My son was diagnosed with ADHD 6 months ago. Aside from ADHD, he also had a slight tic disorder.

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is common in children in their pre-school or early school years. This disorder is characterized by the difficulty in these children to control their behavior and pay attention. Children with ADHD often cannot focus or concentrate on a particular task or play, and they tend to be impulsive in their acts. Since ADHD is classified as a mental disorder, it can be controlled with medications and counseling.

Facial Tics Disorder, on the other hand, are usually temporary in children. This is usually seen as repeated movements of the facial or eye muscles that seem to be spasmodic and uncontrollable. Short-lived tics do not really need medication since they usually disappear over some months.

When my son was diagnosed with these two disorders, I felt as if the world was coming to an end. I felt guilty and somehow blamed myself as a mother. I cannot imagine my young boy suffering such things when he such an innocent little boy who should be enjoying his childhood.

The doctors reassured me that ADHD and facial tics are already generally common to kids his age and that although it should be given attention, I should not think of it as something really that terrible. They explained that many families with children diagnosed with ADHD or facial tics live quite normally. Also, medications and special schooling are optional and not really necessary for these two can be controlled or gone over time, especially facial tics.

In spite of the doctors’ reassurances, there are still times when I cannot sleep at night, thinking about my son’s situation. I want him to have a normal and happy life. With the ADHD, it can be controlled within the confines of the home. But as for the facial tics, I am worried that as he enters school, many kids might tease him or affect him in some way because of the continual twitching of his eyes and mouth. I do not want him to think that he is less than the other kids just because he is a little different. I do hope that he gets over them soon.