Overview
Tourette Syndrome, Beyond the Unwelcome Companion (Standard Print) by Rick Fowler
Tourette syndrome is a very misunderstood disorder. It is often said to have a mind of its own. A number of excellent books have been written by healthcare professionals and by people with TS. Most are either professional observations or personal stories about brave souls who have defeated enormous challenges and succeeded in spite of this often debilitating disorder.
This book is different. Its main focus is on the mental and physical processes that occur inside a person during tics and other symptoms. This book likely provides the deepest view into the "mind of Tourette syndrome" ever published.
The author, who has TS, presents an unsurpassed inside view of tics, obsessions, compulsions, intrusive thoughts and feelings brought on by societal reaction. The book is totally honest from start to finish. It does not sugarcoat any aspect of the disorder. It exposes in detail the most troubling experiences associated with this disorder. However, it reinforces the reality that most people with Tourette syndrome are incredibly strong individuals and they commonly end up doing quite well in life.
No two individuals experience Tourette syndrome exactly the same. The author does not claim to speak for anyone other than himself. However, there are often similar, rarely-discussed experiences by people with TS. Others with the disorder have agreed that this author's descriptions are stunningly accurate.
For those desiring to get an idea of how it feels to experience the tics and other symptoms of Tourette syndrome, this book is a "must read."
