Abstract

Meet Max - a boy with Tourette syndrome (TS). Max invites readers to learn about Tourette's from his perspective, helping them to understand what tics and triggers are and what it feels like to have TS. He explains how living with TS can sometimes be difficult, and how people around him can help him to feel happy and accepted.

This illustrated book is ideal for young people aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and other professionals working with children with TS. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

This book is a perfect introduction to Tourette syndrome for parents and children. It presents all the facts accurately but in an easy-to-read and engaging style. It would be invaluable as a resource for teachers and other children at primary schools who have a child with Tourette syndrome in their class. I will definitely recommend this book to teachers.
Jane Fowlie, Research and Liaison Nurse for Tourette syndrome Projects, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham
I would like to see a copy of this book in the library of every school in the UK. It will help teachers to gain a greater understanding, and Max's story would be ideal for peer group awareness in schools.
From the foreword by Julie Collier, Groups Manager, Tourettes Action
Can I tell you about Tourette Syndrome? is an engaging and practical read for children with Tourette syndrome, their families, friends, teachers and health professionals. The book will help develop a better awareness of the journey that many children with Tourette syndrome experience and an understanding of how those that care for them can support this process.
Dr Tara Murphy, Consultant Clinical and Paediatric Neuropsychologist, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London
As an adult who knows comparatively little about Tourette syndrome and has never taught a child with a diagnosis of TS, I found this book extremely useful and informative. I have no hesitation in recommending it. A copy should be in every staffroom library and another in every primary school library for children to read.
Read Reading Hub blog
Professor Mal Leicester is the Emeritus Professor of Adult Learning and Teaching in the School of Education at the University of Nottingham. She was previously Senior Lecturer in Continuing Education at the University of Warwick. She has been a secondary school teacher and has worked as Avon's Advisor for Multicultural Education. Mal has personal experience of Tourette syndrome in her family. She has written a variety of educational books and papers including Special Stories for Disability Awareness also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Apsley is a former teacher, who has illustrated children's books and motoring magazines, and most things in between.
By adopting a child's perspective, the author helps children, parents and teachers to understand what it means to live with Tourette syndrome.
Professor Andrea E. Cavanna MD PhD, Consultant in Behavioural Neurology, BSMHFT, Birmingham

This book fills a huge gap in the market as many parents and teachers tell us that there is nothing to help them talk to younger children about their Tourette Syndrome. TS is a complex, difficult to understand condition which can baffle teachers and families and indeed those who actually have TS.

I was particularly taken by the sentence where Max says that his parents and teachers 'were on the same page'. This is the absolute key to making school successful and of course the 'page' that they were on was making school not only an excellent experience but one in which Max can reach his full potential without being defined by TS. We will certainly be adding it to our reading list.

Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive, Tourettes Action