Post by Admin on Aug 6, 2014 2:57:05 GMT
I'm not going to profess to be an expert. Perhaps consider me more a Sacagawea; familiar with the layout of the land, and here to guide you through the rough terrain. In many ways I feel I have come full circle. My third child was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome when she was seven years old. Had I been aware her tics were evidence of such a disorder, she would have been diagnosed sooner. I had come to see her tic-ing as little habits and without realizing it, became quite accustomed to them.
What is Tourette Syndrome? In a nutshell; An inherited neuropsychiatric disorder that causes a mis-firing of brain signals. The disorder is distinguished by physical and vocal "tics". Tics are repetitive movements and sounds that occur unpredictably and involuntarily. Many suffering with the condition can suppress the tic(s) for a time period, but most often this causes mental exhaustion and is a trigger to disruptive behavior. It is common to have co-occurring conditions.
I was just as unprepared for the comorbid (co-occurring) conditions. ADD/ADHD, Bi-Polar, Depression, ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and Raging (Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS) were unexpected visitors that had no intention of leaving us soon. Learning to cope with the waxing and waning of each of these distressing symptoms gave very little breathing space.
I have always leaned towards natural health and healing, and after trying several treatments and diets along the naturopathic line, I despairing, and for the relief of my little girl, chose to go with traditional medicine. There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome at this writing. There are many trials and errors with medication. As you strive along this trail, you may be fortunate enough to find a blend of medicines (both natural and traditional) that can give some relief for some of the time -- although, it will very likely be targeted towards other mental conditions.
When I was a young girl, I remember going to the circus and seeing a man walk the tightrope. That death-defying feat alone was more then enough for applause. Surprisingly, this acrobat pulled out his juggling balls and added a couple flips as the crowd "awed", overcome with amazement. Bringing a Tourette child through adulthood, can very much be compared to this. Walking the tightrope of this syndrome everyday, you will be expected to juggle in an adequate education that includes day to day encounters and various types of socializing. As you leap and bound through your challenging course, there will be very little cheering. Your audience will be neighbors, school staff, social acquaintances (even members of your local church) and onlookers, all most likely uneducated on the taxing demands of Tourette Syndrome. You may see judgement in many faces as misconceptions are formed in regards to your child rearing and your child.
Through the past fourteen years, I have read and observed much on the subject of Tourette Syndrome. The one common thread I keep coming across is a talent. Whether it's ice skating, gymnastics, horseback riding or drawing, many sufferers can find relief from their tic-ing by providing a platform for the tic to relax or redirect it's energy to. Some sufferers have mentioned that they can sometimes find relief from their tics by closing their eyes and visualizing their favorite thing to do.
In my child's last year of high school, during her last semester, she signed up for a beginning art class. Although I would have considered her grade school years average, I always knew she held a depth of artistic nature. There was something in the way she would notice how many freckles were on your nose -- or how your left eye might be 1/64" smaller than your right. It was how she saw a spilled bit of grape juice on the counter and pointed out that it was exactly the shape of the country of Cuba. With a more disciplined approach to the visual arts, she not only excelled to the amazement and sometimes jealously of others -- but her tic-ing started to stop. With this observation I began to see her 'Tics' as an entity all their own. Among the scattered charcoal pencils and sketch pads the 'Tics' seemed to have found their home. Armed with art supplies, she began to sketch during core classes. This accommodation gave her tics a natural way to get out movements and to our delight, it helped her hear and concentrate on classroom lectures at a higher level. She passed all her classes and graduated--to the utmost surprise of her teachers. She was later able to convert this art into make-up artistry with emphasis on theatrical and creature design. She graduates from College in a few days and is looking forward to an independent, successful life.
I wish I could end with "and we all lived happily ever-after.." but that's just not how this syndrome or its misunderstood companions work. I can tell you at this point, there are far more up days than down days. I remind myself, that the past 14 years have refined me in a way nothing else could have. It will refine you too. You will carry a remarkable wisdom and admirable patience about yourself. I am here to help remind you, the parent, that you will get through this and you do have help.
My Tic-ing Talent Forum is here to provide parents with an organized gathering of shared coping methods, talent builders, treatments and encouragement for children with Tourette Syndrome. I believe that accentuating the discovery of a passionate talent, may not only give your children relief from their tics, but could, as well, be the catalyst to helping them become independent and contributing citizens one day. Thank you for reading MY Story. Please share your voice.
~Chimene Kirkpatrick
What is Tourette Syndrome? In a nutshell; An inherited neuropsychiatric disorder that causes a mis-firing of brain signals. The disorder is distinguished by physical and vocal "tics". Tics are repetitive movements and sounds that occur unpredictably and involuntarily. Many suffering with the condition can suppress the tic(s) for a time period, but most often this causes mental exhaustion and is a trigger to disruptive behavior. It is common to have co-occurring conditions.
I was just as unprepared for the comorbid (co-occurring) conditions. ADD/ADHD, Bi-Polar, Depression, ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and Raging (Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS) were unexpected visitors that had no intention of leaving us soon. Learning to cope with the waxing and waning of each of these distressing symptoms gave very little breathing space.
I have always leaned towards natural health and healing, and after trying several treatments and diets along the naturopathic line, I despairing, and for the relief of my little girl, chose to go with traditional medicine. There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome at this writing. There are many trials and errors with medication. As you strive along this trail, you may be fortunate enough to find a blend of medicines (both natural and traditional) that can give some relief for some of the time -- although, it will very likely be targeted towards other mental conditions.
When I was a young girl, I remember going to the circus and seeing a man walk the tightrope. That death-defying feat alone was more then enough for applause. Surprisingly, this acrobat pulled out his juggling balls and added a couple flips as the crowd "awed", overcome with amazement. Bringing a Tourette child through adulthood, can very much be compared to this. Walking the tightrope of this syndrome everyday, you will be expected to juggle in an adequate education that includes day to day encounters and various types of socializing. As you leap and bound through your challenging course, there will be very little cheering. Your audience will be neighbors, school staff, social acquaintances (even members of your local church) and onlookers, all most likely uneducated on the taxing demands of Tourette Syndrome. You may see judgement in many faces as misconceptions are formed in regards to your child rearing and your child.
Through the past fourteen years, I have read and observed much on the subject of Tourette Syndrome. The one common thread I keep coming across is a talent. Whether it's ice skating, gymnastics, horseback riding or drawing, many sufferers can find relief from their tic-ing by providing a platform for the tic to relax or redirect it's energy to. Some sufferers have mentioned that they can sometimes find relief from their tics by closing their eyes and visualizing their favorite thing to do.
In my child's last year of high school, during her last semester, she signed up for a beginning art class. Although I would have considered her grade school years average, I always knew she held a depth of artistic nature. There was something in the way she would notice how many freckles were on your nose -- or how your left eye might be 1/64" smaller than your right. It was how she saw a spilled bit of grape juice on the counter and pointed out that it was exactly the shape of the country of Cuba. With a more disciplined approach to the visual arts, she not only excelled to the amazement and sometimes jealously of others -- but her tic-ing started to stop. With this observation I began to see her 'Tics' as an entity all their own. Among the scattered charcoal pencils and sketch pads the 'Tics' seemed to have found their home. Armed with art supplies, she began to sketch during core classes. This accommodation gave her tics a natural way to get out movements and to our delight, it helped her hear and concentrate on classroom lectures at a higher level. She passed all her classes and graduated--to the utmost surprise of her teachers. She was later able to convert this art into make-up artistry with emphasis on theatrical and creature design. She graduates from College in a few days and is looking forward to an independent, successful life.
I wish I could end with "and we all lived happily ever-after.." but that's just not how this syndrome or its misunderstood companions work. I can tell you at this point, there are far more up days than down days. I remind myself, that the past 14 years have refined me in a way nothing else could have. It will refine you too. You will carry a remarkable wisdom and admirable patience about yourself. I am here to help remind you, the parent, that you will get through this and you do have help.
My Tic-ing Talent Forum is here to provide parents with an organized gathering of shared coping methods, talent builders, treatments and encouragement for children with Tourette Syndrome. I believe that accentuating the discovery of a passionate talent, may not only give your children relief from their tics, but could, as well, be the catalyst to helping them become independent and contributing citizens one day. Thank you for reading MY Story. Please share your voice.
~Chimene Kirkpatrick
