I Can't Stop!

A Story about Tourette Syndrome

Plot Summary

One day Nathan starts blinking--a lot. It bothers his parents and his sister. After a while the blinking stops, but then Nathan starts sniffing. One of his classmates complains to his teacher. Then, after a swim meet, Nathan's head keeps moving back and forth. His mom is annoyed and asks him to stop. But the problem is, Nathan can't stop.

A doctor explains that Nathan's movements are called tics. Lots of children have them, and if they continue for a long time, that's called Tourette Syndrome, or TS. With the help of his doctor, his parents, and his best friend, Nathan works on managing his tics so they aren't so noticeable to other people.

Awards

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Special Needs Adaptable Product Award 2006

Reviews

"The purposeful but informative story follows Nathan, an elementary-school-age boy, from the bewilderment he feels before his condition is diagnosed through his learning to manage his tics and then educating his peers...Realistic watercolor-and-pencil illustrations reflect the straightforward intent of the book, which will be useful in most libraries and critical at schools where there are children struggling with TS." Booklist

Associated Keywords
tics, tic, tourettes, tourette's, tourettes syndrome, tourette's syndrome, OCD, anxiety