Tourette Syndrome Compare and Contrast.

Tourette Syndrome : Living with the Illness and Surviving the Challenge

Introduction

Many children develop temporary minor tics as a normal phase of development . But Tourette syndrome , usually with lifelong symptoms , is the most severe in the range of tic diss . Despite increasing public and professional awareness , this tormenting dis is still unfamiliar to many persons , and its bizarre symptoms are easily misunderstood Admittedly , the muscular tics associated with Tourette syndrome can seem peculiar . Twitches in the face , neck , shoulders , or limbs may occur Symptoms may also include odd mannerisms , such as

repeatedly touching the nose , rolling the eyes , or pulling or flicking the hair

Vocal tics can be even more disturbing . Some of these are involuntary throat-clearing , sniffing , barking , whistling , cursing , and repeating words or phrases . By the time my daughter was seven ' says Holly she repeated everything . If she was watching TV , she would repeat what she heard , or if you talked to her , she would echo what you said . You might think she was being a smart aleck ' What causes these strange tics ? Experts say that a chemical imbalance in the brain may be involved . Yet , there is still much to learn about the dis . Chemical abnormalities are considered important , but The American Journal of Psychiatry reports : The exact nature of these abnormalities remains to be determined

Whatever the exact cause , most experts say that Tourette syndrome is a physical dis over which the sufferer has little control . Therefore simply telling a child or an adult with Tourette syndrome , Stop doing that ' or , Stop making that noise ' is futile . He wants to stop even more than you want him to ' says the brochure Coping With Tourette Syndrome . Pressuring him to stop will likely add stress , which may even cause the tics to increase ! There are more effective ways to cope with Tourette syndrome , for the sufferer as well as for his family and friends

The Need for Parental Help

Elinor Peretsman of the Tourette Syndrome Association said : Adults who grew up with Tourette syndrome and who are now leading successful lives all say that they got wonderful help from their families . They were loved and supported , not berated or blamed for their condition Yes , a child with Tourette syndrome must have - and must sense that he has - parental support . For this to be accomplished , parents must work as a team . Neither parent should carry the entire load . A child who senses one parent 's passive withdrawal may begin to blame himself for his condition . What did I do to get this way ' cried one teenage Tourette sufferer . But , as already noted , the tics are involuntary . Both parents can reinforce this truth by taking an active part in the child 's life

Admittedly , this is not always easy . At times parents - especially fathers - feel somewhat embarrassed by the child 's symptoms . I hate to take my boy to movies or sporting events ' confesses one father People turn around and glare at him when he tics . Then I get angry...