Book Reviews

Tictionary: A Reference Guide to the World of Tourette Syndrome, AS, ADHD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder for Parents and Professionals by Becky Ottinger (March/April 03)

This unique A-Z resource guide is for anyone needing information and common-sense strategies as they deal with the neurological disorders of Tourette Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Written from both a parent and an educator's perspective, the guide offers insights into the world of the children and families who deal with these disorders through factual information interspersed with both funny and sad stories. Helpful handouts and fact sheets, ready to be copied with the publisher's permission, are customized for the bus driver, general education teacher, counselor and other school staff, in addition to family physician, dentist, Scout and other leisure time leaders, family members and others.

What Parents and Professionals Are Saying

"This book is a wonderful and very helpful resource for parents, educators and other professionals working with children with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. It not only defines, but also expands upon many terms and issues that these children and subsequently their families deal with on a daily basis."
Susan Conners, Education Specialist, Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.

"Do not worry about ever having to dust off this book. Tictionary offers such practical, A-Z explanations and strategies for Tourette Syndrome and associated neurological disorders that it will quickly become one of your most used resources. The only two words I would add to this excellent collection are the words 'Miracle Worker,' and under that heading, I would place, 'See Becky Ottinger'."
Cheryl McLaughlin, School Counselor

"As a parent of two children with Tourette Syndrome, OCD, and bipolar disorder, I can say this book includes the information we need as parents to help our children become successful at home and school. The information will help parents and caregivers learn how to keep their daily lives manageable … and keep their sanity. Finally, everything we need in one book!"
Terry Mantia, Parent

Sneak Preview

ACTING BEFORE THINKING

Many children with neurological disorders (ND) have difficulty stopping and thinking before they act. Only after much effort on the part of educators and parents do they learn to think before acting. When a child performs in an inappropriate action or says something unacceptable, it is important to review the situation and teach the child new, appropriate ways of saying or doing things. For example, the child may role play the situation or draw the before and after situation. Drawings give the child a mental picture to "draw upon" when placed in similar situations in the future. Some children are able to tell themselves "stop and think" before making choices as they mature. Any of these strategies usually requires lots of practice on the part of the child to be successful.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS

Executive functions are the central brain processes that give us the ability to plan, initiate, sequence, organize, prioritize, set goals, and utilize information from our environment. These processes impact the child's learning as well as his relationships with peers. Many children with ND have difficulty with executive functions.

"JUST RIGHT" FEELING

One of the worst tics Josh ever had involved repeatedly hitting his elbow on the piano until it felt "just right." I remember saying after about 20 minutes, "Josh, I don't care about the piano; I'm worried you will break your elbow." Nevertheless, he had to start over, and I had to leave the room for a tissue to wipe my tears. The "just right" feeling is often associated with how thinks looks or feel, but can also be associated with having to explain a thought over and over in different ways until it feels "just right." Children with ND frequently will wear only clothing that feels "just right."

SENSE OF HUMOR

The first year I attended the National Tourette Syndrome Association conference, I met Susan Conners, a wonderful lady who diagnosed herself with TS at 36 while watching an episode of "Quincy." She was the keynote speaker at the conference, and the one thing that impacted me the most was her sense of humor. She told of many "trying" experiences that she and other family members had gone through before learning about TS, but she was still able to laugh. You won't make it if you don't have a sense of humor. Many times in my life I just had to sit down and laugh to keep my sanity. Identify one person who will understand your experiences and share frequently.

About the Author

Becky Ottinger, B.A., Ed., is the executive director and education consultant for the Joshua Center and Family Development Center. Prior to founding the Joshua Center, Becky taught kindergarten and second grade in an environmental science magnet school for the Kansas City Missouri School District. The Joshua Center is named after Becky's son, Joshua Oliver, who has TS, ADHD and OCD.