| | | | The Compulsion of Tourettes |
By Glenn A. Hascall
We've all heard, read, or been in the same room with a child who displays one or more symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as those children who may exhibit obsessive compulsive tendencies.
There is another related syndrome that can be frightening to children who may exhibit signs of it's onset. Tourette Syndrome is classified as, "a neurological disorder characterized by tics -- involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly in the same way."
A child who is afflicted with this syndrome generally develops a tic which they find increasingly difficult to control. The 'tic' may be a simple phrase or sound that they repeat often. In some cases the child may repeat socially unacceptable phrases or may say rude things to others. In other cases it is a visible bodily jerk or action that is the demonstration of Tourette Syndrome.
Some parents may have doubts about their child's behavior and this may be doubly pronounced because in many cases symptoms may not be present for days to months at a time. What may be most frightening for the child is the fact that the 'tic' is often something they have been instructed not to do or say. It is often the forbidden nature of the tic that makes the compulsion of Tourette Syndrome so frustrating for parent and child alike.
Tourettes can be passed on genetically with boys being the primary recipients of Tourette Syndrome. Another causal agent in Tourette Syndrome is believed to be, "an abnormal metabolism of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin..."
If you have a child with Tourette Syndrome it could be embarrassing when your child exhibits what may be perceived as anti-social behavior. Mostly this is due to the fact that many do not understand TS. It may be appropriate to inform guests about the situation so it doesn't come as a surprise when/if your child exhibit's a TS 'tic'.
It is also advisable not to reprimand a child who has Tourette Syndrome. If they have been diagnosed with TS they are already frustrated that they have such a strong compulsion to say or do things they do not wish to say or do.
Online forums and chat rooms are available to assist parents in learning more about this condition and how they can work through the associated issues.
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