What Makes Ryan Tick: A Family's Triumph over Tourette Syndrome and Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder
In his foreword, Dr. James McCracken captures the essence of this book. "In many ways Ryan's story embodies the extraordinary range of problems that Tourette can contain, and the varying reactions that these lead to in parents and family members. Perplexing tics, extreme activity, labile moods, low frustration, and the frequent associated features of fears, compulsions, inattention, explosive behavior, discouragement and depression, alienation, and even hopelessness can represent a disorder as severe as any neuropsychiatric illness. For families, the boundaries between Tourette and other behaviors are often blurry. Faced with public and professional misunderstandings of Tourette in individuals, parents, like Ryan's are frequently confused, humiliated, discouraged, and, in this account, eventually hopeful. Though each parent also differs in their response to the presence of such a disorder, Susan Hughes' analogy of the family reaction to their son's problems as equivalent to grieving is well taken. Fortunately, one message from this book is the importance of perseverance, and how a mother's efforts impacted on various school, mental health, and other pro mom. For every individual and family, the impact of the disorder is unique, and must be carefully appreciated. Treatments provided in the absence of a strong partnership existing between parents and practitioners are likely to fall short. This book also reminds us of the common experience of many parents of feeling blamed for the frustrating problems of their children, generally springing from the frustration of the clinician. Ryan's mother teaches us that knowledge is empowering, and hope in the face of adversity follows closely thereafter.