Down to content

About TS

Information about Tourette Syndrome, including the causes and symptoms of the condition.

Return to the main resource library page.

View:     TA information only    All TS information

 
  • Leaflets

  • About TS

    ACAMH: The Bridge, Tourette syndrome edition

    ACAMH is a registered charity with over 60 years’ experience in promoting the advancement of child & adolescent mental health.  Their online publication - The Bridge - brings together research digests, and Tourette syndrome is the focus of their February 2019 edition.

     

    Download 1549295119_ACAMH-The-Bridge-Feb-2019.pdf

  • Factsheet - A guide to the Genetics of Tourette Syndrome

    Since the 1980s it has been known that Tourette Syndrome can run in families. Probably most people with TS (but not all) do have other family members with some signs of the condition, including very mild tics or other features such as ADHD or OCD rather than tics.

    Find out more

  • Factsheet - Coprophenomena

    Coprophenomena is the involuntary expression of socially unacceptable words or gestures including coprolalia, coprographia and copropraxia.

    Find out more

  • Factsheet - Functional Tics

    This factsheet aims to give you an introduction to functional tics, it is not a factsheet about Tourette syndrome, but discusses the overlap between TS and FND.

    Find out more

  • About TS

    Factsheet - Therapy options for TS

    Behavioural therapy can be helpful for some people living with TS. This factsheet explains the different types of therapy that are currently recommended for TS.

  • About TS

    Factsheet: Diet and nutritional supplements

    As with most chronic conditions, people are often interested in the possible influence of diet. At Tourettes Action we often get asked about any links between diet and Tourette Syndrome or tics.

    Download 1488195649_Factsheet---Diet-and-nutritional-supplements.pdf

  • Guide to seeing a specialist

    A guide to what you can expect when you go to see a specialist.

    Find out more

  • Tic Attack document only - A4 Easy print

    Easy print version of the A4 Tic Attacks document, for adults and children.

    Find out more

  • Tic Attack document only - A4 Easy print, child friendly version

    Adapted version of the Tic Attacks document for children, with images.

    Find out more

  • TS Passport - A4 Easy print

    Easy print version of the TS Passport for adults and children.

    Find out more

  • TS Passport with Tic Attacks sheet - A4 Easy print

    Easy print version of the TS Passport for adults and children, with Tic Attacks sheet.

    Find out more

  • What Makes Us Tic

    Our principal leaflet explaining about Tourette Syndrome, the causes, symptoms and treatments available.

    Find out more

  • Report

  • About TS

    ACAMH: The Bridge, Tourette syndrome edition

    ACAMH is a registered charity with over 60 years’ experience in promoting the advancement of child & adolescent mental health.  Their online publication - The Bridge - brings together research digests, and Tourette syndrome is the focus of their February 2019 edition.

     

    Download 1549295119_ACAMH-The-Bridge-Feb-2019.pdf

  • Neurodiversity at work

    This report highlights the benefits of having a 'neurodiverse' workforce and aims to identify policies and practices to ensure the integration of people with neurological conditions into mainstream employment.

    Find out more

  • Videos

  • A school-based exercise to demonstrate how concentration can be impaired by tics

    Harvey is passionate about informing teachers about TS, and wanted to make a short video to demonstrate how TS can be a barrier to learning.

    Find out more

  • About TS

    Anger and Tourette syndrome: Top tips and coping strategies

    Dr Maria Hadji-Michael, Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital defines what anger difficulties are in Tourette syndrome, and provides information and guidance to parents and schools on how to support a young person experiencing these difficulties

    View video

  • Beyond Tics

    'Beyond Tics' is a short film depicting the events of a workshop run by the London Brain Project (2015) in which Artists, Neuroscientists and people with Tourette syndrome collaborated to create collaborative pieces of art.

    Find out more

  • About TS

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Demonstration Pt. 4

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Demonstration by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; featuring Carlos Guevara, taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.

    View video

  • About TS

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Pt. 2

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Part 2 by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.

    View video

  • About TS

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Pt. 3

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Part 3 by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.

    View video

  • About TS

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics: Part 1

    Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Part 1 by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.

    View video

  • About TS

    Dance, Yoga and how it's helped my TS

    Clair Beckett, professional dancer, yoga teacher and theatre company director talks about her experience of movement based practices and how they support her TS.

    View video

  • From Struggle Comes Strength

    Tourette Syndrome isn't always visible

    Find out more

  • About TS

    Growing Up with Tourettes

    Top international digital star, Caspar Lee interviews young people about growing up with Tourette Syndrome in this heart-warming video.

    View video

  • About TS

    James McCraken: Treatment options for tic disorders and comorbidities

    In November 2017, Nottingham University held an open lecture with three speakers from the United States, all of whom are specialists in Tourette Syndrome. In this video, James T McCracken M. D., Professor of Child Psychiatry Director, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Dept of Psychiatry & Bio-Behavioural Sciences at UCLA, gives an overview of the role of medical treatments in the treatment of TS and co-occurring conditions.

    View video

  • About TS

    Jamie Sanders on Tourettes jokes

    Jamie discusses the misuse of the word Tourettes in popular culture, and how this limits people's understanding of the condition

    View video

  • About TS

    John Piacentini: Environmental influences and behaviour therapy

    In November 2017, Nottingham University held an open lecture with three speakers from the United States, all of whom are specialists in Tourette Syndrome. In this video, John Piacentini PhD ABPP Professor of Psychiatry & Bio-Behavioural Sciences at UCLA discusses the environmental influences on tics, and behaviour therapy.

    View video

  • Living with Tourettes: Finding the flip side

    Michael Chichioco tells an inspiring and deeply emotional story about living with Tourette's syndrome .

     

    Find out more

  • About TS

    Prof Kevin Black: What are tics and what company do they keep?

    In November 2017, Nottingham University held an open lecture with three speakers from the United States, all of whom are specialists in Tourette Syndrome. In this video Kevin Black, Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, Radiology and Neuroscience at Washington University, St Louis; discusses in detail what Tourette Syndrome is.

    View video

  • Rupert shares his experience of CBIT therapy with Tourettes Action

    Watch this informative video which shows the benefits of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).

    Find out more

  • Russian Dolls

    ‘Russian Doll’ is a film made by Clair Beckett in collaboration with Street Factory and Red5 films, as part of a project called 'Hip Hop Hope' funded by the Arts Council England.

    Find out more

  • About TS

    Samuel Morris

    12 year old Samuel made a fantastic awareness video to share all about TS with his class at school.

    View video

  • About TS

    Things Not To Say To People With Tourette Syndrome

    The fantastic BBC3 series 'Things Not To Say To People', that helps break down stereotypes and myths about social groups have made an episode on Tourette Syndrome.

    View video

  • Tourette Syndrome: "So f*cking funny you'll cry!"

    A video filmed by Meredith, sister to Mason, to point out to comedians who use TS as part of their act, that it isn't always a laughing matter.

    Find out more

  • About TS

    University of Nottingham research study into online support groups

    An online survey exploring users’ experiences of using online support groups for tic disorders and Tourette syndrome

  • What is Tourette Syndrome?

    Neurologist Dr Jeremy Stern explains Tourette Syndrome.

    Find out more

  • What TS means to me

    Meet Logan, he has Epilepsy, Tourette Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger’s), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Hypermobility Disorder.  These conditions can make life difficult at times, but Logan has a great attitude to life that supports him in doing everything he wants to do.  In this video he explains what having TS means to him.

    Find out more

  • Books

  • A Family's Guide to Tourette Syndrome

    An easy to understand look at Tourette Syndrome.

    Find out more

  • Anger management games for children

    This practical handbook helps adults to understand, manage and reflect constructively on children's anger.

    Find out more

  • About TS

    Can I tell you about Tourette syndrome?: A guide for friends, family and professionals

    Meet Max - a boy with Tourette syndrome (TS). Max invites readers to learn about Tourette's from his perspective, helping them to understand what tics and triggers are and what it feels like to have TS. He explains how living with TS can sometimes be difficult, and how people around him can help him to feel happy and accepted. This illustrated book is ideal for young people aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and other professionals working with children with TS. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

  • Cognitive-Behavioural Management of Tic Disorders

    This book provides a comprehensive review of what is known about the occurrence and diagnosis of tics.

    Find out more

  • Front of the class

    Brad Cohen has TS and in this book outlines the journey he took to become a teacher.

    Find out more

  • Late, Lost & Unprepared - A parents' guide to helping children with Executive Functioning.

    Executive functions are the cognitive skills that help us manage our lives and be successful. This book is suitable for parents of children from primary school through high school who struggle with: Impulse Control; Cognitive Flexibility; Initiation; Working Memory; Planning & Organising; and, Self-monitoring.

    Find out more

  • Making allowances

    A collection of personal stories of Tourette Syndrome sufferers and their families.

    Find out more

  • Nix Your Tics!: Eliminate Unwanted Tic Symptoms: A How-To Guide for Young People

    Dr. B. Duncan McKinlay, Psychologist (‘Dr. Dunc’) has Tourette Syndrome. That means he’s been living with both motor tics (movements he has a hard time stopping) and phonic tics (noises he has a hard time stopping) for most of his life. 

    Find out more

  • Pete: My story

    Big Brother winner Pete Bennett talks about his life with TS.

    Find out more

  • Teaching the Tiger

    A practical reference book for educators working with students who have Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, and/or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. 

    Find out more

  • About TS

    The Tourettes Survival Kit: Tools for Young Adults with Tics

    Struggling to manage your tics in the classroom? Worried about your tics in a job interview or on a first date? This survival kit will give you the tools to survive and thrive in every location - at home, school, work or out with friends. Presenting everyday situations, from schools and exams through to driving and dates, this guide provides simple solutions to common problems and concerns. Dr Tara gives her top tips for managing tics, alongside behavioural therapy techniques for stress management and strategies for coping with commonly co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, OCD and anxiety.

    Download 1559075259_Lancet-review-of-Toolkit.pdf

  • Tic Disorders - A Guide for Parents and Professionals

    Uttom Chowdhury and Tara Murphy. Foreword by Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive of Tourettes Action UK.

    Find out more

  • Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome

    Dylan Peters shares what he has learned of tolerance and acceptance during the five years he has had Tourette Syndrome

    Find out more

  • Tictionary: A Reference Guide to the World of Tourette Syndrome

    This A-Z resource guide is for anyone needing information and common-sense strategies as they deal with neurological disorders, including TS.

    Find out more

  • Tourette Syndrome

    Tourette Syndrome covers all of the main aspects related to TS, analyzing the complexity of its clinical presentation, the novel viewpoints of causes and mechanisms, the best way to assess TS patients, and the multifaceted and multidisciplinary treatment options. 

    Find out more

  • Tourette Syndrome (The Facts)

    The Facts explains the causes of TS, how it is diagnosed, and how to cope if you or a relative has been recently diagnosed. 

    Find out more

  • Welcome to Biscuit Land: A year in the life of Touretteshero

    Jess Thom says ‘biscuit’ up to 16 times per minute. In her book she explains what life is like living with TS.

    Find out more

  • Whatever Happened To Twitch Morgan?: A Life with Tourette's Syndrome by David Jowsey

    WHATEVER HAPPENED TO TWITCH MORGAN? 'An approachable and uplifting story of life with Tourette's Syndrome' 

    Find out more

  • Why Do You Do That?

    A Book About Tourette Syndrome for Children and Young People

    Find out more

  • Presentations

  • What is TS? A presentation for Primary School children

    This presentation has been designed to inform young people about Tourette syndrome; and help friends and family better understand how they can support someone living with the condition.

    Find out more

  • What is TS? A presentation for Secondary School children

    This presentation has been designed with young adults of secondary school age in mind. It's aim is to inform about the complexities of Tourette syndrome and to dispel some misconceptions around the condition. By increasing TS knowledge amongst pupils, this will hopefully breed acceptance and understanding of the condition.

     

    Find out more

  • Press cuttings

  • New insights into genetics of OCD, Tourette Syndrome

    An international research group has provided the first direct evidence that both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) are highly heritable.

    Find out more

  • About TS

    New Scientist article: People with Tourette's may find it easier to pick up new skills

    People with Tourette's syndrome seem to have enhanced memory that could make them better at learning tasks unconsciously, such as speaking a second language or driving a car.

    Download 1522229004_new_scientist_procedural-memory.pdf

  • About TS

    SEN magazine article April 2018

    Don’t panic! Pupils with Tourette’s just need the right support, not fear and misunderstanding, writes Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive of Tourettes Action.

    Download 1522836030_SEN-Article-April-2018.pdf

"People need to know that TS is involuntary. We don't need pity, but some will always need help, support and understanding"

 

Events

Monday 18 August 18:00

Family Online Support Group, Online 6pm - 7pm

Wednesday 20 August 19:00

Adults with TS Support Group, Online 7pm - 8pm

Thursday 21 August 10:00

Parent/Caregiver Online Coffee Morning, Online 10am - 11am

donate