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From: John Tetnowski
Date: 20 Oct 2004
Time: 08:28:38 -0500
Remote Name: 130.70.143.78
Dori, According to Comings DE, Wu S, Chiu C, Ring RH, Gade R, Ahn C, MacMurray JP, Dietz G, Muhleman D, in the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS 67 (3): 264-288, results from a 1996 genetic study indicate that TS, ADHD, stuttering, oppositional defiant and conduct disorder, and other behaviors associated with TS, are related through a specific genetic series. This seems to point to a genetic link. Later, a review in 2003, titled, Stuttering: a dynamic motor control disorder, by Ludlow CL, Loucks T (JOURNAL OF FLUENCY DISORDERS 28 (4): 273-295), relates stuttering to the same motor control deficits that affect children with Tourette Syndrome. This can be interpreted as meaning that the disorders are similar, and may even be confused with each other (when we only look at the behavioral symptoms). These studies show that there seems to be a relationship. In my personal experiences, stuttering has been used as an incorrect label for children with mild forms of TS. Every time I talk on this subject, 4 or 5 people in the audience tell me that they have similar children on their caseload. I think it is more than a coincidence. At this time, I believe that Joe Donaher in Philadelphia is conducting a fairly large study in this area. I hope Joe can join in! Thanks for the note, John Tetnowski