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With every newsletter the Edmonton Chapter sends out, we hope to highlight and recommend one of the many new resources that have been added to our lending library.

 Please see our May 2006 Newsletter for the latest reading recommendations.
 

 

Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Powerful, Practical Program for Parents of Children and Adolescents
by Tamar Phd Chansky (Author)

 

From the Inside Flap
If you're a parent of one of the more than one million children in this country with obsessive-compulsive disorder, you know how confusing, even frightening, the symptoms of OCD can be. You're terrified of losing your child and angry about the havoc this disorder has wreaked in your family. More than anything, you want to be able to unlock the secrets of OCD, understand the cause of your child's bizarre symptoms, and help your child break free of these disruptive, relentless thoughts and actions.

 

In her landmark book, Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Dr. Tamar E. Chansky creates a clear road map to understanding and overcoming OCD based on her successful practice treating hundreds of children and teenagers with this disorder. In Part I, Dr. Chansky "cracks the code" of the peculiar rules and customs of OCD -- the handwashing, tapping, counting, and so forth. She explains how OCD is diagnosed, how to find the right therapist partner, and how to tailor treatment options to your child's needs. You'll learn how powerful behavioural modification can be and when medication can help. In Part II, you'll learn how not to be pulled in by your child's debilitating rituals at home or at school, how to talk to your child about the "brain tricks" OCD causes, and how to create an effective OCD battle plan that will empower your child to "boss back" the OCD monster. You'll also learn how to cope in moments of crisis.

 

Part III offers specific advice for how to help your child handle the most common manifestations of OCD such as fears of contamination, checking, getting things "just right," intrusive thoughts, and more. Part IV is an indispensable guide to additional resources, including books, videos, organizations, and websites.
Filled with Dr. Chansky's compassionate advice and inspiring words from the many children with OCD whom she has helped, this book will be your lifeline. Battling back from OCD is hard work, but with the comprehensive, proven guidance in this book, you can help your child reclaim a life free from its grip.

 

About the Author
TAMAR E. CHANSKY, Ph.D., is the founder and director of the Children's Center for OCD and Anxiety, and a member of the OC Foundation, the Anxiety Disorder Association of America and the American Psychological Association. She has also written a book called Freeing Your Child from Anxiety : Powerful, Practical Solutions to Overcome Your Child's Fears, Worries, and Phobias.

 

*Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and other resources are available for borrowing by Edmonton Chapter members through our lending library which is always set up at monthly Support Meetings.

 

 

CHILDREN with TOURETTE SYNDROME – A PARENTS’ GUIDE

Author – Tracy Haerle

ISBN: 0933149441

Reviewed by Jacquie Dahl-Warren

 

This book is a very comprehensive and easy to read guide to understanding Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders, and should be the first book parents read when a child is diagnosed.  It is written by a team of parents and professionals and edited by a parent of a child who was diagnosed at age seven with Tourette Syndrome plus some of the associated disorders (TS+).

 

I wish I had read this book a couple years ago when my son, David, was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.  Having recently read this book, I now know all those feelings of shock, denial, grief, guilt, helplessness, and anger are a normal reaction or process of learning to live with TS. 

 

Children with Tourette Syndrome helped me to reflect on my initial reaction of grief and helplessness and how the diagnosis of TS+ helped to explain all of my son’s previous diagnoses of A.D.H.D, O.C.D., learning disabilities and sensory integration disorder. 

 

Chapter One explains TS and the associated disorders, and Chapter Two gives suggestions on how to deal with and adjust to the diagnosis.  The excerpts written by parents at the end of each chapter are insightful and helpful.  It is reassuring to read about parents who have experienced similar challenges.

 

Chapter Three provides information on treating TS+, such as medications and specialists who can diagnose TS, and support your family in learning to live with Tourette Syndrome.   The book offers types of professional resources that may be useful as well as discipline and behavior management strategies such as being proactive and knowing when to have the child take a break or redirect them.

 

Later chapters deal with daily life with your child diagnosed with TS, family dynamics, developmental stages, educational needs of your child, legal rights, and finally living with Tourette Syndrome. 

 

In conclusion, I highly recommend CHILDREN with TOURETTE SYNDROME, A PARENTS’ GUIDE.  It is the first book families should read and also a very comprehensive guide that families can refer to and reread as issues arise at different developmental stages.  By understanding Tourette Syndrome, coping strategies, and building a supportive environment, parents can help their children with TS to live happy fulfilling lives.