Why Do You Do That?: A Book about Tourette Syndrome for Children and Young People

Written specifically for siblings of children with Tourette Syndrome (TS), Why Do You Do That? is an age-appropriate source of information for children and adolescents aged 8 to 16. Uttom Chowdhury and Mary Robertson describe tics and Tourette's in clear, child-friendly terms and provide a simple explanation of the biological causes. Other chapters focus on living with someone who has TS, associated features such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and aggression, and what siblings can do to help. The authors also offer practical tips on how to deal with issues such as problems at school and bullying. This book will prove invaluable for brothers and sisters of children with TS, as well as parents and other family members.

Table of Contents:
Foreword. Acknowledgements. 1. What is Tourette Syndrome? 2. What have research doctors found out about Tourette Syndrome? 3. Are there any other problems associated with Tourette Syndrome? 4. How do doctors treat and support young people with Tourette Syndrome? 5. How will I cope in school? 6. What are the life stories of brothers, sisters, parents and young people around the world with Tourette Syndrome? 7. What can I do for my brother or sister with Tourette Syndrome? 8. What is the future for a young person with Tourette Syndrome? Appendix I. Useful resources. Appendix II. Bibliography.

About the Author :
Uttom Chowdhury works as a Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Bedfordshire and Luton Community Mental Health Trust. He is also an Honorary Consultant for the Social Communication Disorders Clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. He has run several groups for parents of children with Tourette Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. His clinical and research interests include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders and parental experiences of looking after children with neuro-developmental disorders. Mary Robertson is Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychiatry at University College London and Visiting Professor and Honorary Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at St George's Hospital and Medical School, where she is a member of the Tourette Syndrome (TS) clinic. She has authored four and edited two books, and over 300 medical publications. In 2006, she was awarded the Doctor of Science in Medicine Degree. She is Honorary Medical Advisor to TS Associations in Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy and the UK, and a member of the American Tourette Syndrome Association International Genetic Consortium. She regularly gives lectures nationally and internationally, and has been an advisor to the World Health Organization on stress in neurological disorders and TS. She has been awarded numerous research prizes and grants and has supervised higher degrees on TS. She has appeared in the media about TS. In 1976, she sailed in a Transatlantic Yacht Race and a circumnavigation in square rigged sailing ship. She has had over 80 poems and 5 photographs published.

Review :
Tourette Syndrome (TS), with its involuntary tics, can provoke embarrassment, confusion, fear or laughter. For those wishing to understand it, the condition is clearly detailed in this neat little book. Although presented in an easy to read style, liberally sprinkled with drawings, poems and humour, to appeal to a younger audience, supporting adults will find it invaluable, too. The book is packed with necessary facts to promote understanding and acceptance together with practical ideas for everyday living and support. The text is written in easy, accessible language, thereby ensuring the children who read it would gain a sound understanding of the issues and descriptions covered. The personal accounts are particularly engaging and would appeal to both young people with TS, their family members and friends. To school age children, fitting in is extremely important; anything that separates them from the crowd is likely to be a source of concern and anxiety. Eye blinking, making faces, shoulder shrugging, barking or nodding are all common tics or signs of TS. They are also behaviours that make children stand out and can promote bullying. This book educates children about TS and tics and reassures them that they are not alone. Written by two experienced doctors, this book is designed to help young people understand Tourette syndrome. It uses simple language to explain about tics and other symptoms. The book explains the support and treatment available and includes first hand accounts of how young people cope. The book is aimed at eight- to -16 year olds and is useful for siblings and friends of young people with the syndrome. Youngsters with Tourette Syndrome will find comfort and good humour in this superbly written book by Professor Mary Robertson and Dr Uttom Chowdhury, recognized experts in the treatment and scientific research of Tourette Syndrome. Their compassion and deep understanding of their patients and their families are unparalleled. I am delighted to recommend this book, which is devoted to helping young people understand TS. It is not only written by two highly experienced doctors but also includes an interesting collection of personal experiences of people affected by the syndrome. Young people more than anyone may feel they are alone in facing the challenges of life and this book is a very valuable source of support and information for all families affected by TS. " Why do you do that?" is a good resource for children and young people with Tourette Syndrome and their siblings. Written by two highly experienced doctors, this book describes Tourette in plain language with key information prominently listed, to allow you to refer to it with ease. Helpful references and further suggested readings are included at the end of the book. The authors' upbeat approach and skilful explanation make this an invaluable companion for children, young people and their siblings.