Currently my son is going through the process of a diagnosis for Tourette Syndrome. In my post i would like to talk about my recommended books for Tourettes.
As a mama on a mission to find out more about his condition, i have realised there seems to be very little information out there.
In my quest to learn more about this condition, it dawned on me that perhaps I could also teach my son about what his tics are, what triggers them and how he can manage comfortably.
I continued my research and i have found two amazing children’s picture books addressing the condition for children. In my post we will explore them both.
These are two of my recommended books for Tourettes.
I will be doing regular book reviews so keep checking the blog for updates on this as there will be a section specialising in this.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience and if you make a purchase through my blog i may receive a small commission.
What is Tourettes?
“A neurological disorder characterised by involuntary tics and vocalisations and often the compulsive utterance of obscenities”
- A condition that causes involuntary sounds and movements called tics.
- The tics are often repetitive but can vary in nature over time.
- People with Tourettes often have other neurological conditions such as Autism, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning difficulties.
- Triggers can include excitement, stress or tiredness.
- There is no cure for Tourettes however this condition can subside over time or be managed with medication.
In one of my previous posts, i talk about Autism and Tics and how they are connected.
So how do you educate your child with Tourettes, about their condition, in a kind and appropriate way. Let me show you ………
Recommended book for Tourettes: “My Cousin Has Tourettes” by Alex Winstanley
My son and I loved this book! It is beautifully written in poetic style and makes it easy to understand Tourette Syndrome.
“My cousin has Tourettes, but what does that word mean? Let’s talk it through together. Come along; I’ll set the scene”.
Alex Winstanley
This is a story of a little boy who talks about his cousin who has tics. He talks about what the tics look like and how it impacts his cousin. He talks about how the tics developed as they both grow older and how his cousin manages his life with them.
In the story the boy talks about how he helps his cousin and it follows their journey growing up together.
The book is written in beautiful poetic style.
“The picture book aims to raise awareness of the impact that tics and Tourettes can have on an individual and their family. It is aimed at 4-11 year olds and has been inspired and informed by people with lived experience of tics and Tourettes”.
My son and I adored this book. We read together every night and sometimes he can lose focus however with this book he concentrated so hard and its like the words resonated with him on a deeper level.
We would recommend this book to any parent/carer and their child that has tics and Tourettes.
This book is available on Amazon.
Recommended book for Tourettes: “Me and my Tourettes” by Sianna Stodd
A lovely descriptive book that covers a lot of bases.
“Hello, I’m Alfie. I’m eight years old and I live with my Dad, Mum and little sister. Look carefully, do you notice anything different about me?”
Sianna Stodd
This is a story about a boy named Alfie. He has Tourette Syndrome and in the story he talks very descriptively about what Tourettes is.
Alfie explains his condition in an easy to understand way and my son understood and followed every word.
In the story we learn about what tics and Tourettes are and also what they look like.
The author also touches on Coprolalia. A type of tic otherwise known as the swearing tic. Around 10% of children with Tourette Syndrome has this tic (including my son, although thankfully not too often).
In the story Alfie talks about what tics feel like and how he knows a tic is coming. He talks about things that can help his tics.
The very important issue of mental health is addressed in this book too.
We would recommend this book to any parent/carer with a child who has tics or Tourettes.
This book is available on Amazon.
I would like to refer you to Tourettes action for more information and support with Tourette Syndrome.
I hope you enjoyed this post and enjoy the books I’ve recommended . Let me know if there are any books you would recommend by commenting on this post or contacting me directly. I would love to hear your book recommendations .
English