advances in neuroimaging, genetics, and treatment. The book includes extensive discussions of co-morbid disorders: obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, and tics. ... Read more

Book Description
What every person affected by ADD, ADHD and Tourette Syndrome MUST know!

Now, a book that offers you a new perspective on improving attention deficit disorders and disruptive behaviors, WITHOUT prescription drugs, by an authority on natural health and nutrition.

This book contains real life personal stories of struggles and triumphs. It also contains the life-altering "Triumph Over Paradigm". This easy-to-use, 3-step model shows you "How To" get started and achieve positive results in 30 days or less by: Adopting Open Thinking, Manifesting The Power Of Words and Acting On A Healthy Food Program. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very useful and "user friendly" self-help guide
Triumph Over ADD, ADHD & Tourette Syndrome by Agi Lidle is a very useful and "user friendly" self-help guide for the non-specialist general reader to using good nutrition, open thinking, and a healthy lifestyle to combat the difficulties of ADD, ADHD & Tourette Syndrome -- instead of a sole reliance on prescription drugs. A disclaimer at the beginning warns that the advice, recipes, and techniques herein cannot substitute for professional medical diagnosis and treatment; and with that caveat in mind, Triumph Over ADD, ADHD & Tourette Syndrome has a great deal of practical value to offer the reader. Positive anecdotes, and a straightforward guide to transforming oneself round out Triumph Over ADD, ADHD & Tourette Syndrome, all of which offers a valuable approach that should be held in high consideration. Also very strongly recommended is Agi Lidle's previous contribution: Triumph Over Cancer: A Natural Approach ... Read more

Book Description
A moving and informative story of how a mother struggled with the many behavioral problems presented by her son with Tourette syndrome, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Ryan: A Mother's Story of Her Hyperactive/Tourette Syndrome
I would like a 3-4 page review of this book, please.It would mean so much to me.

Thank you,

Karie

A must have for parents of children with Tourette Syndrome
Susan Hughes generously allows us into her familysprivate struggle with TS and ADHD. She shows how life really is as a parent struggling to control this disorder. She offers us a look into what the future might hold for anyparentthat has a child with Tourettes.This book gives parents andeducators amuch better understanding of these disorders.If there issomeonein your life dealing with Tourettes then you must get them thisbook ... Read more

Book Description
Kevin and Me is a heartfelt memoir of a single mother who struggled with her son's Tourette syndrome and discovered music therapy as a magical influence on him and their relationship. Her courageous story covers Kevin's life from age six when his TS tics first appeared to his late twenties when he transformed from a violent man into a peaceful person. The author relates her personal account of music therapy with Kevin, a person with Tourette syndrome, developmental and learning disabilities, ADHD, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Kevin and Me will inspire parents, psychologists, teachers, and medical professionals to explore music therapy as a medium for reaching children and adults with Tourette syndrome. Modern music therapy began after World War I and slowly gained acceptance in mainstream medical circles. Its services are available in private centers, hospitals, and school districts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Special, NO SIDE EFFECT Therapy!
The topic of Music Therapy is not new to me as I am a Registered Music Therapist myself. The book Kevin and ME is a very sensitive and compassionate story about how the natural gift of music can offer so much hope and relief, and change a young man afflicted with Tourette Syndrome and other horrific disorders, into a special, loving one, with a future to look forward too!I have Tourette Syndrome and know how the tics associated with this disorder can be so painful and completely devastate the lives of so many children and adults. Kevin and ME shows just how much Music Therapy can do for so many that are afflicted with various disorders.
This book should become a part of the reading curriculum in the public school system! BRAVO! TO KEVIN!
Thank you to Patricia Heenan for sharing this book with the world and for being "A VERY SPECIAL MOTHER!"

Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus.(Per) M.Mus.(MT) A.Mus.Licentiate, L.R.S.M.(AMTA/member type/professional)

Songs in the Key of Life
"Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast..." this oft-quoted line is startlingly a propos in Kevin Heenan's case.

Kevin developed normally for the first nearly 3 years of his life. He suffered from earaches as a toddler and his language was severely delayed. His social difficulties were first noticed in his aggression with peers as a pre-schooler. His younger sister Megan was the only child with whom he had a mostly good relationship.

Kevin was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome when he was six. Facial twitching; grimaces; involuntary swearing and bizarre comments and generally poor language skills were behaviors that were present. Kevin's parents divorced when he was a young child. He became more violent, erratic and out of control. At 10, he was hospitalized for three years. Still in need of a secure facility, Kevin spent several more years in state facilities. His father resumes custody of Kevin when the boy was 15.

By that point, Kevin, medicated since the age of six to control violent behavior and Tourette-related outbursts had started running away. The boy's mother then resumed custody, but Kevin's problems continued. He was enrolled in special programs in high schools in his district; he rebelled as he chafed at the stigma of these educational placements. After years of fearing Kevin's violence and history of running away, the boy's mother has him placed in group homes.

Once in the group homes, Kevin literally steps up his running away. An inveterate soda addict, he goes on soda binges, even taking soda from other residents. Since the sugar jolt has adverse effects on his behavior, he is gradually weaned off of soda. That was the first of many giant steps he takes.

Luckily for Kevin, music therapy was included in the group home program. He responded immediately and everyone was soon singing the praises of the music therapists and music therapy in general. Kevin also became involved in his community, taking on several part-time jobs and even received an award for volunteering at an animal shelter.

From the telling, Kevin will continue to need care and supervision. Hope abounds as he makes progress in socializing with the other residents and by making music his forte. This book makes me think of Stevie Wonder's words "...music is a language we all understand..."

Kevin was in facilities that were part of MHMR (Mental Health, Mental Retardation) which is a Texas agency.Many readers will undoubtedly pick up on that.

I noticed that the word "eradicate," which means "obliterate" was used instead of "erratic," in "Kevin's eradicate [sic] behavior." The word "perseverate" is a damning and extremely harmful word. It has hurt many and is best avoided. The heavy-handed usage of that word cost this book one star. The terms "special interests," (if interests apply), "repetitive verbalizations/behaviors," or just plain "repetition" are much more accurate and demonstrate tolerance whereas that other word does not.


Still, this is a good book about life with a person who has an especially severe case of Tourette's in addition to other challenges. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from School Psychology Review, published by National Association of School Psychologists on January 1, 2001. The length of the article is 5741 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A School-Based Intervention Designed to Reduce the Frequency of Tics in Children with Tourette's Syndrome.
Author: Marlene A. Clarke
Publication: School Psychology Review (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2001
Publisher: National Association of School Psychologists
Volume: 30Issue: 1Page: 11

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
This handbook provides the knowledge and information required to equip teachers and learning support assistants with the understanding and skills needed when working with pupils with Tourette syndrome.

Clinical descriptions and medical treatments are discussed and advice on diagnosis, identification and assessment in the classroom is given. Responding to the learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties pupils may experience, the authors provide multi-disciplinary strategies for application within a school. ... Read more

Book Description
The story of how Tourette syndrome, a common hereditary disorder, provides insights into the cause and treatment of a wide range of human behavioral problems. It covers diagnosis, associated behaviors including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disorders, dyslexia, conduct disorder, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, alcoholism, drug abuse, obesity, depression, panic attacks, phobias, night terrors, bed wetting, sleep disturbances, lying, stealing, inappropriate sexual behavior, and others, brain structure and chemistry, treatment and implications for society, over 2,500 references, 30 page Tourette syndrome-Human Behavior Questionnaire, and Extensive index ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A little DATED but worthwhile if you use caution.
This book needs to be updated badly.The behaviors in this book are spot on.Remember its a syndrome,you definatly WILL get some of the features of this neurobiological disorder but not all of them.I used this book while my adopted son was growing up.It helped me a lot.The book catalogues the lives of about 2,000 patients that were seen by Dr. Comings and his collegues, and so it covers pretty much everything.A few rules to follow if you have a loved one with this disorder:

1 - Never Lie
2 - Make no promises
3 - Never strive to create an ill feeling in someone with TS, they
create their own guilt, anger, disapointment, and sorrow.
4 - Set the best possible example and shun risk
5 - When they are young keep a regular schedule, structure is VERY good
6 - Try to have a cold temper, HOT tempers are not usefull
7 - They like bland food, do not fight over food, fix 2 meals, they eat
cheep
8 - They really do not know what happens next, and react badly to
unpleasant surprises.
9 - NO BB GUNS!
10 - They are easily taken advantage of, watch them like a hawk, they
WILL jump off a clif if their best friend does.
11 - Port - A - Patsy, scrutinize their friends closely.I'm not so sure
that the big crime figures are the result of bad behavior as much as
poor choises in friends.
12 - Be proactive and have a plan for failure.
13 - Absolutely NEVER allow someone with TS to posses a NUKYELLAR BOMB.
Sorry, my son got me again. ;-)

FULL OF OUTDATED & WRONG INFO -DON"T BUY!
As a parent of a child with Tourette's, I feel I must warn anyone trying to learn about TS to ABSOLUTELY NOT buy this horrifying book.It is full of completely outdated and flat out wrong information that has long since been dismissed by current clinical studies.Please skip it and go read Brad Cohen's book

Editor@Tourettes-Disorder.com - Review
This book is a great book for the patient diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the secondary and tertiary level of the disorder; or a person in a personal relationship with the same patient.They will understand and relate much more throughout the pages without a "Scare Factor".There are possible more sever co-morbid conditions the Dr. amplifies in the secondary and tertiary diagnosis which are not so prevalent in a first level diagnosis if at all.

I doc the book only 1 star solely for the purpose of some statistical analysis concerns which for the most part are of little value to most patients.It's a M.D. and Ph.D neurological posturing and arguing point for clinicians, researchers among many other peer review arguments.Nonetheless, the adjustment is warranted.

One of the wonderful qualities of the book is the ease of language character for the lay reader in respect of the volume size and medical matter.It is not hard to understand the theories, line of reasoning, and detail Dr. Comings presents.

True; the Dr.'s work is vastly based on those who seek treatment for the disorder, as would be expected because of his practice and leadership at the City of Hope.This is a plus however for those who seek treatment because it focuses on that range of patients.For that margin of patients it is illuminating and liberating to have a name and understanding by medical clinicians of what Tourettes has meant to them on their level.

For a mild case of Tourettes, this may only be a book you can discover information about others who suffer from the disorder more than you.Don't let it scare you however.Even if your case is mild, the pedigree education, charts, tables, neurology, survey and more, can help you understand a riddle.

"Having Tourettes is kind of like a riddle. Tourette Syndrome can be tough to understand and solve, however like a riddle, Tourette Syndrome can be quite easy to accept once you understand it." - Paul Marshall - Editor Tourettes-Disorder.com

Caution, a terrifying book for those new to the syndrome
This unfortunately was the first book I read on the subject of Tourette Syndrome. My child was then 4 years old and newly diagnosed with the condition, and an absolute angel, sweetheart, mild-mannered, sociable pre-schooler with tics. I needed therapy after reading this book for fear of all the horrible things that might become reality for my child, not to mention I felt so low about my family members from a genetic pool standpoint, I wondered if I'd ever be able to lift my head proudly again.

Fortunately many years have passed and much of what was indicated that very well could become my child's reality in living with Tourette Syndrome, (in terms of difficulties with the condition and socialization), never did. A second child within my family was later dx'd with the same syndrome and happily for us, things are going much better than this book would have ever lead me to believe.

I encourage those who are new to this condition to start reading somewhere else before tackling this book, and when and if you decide to read this one, make sure you have a support group lined up for the after math. In my opinion, this book may very well cause more grief than the condition, if for no other reason than for the fear mongering of what may never come to pass.

Fortunately, much research has been done in recent years on the condition, and I feel that the picture of living with Tourette Synderome is much brighter than my earlier days when I had nothing other than this book to benchmark the condition by.

Dated and too inclusive
This book was written in 1990, and there have been great strides in research since then. Comings lumps too many other diagnoses into a description of Tourette Syndrome, which is confusing and can be catastrophic when you are trying to get the right treatment for an individual. Yes, SOME people with Tourette's have the other complications that Comings describes- but NOT ALL. It is fine to be treated for ADHD, OCD, TS, and other conditions if that is what you or your child has, but if you don't have ADHD, OCD, and other conditions, you deserve to be treated only for what you do have.

The book is also slanted because it is based upon research that represents those who seek treatment for TS, not the general population with TS. Most people who seek treatment for TS have more complicated problems than just tics. Research since this book was published is more inclusive of the wider population.

For the best and most up to date information, stick with the Leckman/Cohen book. Or read Amy Wilensky's book. Stay away from Comings. So much has changed in 13 years of research into TS and the human genome. ... Read more

Book Description
A follow-up to Susan Hughes best selling book "RYAN - A Mother's Story of her Hyperactivity Tourette Syndrome Child covering his particularly difficult teenage years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

absoultely wonderful
this book is about a mom of a boy with servere tourettes. I t is excellent written she is real able to convey her pain and also her hope for her children. A must read for all intrested or avected by tourettes. the last chapter is by young ryan himself it is also vey intrsting.

A heartfelt story of ups and downs
This book is a must have for parents of childrens with tourette syndrome.It certainly proved we are not alone in the daily struggles we and our familys face. Although this can be a depressing book at times, it does goto show that with an incredible amount of patience and knowledge, you canhandle anything. ... Read more

Book Description
(Wolters Kluwer) Yale Univ., New Haven, CT. The third in a series of monographs on the subject, surveying thecurrent state of scientific and clinical knowledge about Tourette syndrome and related conditions. For neurologists and researchers interested in the neuropsychological aspects of Tourette Syndrome and similar disorders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent technical book, misleading publisher's blurb
The publisher's statement, cited above, that this focuses on "neuropsychological" issues is wrong.Only a small part does this.The book is the outcome of the June 1999 3rd International Symposium in New York, and contains almost all of the edited talks given there.It is deliberately technical in its approach, and therefore most suitable for physicians, psychologists, and other health care-related professionals who have an interest in Tourette's and its associated disorders.Though costly, I highly recommend it as a "state of the art" publication.

Roger D. Freeman, M.D., Vancouver, BC ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is a journal article from Neuropsychologia, published by Elsevier in 2007. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
We tested the hypothesis that children with Tourette syndrome (TS) would exhibit aberrant brain lateralization compared to a healthy control (HC) group in an attention-modulation version of a verbal dichotic listening task using consonant-vowel syllables. The modulation of attention to focus on the right ear stimulus in the dichotic listening situation is thought to involve the same prefrontal attentional and executive functions that are involved in the suppression of tics, whereas, performance when focusing attention on the left ear stimulus additionally involves a callosal transfer of information. In light of presumed disturbances in transfer of information across the corpus callosum, we hypothesized that children with TS would, however, have difficulty modulating the functional lateralization that ensues through a shift of attention to the left side. This hypothesis was tested by exploring the correlations between CC size and left ear score in the forced-left condition. Twenty boys with TS were compared with 20 age- and handedness-matched healthy boys. Results indicated similar performance in the TS and HC groups for lateralization of hemispheric function. TS subjects were also able to shift attention normally when instructed to focus on the right ear stimulus. When instructed to focus attention on the left ear stimulus, however, performance deteriorated in the TS group. Correlations with CC area further supported the hypothesized presence of deviant callosal functioning in the TS group. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Pediatric News, published by International Medical News Group on February 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1869 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Learning disorders complicate Tourette syndrome care. (Strategies for Management).
Publication: Pediatric News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2003
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 37Issue: 2Page: 14(1)

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Book Description
This up-to-date electronic book on CD-ROM provides the best collection available anywhere of official Federal government information and documents on the subject of Tourette Syndrome. This CD-ROM uses next-generation search technology that allows complete indexing and makes all files on the disc fully searchable. For patients, practical information is provided in clearly written patient education documents. For medical professionals, doctor reference tools and texts have detailed technical information and clinical background material.

This thoroughly researched collection presents vital information from many authoritative sources: the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Combined Health Information Database (CHID), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Contents include clinical and medical information, with information on signs, symptoms, testing, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and more.

In addition, as a bonus we have included an encyclopedic collection of general medical and health documents - thousands of pages with extensive material from the CDC and NIH on hundreds of diseases and health topics from A to Z, along with government consumer healthcare tips, disease prevention programs, dietary guidelines, and travelers' health information. Since navigating the Internet to find additional non-governmental medical information can be confusing, we've also provided our exclusive "Guide to Leading Medical Websites" with updated links to 73 of the best sites for medical information! By using weblinks on the CD-ROM, you can quickly check for the latest clinical updates directly from the government.

This CD-ROM has over 31,000 pages reproduced using Adobe Acrobat PDF software and Reader software is included. Advanced search and indexing features are built into our reproduction, providing a complete full-text index. This enables the user to search all the files on the disk at one time for words or phrases using just one search command! The Acrobat cataloging technology adds enormous value and uncommon functionality to this impressive collection of government documents and material. There is no other reference that is as fast, convenient, comprehensive, and portable!

Our CD-ROMs are privately-compiled collections of official public domain U.S. government files and documents - they are not produced by the federal government. They are designed to provide a convenient user-friendly reference work, utilizing the benefits of the Acrobat format to uniformly present thousands of pages that can be rapidly reviewed or printed without untold hours of tedious searching and downloading. This book-on-a-disc makes a superb reference work and educational tool for patients and their families, physicians, and other medical professionals. (Information on this CD-ROM is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice; of course, readers are urged to consult with a professional health care provider for any suspected illness.) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not what I expected
I think the description of this item is misleading. All they've done is convert various government websites to PDF format and put them on a CD. The result, in my opinion, is more confusing and difficult to navigate than the websites themselves. I'd only recommend this to people without web access. ... Read more

Product Description
Tourette's SyndromeThe guttural noises, the sudden jerks of the head, the neck, the arms . . . the occasional curse word and the constant touching. We explore what's behind the constant need for motion and the uncontrollable urges which typify Tourette's Syndrome. Guests include Dr. Oliver Sacks, the internationally renowned author and neurologist, Dr. Joseph Jankovic of the Baylor College of Medicine and Dr. James Leckman of Yale University. Plus, Michael Wolff, the jazz pianist with Tourette's Syndrome who was the inspiration for the upcoming film Gregory Hines film, The Tic Code. Also, we'll hear about the latest genetic research and the search for the genes that code for Tourette's Syndrome. Plus, commentary by John Hockenberry.Hosted by Dr. Fred Goodwin and produced by the Peabody Award winning Lichtenstein Creative Media . ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Pediatric News, published by International Medical News Group on March 1, 2004. The length of the article is 562 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Tourette syndrome may affect ADHD patients: up to one-third of ADHD patients.(Behavioral Pediatrics)(Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Author: Ben Van Houten
Publication: Pediatric News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2004
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 38Issue: 3Page: 27(1)

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