Kids and mental health

[Heavy Iron]

Man I am gripped by some fear and not sure how to feel. Guess I'm writing here because of the degree of anonymity and I know some of you are solid guys who may hopefully have some experience with this. I have a son who recently turned 5. He's an awesome little dude FULL of energy. Recently he started having these "tics". I know kids will sometimes make grunting sounds and things of that nature and they do so when they're regulating emotions or are feeling anxious and it goes away. This is not that. He is doing these short bursts of saying "ahh" real fast and loud. Like 2 or 3 times then maybe 40 seconds to a minute goes by and does it again. 100 percent it is involuntary. This weekend has been confusing and it's freaking me out. Recently it has turned into a phrase of "silly, stupid, Christ" (kinda cracked me up but it's not funny, he can't be saying that shit starting kindergarten lol) I'm concerned he's developing tourette's. Clearly he needs to see a specialist and that's my first phone call tomorrow. No physical tics just the verbal. I guess I'm just throwing this out there if there is any brethren on here that has experience with this that could lend an ear, experience, strength, and hope on the situation.

TL;DR My son may be developing tourette's and I'm just trying to be the best father I can be. Any experience appreciated.

 

[Fattyone]

I’ve got physical ticks and my son does too. What’s weird is he has the same ones I had as a kid. Nothing bad enough to try and do anything about though.

No help on the verbal stuff but I think you’re headed in the right direction with a professional.

 

[fike]

I don't have experience with Tourettes, but my son does have autism. My experience with autism as a father taught me to be very patient and calm. I also had to become very understanding and comfortable with what I don't know. There have been times I have gotten aggravated and just wanted to be like, "what the fuck, son?"I would have to step away for minute, breathe, then return to the situation. Just love the boy and keep a positive attitude when he sees you. He'll be strong, costive, and motivated if you are. Sounds like you're a good father and you'll figure it out and be fine.

Honestly, Tourettes may not even be what it is, so don't stress and worry. You haven't even been to a specialist yet, if I understood correctly. It's not extremely common. I know that a lot of us tend to expect the worse, but hope for the best, but I don't think that's healthy for us as parents. Let's just hope for the best.

 

[LarryLove]

I’ve never experienced true fear until I became a parent. I don’t know much about Tourette’s, but I do know that I’ve gotten much better with the way I deal with my fear for their health and well being. I am a control freak, personally, but with my kids it just doesn’t work. In that respect, my kids have taught me some of the best lessons I could ever learn. You’re doing great bro. Like the other guy said, just love ‘em, everything else will work itself out. Thanks for posting.

 

[Whopperflopper]

Man, my heart goes out to you. Good luck having a Doctor take it seriously at this stage.

My son was diagnosed with ADHD w/ sensory overload. Same symptoms, ticks, eye rolling, sounds.

Doctor was like do you want to medicate him? I said no. It was suggested to limit his screen time to 2 hours a day. All devices. Doctors statements made me feel like it was my fault.

 

[Heavy Iron]

I don't have experience with Tourettes, but my son does have autism. My experience with autism as a father taught me to be very patient and calm. I also had to become very understanding and comfortable with what I don't know. There have been times I have gotten aggravated and just wanted to be like, "what the fuck, son?"I would have to step away for minute, breathe, then return to the situation. Just love the boy and keep a positive attitude when he sees you. He'll be strong, costive, and motivated if you are. Sounds like you're a good father and you'll figure it out and be fine.

Honestly, Tourettes may not even be what it is, so don't stress and worry. You haven't even been to a specialist yet, if I understood correctly. It's not extremely common. I know that a lot of us tend to expect the worse, but hope for the best, but I don't think that's healthy for us as parents. Let's just hope for the best.

Patience, tolerance, perseverance, and acceptance are things I'm really trying to practice right now. Yeah it definitely may not be tourettes but of course I'm projecting to the worst case scenario. Yeah we're waiting for the referral to contact us to get him some professional help and see. But you're right. Finding the emotional fortitude is my goal to keep it moving forward for myself, him, my wife, and daughter. I appreciate the words man.

I’ve never experienced true fear until I became a parent. I don’t know much about Tourette’s, but I do know that I’ve gotten much better with the way I deal with my fear for their health and well being. I am a control freak, personally, but with my kids it just doesn’t work. In that respect, my kids have taught me some of the best lessons I could ever learn. You’re doing great bro. Like the other guy said, just love ‘em, everything else will work itself out. Thanks for posting.

Thanks man I appreciate it. That's the truth with fear man. But the flip side is I never truly understood unconditional acceptance and love until they were born. And they truly are the best teachers.

 

[narta]

I have a friend with Tourettes. He is probably my favorite person beside my wife and son. When I first met him I thought he was weird and I felt awkward around him. Now he is just Piotr (he is Polish). Aside from his syndrome (I call it his license to curse) he is the kindest, most funny, wholesome dude I know.

Don't freak out, he is your son. He and your daughter are, and will always be, the best accomplishments in your life. Fuck money, fuck your job, your car, your house and your status in society. You are his super hero, better live up to it. And as a super hero, you will be kind, restrained, loving, forgiving, a scholar and a friend when he grows older.

You will be fine.