Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourette's: A Patient and Family Guide [Paperback]

This book is perfect for families looking for "alternative" treatments for tics syndromes. Our elementary school child had frequent tics which were not resolving on their own. We did not want to put him on drugs because of all the possible side effects that people we knew had told us about.

This book explains possible causes of tics and gives terrific suggestions and things to try with your child. We started off with avoiding some of the triggers that the author Sheila Rogers mentions. Amazingly, after a week the tics went away!! This gave us confidence that this wasn't some permanent condition that we just had to live with. Once we understood more about how a faulty immune system could likely be an underlying cause, something the book describes well, we found a doctor to help us with testing and natural treatments--so far it has mostly been diet change and over the counter supplements. The book also helps guide you to the right kind of doctor for this, since most neurologists today still tend to teach acceptance or provide drugs. I see this book as a 'must read' before going the route of drugs.

Our son's tics are completely gone and we no longer have to avoid as many triggers now that his immune system is stronger. The side benefits are that our son is sleeping better and has more energy. It scares me to think we could have put him on drugs to mask the symptoms instead of addressing the underlying cause.

Families reading this should know that the book doesn't give a one-size-fits-all formula, which unfortunately doesn't seem to exist yet, but rather a list of things that you can try with your child. The parent must still be a detective and the process takes diligence. I have spent countless hours searching the internet for solutions, and I thought this book provided by far the most comprehensive explanation I have ever seen about what can cause tics and what can be done to minimize and even eliminate them.

The book has not only the theory, but also practical ideas that really make a difference. The success stories alone are touching and very encouraging. Our family is proof that the methods can work. It is such a joy and relief to see my son so happy and his face and body so relaxed.

My son was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome a few years ago. We went through the wringer with everything from anti-ADHD agents to anti-depressants, etcetera. What I have found is that he is 150% better...but only because of natural remedies. Vitamin supplementation, diet, exercise, and cognitive strategies have been far more helpful than the poisons the psychiatrist prescribed. However, I am not anti-medication...I am only anti-med when it comes to my son's treatment. Why? Because the psych meds just don't seem to work for him.

I think it's sad that so many parents out there blindly follow the "doctor's orders." If your child has been diagnosed with TS, please buy this book. It's worth a try. Also, check out Latitudes and BrainTalk. Both are online communities that have tons to offer in the way of alternative treatments and support/friendship.

If your child is worse on the meds...If you're sick of the doctors not listening...If you're scared of long-term med side-effects...If you've reached the end of your rope...Remember: nothing changes if nothing changes. It's worth a try.

There is hope to be had...

After a diagnosis of Tourettes Syndrome a few month ago, and hearing that my 12 year old would "grow out of it" from the medical community, I decided to investigate on my own. My son also has eczema, allergies (environmental and food) and asthma. Being on too much medicine already for a child (in my opinion), another prescription was out of the question. This book is a God-send! I see our situation throughout the book, and Sheila J. Rogers has written in a way that is easy to understand. She provides hope and practical information that I have already put into action (and I'm only half way through the book!). The book does not demean the medical community, but offers an alternative to us who refuse to believe that this is how our loved one has to be. The advice in this book is sound commonsense from reputable sources backed by experience from families of children with TS. I highly recommned this book as a vital key in helping your loved one. Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed, on medication, or you just suspect there is something "wrong"... you need this book!