Welcome to the TA Forum

[twinmum]

Hi Myboyreecey
sorry you are struggling, all us mums on here know how hard it is watching your child coping with TS and also having to fight tooth and nail to get the help they need.
The adults on here with TS have some brilliant advice too.
Firstly have you called the helpline to talk things through?
Secondly - what support does your son get at school in terms of LSA support?
Does he have a statement of education or is it early days ?
Where in the country are you? - there are some very good support groups dotted around, and if there arent groups there may be individuals you can meet up with in your area.

[keeleykav]

hi all im a mum of an a 11yr old daughter who has just been diagnosed with tics after many years of fighting that something wasnt right, dont know much about it but had many stressfull years of bad behavour,low self asteem and very depressed at times going through cahms at the mo and waiting for medication from her doctor she has alot of issues and cant get my head round it.can someone please explain a little about tics and other behavours associated with the illness my heart is breaking for my daughter.many thanks xx can anyone tell me the help that is available out there ive been informed to apply for dla i live in the leeds area x

[mikeashfield]

hi all im a mum of an a 11yr old daughter who has just been diagnosed with tics after many years of fighting that something wasnt right, dont know much about it but had many stressfull years of bad behavour,low self asteem and very depressed at times going through cahms at the mo and waiting for medication from her doctor she has alot of issues and cant get my head round it.can someone please explain a little about tics and other behavours associated with the illness my heart is breaking for my daughter.many thanks xx can anyone tell me the help that is available out there ive been informed to apply for dla i live in the leeds area x

Hi Keeley(?),

Just wondering what you mean by "diagnosed with tics", is that a diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome (TS)? Or some other acute/chronic tic disorder? Does your daughter present OCD-like symptoms? I hope that the medication that's being prescribed helps in some way. I too am a newly diagnosed TS ticcer, so understand how hard things must be for both you, and your daughter right now.

Generally speaking, tics are a contractions of the muscles (commonly in the face, such as blinking, facial grimacing, mouth opening, nasal flaring ect.) that cannot be helped (they are involuntary); people with TS often describe the feeling of a tic similar to that of holding a sneeze in, or holding your breath. Imagine trying to hold that in, it's not going to be possible for long periods of time. It is also true that those with TS who hold tics in, will have an outburst of tics once they are relieved.

Associated disorders that are common alongside TS are (your child may present all, or none of the following):
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) - A developmental disorder characterised by the existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity.
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) - An anxiety disorder characterised by by repetitive behaviours aimed at reducing associated anxieties.
AS (Aspergers Syndrome) - An autism spectrum disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests.
ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) - An ongoing pattern of anger guided disobedience, hostilely defiant behaviour toward authority figures which goes beyond the bounds of normal childhood behaviour.

I have done some brief research into organisations and help groups in the Leeds area that may be of help/assistance to you, they are:
Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau - www.leedscab.org.uk
MenCap Leeds - www.leedsmencap.org.uk
Leeds Welfare Rights - www.leeds.gov.uk/Page.aspx?pageIdentifi ... 9100354ACC
Leeds Support Group (In Progress) - www.tourettes-action.org.uk/group-meetings


Feel free to message me if you think there's anything else I might be able to help with!

Mike

[keeleykav]

hi mike
the diagnosis is tics they said she jerks her head back and forth alot of the time and also puts her middle fingers up alot aswell as other bodily movements shes eleven and yes she has ocd and adhd behavour has for many years but only just been noticed by the professionals.im very new to this and would like to help my daughter the best i can shes due to start taking haloperidol soon x thanks for your reply any tips would be usefull xx

[George]

hi i have been on here a while now but i would like to welcome any new comers so hi everyone

[Goddess0305]

Hi there. My son, who is 7, has recently been diagnosed with Tourette and tic syndrome. As a mother I am absolutely distraught. I am totally lost and don't know what to do. I am desperate for someone else's advice. Thank you x

[helen]

Hi there

I'm really sorry to hear that you are feeling distraught, and I hope that you find strength and support through the lovely people who use this forum, and understand what it feels like to experience the wide range of emotions that Tourette Syndrome can bring.

Please feel free to contact our helpline if you would to speak to one of our advisors. We are open monday to friday 9am-5pm, 0300 777 8427.

Warm wishes

Helen
Tourettes Action

[twinmum]

Welcome Godess0305 -
We all know how you are feeling but trust me it will get better. Its almost like going through a grieving process but you will get through it.
Have you been reading through the posts ? You can private message any of us any time through the forum if you want to.
Ask any questions you want - there are lots of lovely people on here with a wealth of experience either through having TS themselves or supporting a child, adult with it.
I myself have twin boys aged 13 - they are going through a settled period right now but we have had some very difficult times. We get through it and you will realise as time goes on that your little boy is still the same lovely little boy he always was. He now just has a name to his behaviours. It doesnt make him any different or you for that matter.
I found telling people helped me a lot. I didnt see the point in trying to hide or cover it up. I found the more people that knew about it the better it was. The boys find that too.
Good luck - and please remember you are not alone