Oliver Sacks
We have many medical accounts of Tourette syndrome, but far too few stories "from the inside," stories of what it is like, what it means, to live with Tourette syndrome, every day and minute of one's life; how others respond to it, and how, finally hopefully, one may come to terms with it.

Book Description
Don't Think About Monkeys is a remarkable collection of stories written by fourteen people who live with Tourette syndrome. Ranging from three teenagers learning to come to grips with teasing to adults encountering discrimination, the collection represents the incredible diversity of a disorder as diverse as life itself. The drama of living with a disability and the comedy of a Tourette syndrome conference show the range of a book the Oliver Sacks called "A fascinatingly varied book."

About the Author
Adam Ward Seligman is a freelance writer. Her regularly lectures on Tourette syndrome and disability issues. His articles have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Jazziz, Keyboard and other publications. He is the author of the novel Echolalia (Hope Press). (Adam who had severe Tourette syndrome, died in 1999 of unrelated causes). John S. Hilkevich is an educator who is completing graduate studies in Counseling Services. He is a start certified Emergency Medical Technician and Vice President of his of his township's rescue squad. He directs Environmental Experiences, a national-award winning adventure program.

Excerpted from Don't Think About Monkeys : Extraordinary Stories by People With Tourette Syndrome by Adam Ward Seligman, John S. Hilkevich. Copyright © 1992. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
The author's tell the story of a man who was told he could walk on water if he made sure that he "Did not think about monkeys. Immediately, inside the businessman's head a stream of monkeys appeared; waltzing, dancing, eating, and playing. Having Tourette syndrome is a lot like not thinking about monkeys. The monkeys are the tics, vocalizations, urges, obsessions, behaviors and enactments that are with us constantly, overwhelming our daily lives."