Dr. Annie's Bookshelf

A child psychologist's book recommendations for growth and healing

Tics and Tourette Syndrome

Tics are sudden, recurrent movements or vocalizations that feel involuntary–some people compare the sensation to an itch or a hiccup. Tourette’s Disorder (commonly referred to as Tourette Syndrome) is diagnosed when a child has experienced both motor and vocal tics for a minimum of a year. Persistent Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder is diagnosed when a child has either motor or vocal tics for at least a year. The books in this section are specifically about kids with Tourette Syndrome, but they would likely be relevant to any child with tics that bother them or that are noticeable to peers.

Tics can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but the social ramifications of tics are often kids’ biggest concern as tics can be a risk for teasing or other types of social rejection. These books provide hope that with more of an understanding of tics, peers will be accepting and supportive and that with treatment, tics will not stand in the way of a child’s dreams or goals.

I struggled to find decent recommendations that have been published more recently and/or that mention or allude to Habit Reversal Therapy , a behaviorally-based treatment for tics. If you have a recommendation, please reach out and share it with me!

Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome

A 9-year-old boy’s story in his own words

Written by Dylan Peters
Illustrated by Zachary Wendland and Kris Taft Miller
Age range: 2nd grade through 5th grade.
Recommended for: This book is great for a child who has recently been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and/or who is considering whether and how to share about their diagnosis with friends and classmates. Written by a 9-year-old boy with Tourette Syndrome, it normalizes and validates many experiences common to kids with tics. It provides hope that others will accept them and that Tourette Syndrome will not hold them back from pursuing their dreams (make sure to read the foreword and afterword!).
Evidence-Based Practices: Psychoeducation, Medication
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Taking Tourette Syndrome To School

Written by Tira Krueger
Illustrated by Tom Dineen
Age range: 1st grade through 4th grade.
Recommended for: This book’s primary purpose is to teach a child’s peers (classmates, teammates, etc.) about Tourette Syndrome so that a child is less likely to be teased or excluded due to their tics. It could be better written, but it’s an acceptable introduction to tics and Tourette Syndrome. It teaches peers important information, including facts like Tourette Syndrome isn’t contagious, and a child isn’t ever ticing on purpose, and it reminds readers that kids with Tourette Syndrome like to play and learn just like everyone else.
Evidence-Based Practices: Psychoeducation, Medication
Read the full review