Last year I spoke about taking our son to a neurologist for his tics. If you want to catch up on that story first, head over here. Once we confirmed he had a tic disorder, which I was sure of for a good year, we continued on as “normal”. We did not bring the tics to our son’s attention, and we also chose not to medicate him because we feel he’s too young, and there is no cure for the disorder anyway.
When he was diagnosed it was because of my persistence, not because he had noticed. Fast forward almost a full year, and he has begun to “notice” his tics. His blinking, eyebrow raises, and clenched jaw tics have become more intense and noticeable to myself and Nate. And now our lil guy has started making comments like, “I can’t stop my eyes” or “I can’t stop blinking”. He will even hold his eyes to try to stop them from tic-ing. We simply tell him to relax and sometimes massage his temples to help in the relaxation process.
It is so frustrating to watch my young son go through this. As I mentioned in my other post, I grew up with a brother with Tourette Syndrome and watched all the issues my brother faced as a young child growing up. And now to see my own son go through the same thing is heartbreaking. I wish it were me! I wish I could take this away! Why did I have to be a carrier and pass this onto him?!
He is so vibrant and smart and full of life. I don’t want this to affect him in a negative light. I saw how my brother became more introverted as time went on. I don’t knock my parents for the way they handled my brother’s case. They only did what they felt was best, and what was recommended by doctors. However, I won’t be informing his teachers, and class each year about his condition. I don’t want him to be looked at differently, or treated as such. I want his peers and everyone else to form their own opinions of him naturally.
We barely broach the topic at home because we choose not to make a big deal about it. He is a normal child. However, he has become more aware of them. He has not asked questions as to “why” he has tics, however I am sure that’s only a matter of time. I just pray as school begins this August that he continues to see himself as any other 5-year-old and goes on being the extroverted child we know him to be.
SR says
Sad for your little boy, but the love and attention you’re bringing to this will likely make a huge difference in mitigating, or overcoming entirely, its effects. Good luck to both of you.
Ari says
I think you’re taking the right approach in treating his tics as normal, or at least looking at him as normal as possible at home. I think treating him normally and allowing him to see his talents and skills beyond the symptoms of his condition will really help to keep his self-confidence up. Just letting him know that his tics don’t define him. I can relate a little because I grew up with a genetic condition that restricted my physical and athletic abilities. It did have its downside, but I was encouraged to find interests and hone my skills in other areas while growing up. I hope your son doesn’t get discouraged and continues to be open.
http://play2learnwithsarah.com says
Good for you for being proactive about finding out and knowing what you’re dealing with. My husband has tics and he says they are painful at times.
Jennifer H says
Thank you Sarah
Jenny @ MyLittleMe says
It’s hard to know how to parent a child that is different. I have a son with ADHD and all I want for him is to be liked and accepted by the other kids just as any other kid would be.
Jennifer H says
My lil guy is also ADHD and yes I just want him to enjoy life and not feel different than others.
Kele Wassum says
It sounds like you are doing everything right for him. I hope he goes into school and everything works out perfect for all of you.
Jennifer H says
Thank you Kele!
Bob says
I feel your pain. As a Dad of a Son with Tourette Syndrome, I had to deal with some issues. Was it my fault, how did this happen, what should I do ?? It ended up with my Son becoming a handsome, vibrant, exceptionally talented young man. He was a “gifted” student, a musician, an athelete, who lettered in sports in H.S. Now he is a loving, caring, Husband, Son, & Brother. I will Pray for your Son, as I did with mine. You never know what can happen, he may find a cure for cancer, or Tourette’s Syndrome.
YellowTennessee says
I am so sorry. But the great thing is that he will still make friends I think ignoring most of them at home has got to be the best way to let him know that they don’t matter.
Jennifer H says
Thank you!
Maryann says
It makes me wonder if there is a toxic connection. My son has autism and of course he has tics and self stimming behaviors. They have gotten better by using biomedical interventions to remove toxins from his body. Let me know if you want to hear more about this.
Jennifer H says
Yes, I would be interested in hearing more Maryann. Thank you for offering. Can you email the information to me?
Ashlee Schnelle says
Poor guy. He is so very smart though so i hope he continues to excel
Jennifer H says
Thank you Ash. I hope so too.