Saturday, January 7, 2012

Wyborny, Sheila. Tourette Syndrome


Wyborny, Sheila.        Tourette Syndrome  
Cengage (Gale,Lucent,Kidhaven/Blackbirch
2011   103p   25.03  978-1-4205-0280-0            
ms/hs             Diseases & Disorders#4(Lucent/Cengage)    VG-BN 

Although the Tourette Syndrome treatment chapter is
bogged down with clinical terms, the diagnosis of the disease, effects on family,
life with TS, and alternate therapies chapters are presented in engaging terms
and are understandable. Grades 6-12.      The symptoms of Tourette Syndrome (TS)
and coping mechanisms are presented in understandable terms as are chapters
dealing with effects on social, family, and school life. Even unconventional
treatments and current research programs are more easily understood than the
pharmaceutical  treatment options.  From barely noticeable tics to tics that
impact a TS persons way of life and sociability, the uniqueness of each
persons tics is emphasized in order to gain the best treatment option that will
allow the TS person to cope with and lessen the tics. The only detraction in
this book is the segment of the treatment chapter that lists the numerous
options for medication that  help control tics. These options are presented in
such a concise manner that the uninitiated will get lost in the medical jargon.
Diagrams of brain function and other charts are well placed to give a visual
representation of the text.  Numerous color photographs show students with TS in
normal situations. However, the cover shows a student cowering with his face in
his hand. This gives a negative image of TS for students picking up the book.
Yet, the coverage in the text shows hopeful insights on how a TS person can
interact with peers in a positive manner. Notes, glossary, organizations for TS,
further reading and index complete the book. Grades 6-12.      Diseases and Disorders
contains 40 titles on common ailments that students would research. Excellent
photos/charts compliment the text. Treatment, life with the illness, current
research, and personal narratives make this series an excellent research tool.
            McNicol,Lois


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