For Teens

Welcome! If you are reading this website, it probably means you have some challenges to face and may be entering new territory. Not only are you faced with the demands and stresses of your teenage years, but you have the added challenge of dystonia. The first thing you should know is that there are young people all over the world who have dystonia.  You are not the only person on the planet who is faced with going through high school with dystonia. You are not alone.

 Teenagers with dystonia are just as intelligent, if not more intelligent, than others their age. Dystonia may make you look or move differently than other people, but it does not affect your ability to be liked, make friends, or date. Dystonia does not affect your personality, creativity, imagination, sense of humor, or style. The fact that you have dystonia does not make you who you are. Young people with dystonia succeed at school, make friends, learn to drive, get dates, have sex, graduate from college, develop fulfilling careers, get married, have families, and accomplish great things. Although living with dystonia can be confusing and difficult at times, it is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.Having dystonia is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.

You have what it takes to face your challenges and thrive. Chances are, you have already been through some very tough and confusing days. You have survived this far, and that is a tremendous achievement. We hope this site will help you understand dystonia and give you information to help you live successfully with dystonia—but the real source of knowledge and strength is already inside you.