How do you raise a teen with tourette's?

Answer 1

Seeing as I am a teen with Tourette's here is a successful way!

1. Get them books. Books are a BRILLIANT way of distracting a teen, and they actually improve your mind. Distractions, such as days out, books and TV all relax the brain, which reduces tic severity and number. If you notice your teen twitches badly or frequently when he/her sleeps though, get him/her checked for ADHD or an anxiety disorder.
2. Don't scold them when they tic. If they twitch, they genuinely can't help it. Sure, by all means tell them to learn self-control, as this can reduce tics, but for God's sake don't act as if they meant to do it! My parents used to do that when I first showed symptoms and I got into so much trouble for not doing anything! Then the stress of it all made it WORSE!!
3. Tell the school. If the school knows they can help lessen stress and thus reduce tics. It is also good as they can get the teen to talk to the counsellor, who will know a few good methods for lessening stress. The counsellor worked wonders for me and now I twitch way less at school and have actually made some friends.
4. Don't act like they need "help". Tourette's Syndrome is a neurological condition, not a psychological illness. This means it is due to brain structure, not mental defect. There is NO CURE, and medication is only good if they also have OCD, ADD or ADHD with the Tourette's.
5. Get them to eat veggies. This may be hard for some, I don't know. I actually like veggies but many don't. However raw veggies, particularly broccoli, cauliflower and carrot, all have loads of magnesium and potassium that helps lower tic severity (it fixes the faulty nerves that might otherwise mis-fire). If not, bananas and blueberries, when eaten RAW, do the job nicely.
6. Allow them to bring their MP3 player/iPod to school or when going out. It doesn't even have to have battery! When they twitch, a good way to cover it up is to pretend to listen to music. Then passers-by will just think they are "jamming to the beat".