ADD, ADHA, Tourette's syndrome

I have read the threads on ADD and ADHA with great interest. As a new
adult to scouting I was surprised at the number of "problem" kids scouting
seems to attract. At least that is the case for the Troop that my son just
joined. After reading the various postings I now understand why there is
probably a higher percentage of ADD and ADHA kids in scouting than in the
general population. From reading the postings I also better understand what to
expect from many of these kids.
There have been a number of questions concerning Tourette's syndrome
which I have not seen answered very well. So I provide below what I got
from The American Medical Association/Home Medical Encyclopedia
(Random House Pub./NY). The syndrome is formally called "Gilles de la
Tourette's syndrome" and the following is quoted from the Encyclopedia.
<begin of quote> "A rare disorder of movement, named for the French
neurologist who first described it in 1885. It starts in childhood with
repetitive
grimaces and tics, usually of the head and neck, sometimes of the arms, legs,
and trunk. Involuntary barks, grunts, or other noises may appear as the
disease progresses. In about half the cases, the sufferer has episodes of
coprolalia (using foul language).
The syndrome is more common in males, partially inherited, and is
probably underdiagnosed because of its strange symptoms. It is usually of
lifelong duration by antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol, can often provide
effective relief" <end of quote>. I can find no reference to a direct
relationship between Tourette's syndrome and ADD or ADHA or Ritalin.
Hope this is of some help in the discussions of TOURETTE's that
may follow.

Ted-------

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