March 2010---Age 11
Our third son was diagnosed with tourettes/ADD when he was in first grade. He is unique. He has special needs. He is special to us.
After years of therapy and acceptance, he has been doing quite remarkable accepting and understanding his TICS and so have I.
Although not the energetic, outspoken, extrovert I observed as a toddler, he has settled into his new "normal" as he emerges into "tweendom'"
Tourette's is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by the presence of multiple physical (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic; these tics characteristically wax and wane. Tourette's is defined as part of a spectrum of tic disorders, which includes transient and chronic tics.
Tourette's was once considered a rare and bizarre syndrome, most often associated with the exclamation of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks (coprolalia). However, this symptom is present in only a small minority of people with Tourette's.[1] Tourette's is no longer considered a rare condition, but it may not always be correctly identified because most cases are classified as mild. Between 1 and 10 children per 1,000 have Tourette's;[2] as many as 10 per 1,000 people may have tic disorders,[3][4] with the more common tics of eye blinking, coughing, throat clearing, sniffing, and facial movements. People with Tourette's have normal life expectancy and intelligence. The severity of the tics decreases for most children as they pass through adolescence, and extreme Tourette's in adulthood is a rarity. Notable individuals with Tourette's are found in all walks of life.[5]
Genetic and environmental factors each play a role in the etiology of Tourette's, but the exact causes are unknown. In most cases, medication is unnecessary. There is no effective medication for every case of tics, but there are medications and therapies that can help when their use is warranted. Explanation and reassurance alone are often sufficient treatment;[6] education is an important part of any treatment plan.
Our son enjoys his relationship with his child psychiatrist and finds great comfort in her words and knowledge. She prescribes medicines to manage his ADD and tics and reassures him of normalcy. Building and maintaining his self-esteem is a large part of therapy.
Just so his tourette's would not be lonely, he struggles with ADD. In the medical profession, Co morbid is the term used.
Just so his tourette's would not be lonely, he struggles with ADD. In the medical profession, Co morbid is the term used.
I love and appreciate you. Thank you for your example of stregth and bravery. My tears still flow in private.
ReplyDelete