Two teachers have published a book about Tourette's syndrome to get the message out that "difference is beautiful".
Fiancées India Grieveson and Lauren Matthews self-published the novel Taylor's Tics in August, about a student who, as well as having to manage the challenges of secondary school, deals with Tourette's and bullying.
Ms Grieveson, who works at Bower Park Academy, Romford, is the book's author, while Ms Matthews, a teacher at Brentwood County High School, illustrated the book.
Both teachers have worked with students with Tourette's syndrome, and believe the condition is "never spoken about".
Ms Grieveson said: "There's a lot of SEN students in both of our schools, and we always get a lot of information about things like autism or ADHD, but Tourette's is never spoken about.
"There's a lot of misinformation out there, and nothing for kids especially to go to, to get information.
"We wanted there to be something else for students to look at and think 'that's me - I can relate to that'."
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The 24-year-old's writing was also inspired by the couple's work with charity Tourette's Action, which runs support groups for people with the condition.
After meeting with volunteers and support group attendees at one of the charity's fundraisers, the teachers realised there were very few resources to help explain the condition to children - so they wanted "to make a book so there is something".
Ms Matthews said: "It was the first book I've illustrated, and I think it's a lovely book and a really genuine story, so it was nice to bring that to life."
The 26-year-old added that it was great to be part of something so "unique and inclusive".
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The two hoped there would be a clear main message children could take away.
Ms Grieveson said: "The main message is that difference is beautiful, and that you can be proud to be different.
"If everyone was the same it would be a very boring world.
"Having Tourette's isn't something that makes you abnormal, it's just a different part of you - and that's not a bad thing."
As term starts back, the author-illustrator duo said it would be "extremely exciting" if their book was read in their schools, or picked up by any of their students.
Taylor's Tics is available to buy as a paperback on Amazon now priced £10.
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