speaking of impediments and such - why/how does tourettes syndrome happen /how can it be cured?


Question:
it must be terrible for those who have it, but is it genetic or a typeof mental illness what? my step-son has a mild form, and I would like to understand they why's and how's of it so I could be more tollerant

Answers:
As you can see by the other misinformed (and rude) answers posted here, there is much misconception about this.

Touretts is lifelong and there is not a cure. It is not degenerative. It is migratory. It does not impede intelligence or ability to learn. Your step son is not retarded.

People with TS deserve the same love and respect as everyone else. My son has Tourettes, ADHD and OCD. He is treated like all members of our household. He has chores and homework, just like everybody else.

Tourettes is a neurological (or neurobiological, to be more specific) condition. Insist upon having him seen by a Pediatric Neurologist with an interest in Tourettes. They will know the latest developments (and if they don't, YOU will need to inform them).

And above all, don't worry. Educate yourself as much as possible. YOU are your child's best advocate.

In public, people are watching you. I have found that if people see me treating him just like everybody else, in most cases they will follow suit. We pretty much ignore the tics and vocal tremors, and you should too. A stress free environment, where the child can "tic away" at home without comment is best. Stress increases the tics.

I would not trade my son for the world. He is sweet, artistically gifted, smart with a high IQ, plays chess, loves to create with Lego's, has friends, and is just a great kid! Having Tourettes is not the worst thing in the world, BELIEVE ME! Spend any amount of time in a Pediatric Neurology waiting room and you will count your blessings. It is good that your sons case is mild.

There are medications that can help, ask your Neurologist. My son is on Clonidine. This helps a LOT.

Here is a great book "Front of the Class, How Tourettes made me the Teacher I never had", by Brad Cohen

Here is a GREAT DVD: "I have Tourettes, but Tourettes, doesn't Have Me" by HBO and available here: http://www.tsa-usa.org

This web site is a fantastic resource.

Blessings to you. Please feel free to communicate with me through this site.

Other Answers:
The exact cause of TS is not known, but both genetic and environmental factors are involved.


from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourettes

which can give you more detailed info. its genetic, it cant be cured. i think its caused by an extra bit on one of the chromosomes but i could have just misunderstood that.

PLEASE dont ask ur step son to hold in his tic because while it is possible (for some) it makes the tics worse whn he eventualy lets them out and im told holding them in is VERY unplesant. is it nerves passing through your brain when they remember words try get stung by a wasp




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