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Luke, I have no idea what's going on differently in the brain of a "counter" than in the brain of a "non-counter", but if you ever find out (and have ideas of how to use it practically), PLEASE let us know! Caryn, I don't think anyone can tell you what age they were when they started this because we were all too young to monitor our thoughts back then. I think a tendency to play brain games can be an okay thing if the anxiety levels in life can be kept low. In other words, I think my brain games only became a problem when I got really stressed out - then I released some of that tension through over-playing, and it became a bit compulsive...does that make sense? I may be way off in my thinking on that, I'm definitely not educated in the field. Do your son's tics seem to be triggered when he's experiencing a higher level of stress in his life? Maybe try helping him figure out healthy ways to manage stress (exercise, etc.) and see if the tics subside. But the letter game-playing sounds like it may just be normal for an intelligent kid who likes to use his brain to challenge himself.

SORRY!! My computer's all wickety-wack right now, and it sometimes just doesn't finish sending a message, so I'm afraid I tried to send it three times...and apparently they all worked!! Murphy's Law, huh??!?

Well please let us all know what the "mental health" people let you know. Just don't succumb to feeling like you're whacko, or that the syndrome is your "fault" somehow. No stigma allowed! It'll just make you more stressed, and bottom line, it's just not true. You had a pre-disposition to this. Some factors in your life (family issues growing up) probably contributed to it. Anyone else with the same brain/experiences would be having the same reaction you are. I'll be very interested to find out what the "pros" decide you're dealing with, and what they suggest you do about it. I've been reading up on a.d.d., autism, o.c.d., etc., and wondering exactly where I fit in. Is there a continuum that includes all three? Like on one end is high-functioning a.d.d., it moves up through the levels of a.d.d., then on through the levels of o.c.d., then on up to levels of autism, ending at very low-functioning autism? Does anyone know enough about this stuff to confirm that would be a fairly realistic way to look at it?

Well please let us all know what the "mental health" people let you know. Just don't succumb to feeling like you're whacko, or that the syndrome is your "fault" somehow. No stigma allowed! It'll just make you more stressed, and bottom line, it's just not true. You had a pre-disposition to this. Some factors in your life (family issues growing up) probably contributed to it. Anyone else with the same brain/experiences would be having the same reaction you are. I'll be very interested to find out what the "pros" decide you're dealing with, and what they suggest you do about it. I've been reading up on a.d.d., autism, o.c.d., etc., and wondering exactly where I fit in. Is there a continuum that includes all three? Like on one end is high-functioning a.d.d., it moves up through the levels of a.d.d., then on through the levels of o.c.d., then on up to levels of autism, ending at very low-functioning autism? Does anyone know enough about this stuff to confirm that would be a fairly realistic way to look at it?

Well please let us all know what the "mental health" people let you know. Just don't succumb to feeling like you're whacko, or that the syndrome is your "fault" somehow. No stigma allowed! It'll just make you more stressed, and bottom line, it's just not true. You had a pre-disposition to this. Some factors in your life (family issues growing up) probably contributed to it. Anyone else with the same brain/experiences would be having the same reaction you are. I'll be very interested to find out what the "pros" decide you're dealing with, and what they suggest you do about it. I've been reading up on a.d.d., autism, o.c.d., etc., and wondering exactly where I fit in. Is there a continuum that includes all three? Like on one end is high-functioning a.d.d., it moves up through the levels of a.d.d., then on through the levels of o.c.d., then on up to levels of autism, ending at very low-functioning autism? Does anyone know enough about this stuff to confirm that would be a fairly realistic way to look at it?

Ah Ruby, please don't make your stress level worse by thinking you're going crazy: 1. Your brain is just overstimulated. 2. Some of us are just wired with this predisposition. 3. Our bodies have to get rid of the excess energy racing around in our body, so our brains have come up with this ingenious way to use it up. 4. It just becomes problematic when it starts to add to our stress, which is bound to happen eventually. 5. You HAVE to get exercise. It's a healthy way to get rid of some of that excess energy. 6. Cut out the caffeine. 7. Talk to your doctor about trying an anti-anxiety med 8. How old are you? Hormonal imbalances might be playing a part...if you're over 35, 3% progesterone cream can work wonders if you're out of balance. Now, as far as the specific way YOU play your brain games, I've found that we all do it a little differently. I have several little letter-counting/typing/balancing games going on in my brain, (and my fingers are moving, typing away) and I've been doing it for so long I'm not even aware of it most of the time. But sometimes it starts making me feel like I'm going to crawl right out of my SKIN, and that's when I know it's time to exercise and get out some of that excess energy. Let us know what tack you take, and how it works, okay? You're just a little more intelligent than the average bear, and a little more tightly wound, so figure out how YOUR body can best rid itself of some of that excess. Thanks so much for responding! I know that I shouldn't be stressing out over it, but it has started to really get to me. As for the exercise, it is hard for me to find the time with a newborn. But I am definitely going to work on it. I have an appointment with a pyschiatrist on Monday to try to get help with this and my ongoing depression issues. I really don't like that idea, but I feel like I don't have any other option. Again, thanks for the tips! That's great. I know they've come out with new, better anti-anxiety/anti-depressant drugs (in fact, I just saw a book specifically on that subject at Barnes and Noble, if you want to check it out.) Don't forget to get some time for yourself, maybe swap babysitting with a friend or something, so you have some time to recharge (shop, nap, create, lunch with friends, whatever.) You can't give-give-give without taking some time for YOU, or you're bound to get depressed and anxious. (I had 3 kids within 4 years, so I know!) A applaud you for going to get some help - I started having panic attacks, which forced me to give in and seek help - now I wish I'd done it 10 years before that!! What a difference. Keep us posted.

Ah Ruby, please don't make your stress level worse by thinking you're going crazy: 1. Your brain is just overstimulated. 2. Some of us are just wired with this predisposition. 3. Our bodies have to get rid of the excess energy racing around in our body, so our brains have come up with this ingenious way to use it up. 4. It just becomes problematic when it starts to add to our stress, which is bound to happen eventually. 5. You HAVE to get exercise. It's a healthy way to get rid of some of that excess energy. 6. Cut out the caffeine. 7. Talk to your doctor about trying an anti-anxiety med 8. How old are you? Hormonal imbalances might be playing a part...if you're over 35, 3% progesterone cream can work wonders if you're out of balance. Now, as far as the specific way YOU play your brain games, I've found that we all do it a little differently. I have several little letter-counting/typing/balancing games going on in my brain, (and my fingers are moving, typing away) and I've been doing it for so long I'm not even aware of it most of the time. But sometimes it starts making me feel like I'm going to crawl right out of my SKIN, and that's when I know it's time to exercise and get out some of that excess energy. Let us know what tack you take, and how it works, okay? You're just a little more intelligent than the average bear, and a little more tightly wound, so figure out how YOUR body can best rid itself of some of that excess.

Thanks for the info, Chemar (and for all the other info you've given us, too!) raq: Being particularly bright does tend to separate you from the rest of the flock. I'm guessing your son may be very creative, too. If you can help him experiment with different creative outlets, he may find one that he just loves, and sometimes having a creative outlet like that is really therapeutic. And it gives you a "niche" (it's something you know you're good at, it's part of your separate identity) and that always help self esteem. And it opens doors to hang out with like-minded people. So, just an idea. I have to remind you to be sure he's getting plenty of physical exercise - this helps alot!!! Otherwise all that mental energy gets backed up and probably makes him feel like he's going to crawl right out of his skin - heavy exercise helps release a lot of that tension. (Sometimes, if he's feeling particularly hyper, you can turn up the music and dance crazy through the house with him. Have him follow you first, then you follow him - fun, bonding, and very cathartic! My kids always loved it.)

e.i.e., your brain-typing thing sounds so much like mine, except that I don't bunch things into threes, I just make sure everything's even on both sides of the keyboard. I'm sure that particular brain exercise started when I learned how to type (in early high school), but I know I'd already started doing weird word things way before that time. My friends and family get a big kick out of my ability to tell them instantly how many letters are in a word too, but they've labeled me an "idiot savant". (They're just jealous...) ThomasJames, as far as meds, I only know about Lexapro, which (I've been told) is an anti-anxiety med that also works as an anti-depressant. I understand that many anti-OCD meds have nasty side effects and therefore aren't worth taking. So...maybe just have your doctor prescribe a low-dose anti-anxiety (like Lexapro) and see if that takes the edge off a little, then check out some of the websites listed on this blog that deal with non-prescription ways to deal with OCD. I'm planning on checking into Cognitive Behavior Therapy, but don't know where to go for such a thing. I'm wondering if I can just put a monster rubberband around my wrist and "flick" myself with it whenever I catch myself doing the counting thing...?!?! Worth a try!!

Good, I'm glad to hear you're not opposed to taking meds, they really can help. As I said, I take a low-dose Lexapro every day, and it helps, but it doesn't take it away. I still have to exercise (I think this is THE most helpful advice of all, besides the meds), try to avoid too much caffeine, etc. All these things keep me from feeling crazy-anxious, but I still can't turn off my brain as much as I'd like to. I still do the letter-balancing thing, and some other tic things, too. If your doctor suggests a certain medication, please share it with us on this blog. I really can't imagine what life would be like without my brain constantly working!! But I'd sure like to give it a try. Cheryl

Okay ThomasJames, here's the deal: Your brain is on hyper-drive!! You need to figure out what it takes to calm it down when it gets like this. I recommend: 1. Exercise. Something that really works up a sweat and tires you out. MAJORLY helpful. 2. Medication. Nothing outrageous, just talk to your doctor and tell him you're doing obsessive/compulsive things with your brain, and you need some rest. He'll probably prescibe an anti-anxiety med, and then monitor you for awhile until you get the dosage right for you. Don't let the stigma of "being on meds" keep you from doing this. It's an actual physiological thing that's going on, even though it's probably fed by situational things. Okay? Okay. 3. Avoid caffeine and sugar foods/drinks. Wean yourself off the coffee, sodas, and sweets, and see if that helps. It will. 4. Eat protein. I'm serious. Sounds simple, but it really does help to eat protein in small amounts throughout the day and keep your blood sugar as stable as possible. Go figure. So...give these a shot, and tell us how your body responds, okay? I can't imagine that these won't help ALOT. You have kindred spirits here on this website, but only YOU can do what it takes to calm your brain down. Keep us posted, Cheryl

Hi Susan - I'm 50 years old, and have done this "counting" thing since I was a kid. I remember when I was about 10, I was sitting on my dad's lap and he heard me saying something under my breath, and asked about it. I was "saying" the alphabet as though it were a long word all strung together. He cracked up and thought I was a genius. I count letters in words, I "type" words and balance them (left and right) with punctuation, etc. I actually think it's a combination of intelligence and anxiety. And I think it's also a combo of genetics and environment. So...all that to say, I truly believe you can help him (and teach him to help himself) by finding ways to limit the stress level in his life. Exercise is SO important to me. Limit caffeine and sugar. I take low-dose Lexapro, which takes the edge off....things like that. But tell him he's not a freak, just maybe a little more intelligent than the average person, and a little more prone to need to release a little energy by playing mind games. I hope that helps!

Hi Susan - I'm 50 years old, and have done this "counting" thing since I was a kid. I remember when I was about 10, I was sitting on my dad's lap and he heard me saying something under my breath, and asked about it. I was "saying" the alphabet as though it were a long word all strung together. He cracked up and thought I was a genius. I count letters in words, I "type" words and balance them (left and right) with punctuation, etc. I actually think it's a combination of intelligence and anxiety. And I think it's also a combo of genetics and environment. So...all that to say, I truly believe you can help him (and teach him to help himself) by finding ways to limit the stress level in his life. Exercise is SO important to me. Limit caffeine and sugar. I take low-dose Lexapro, which takes the edge off....things like that. But tell him he's not a freak, just maybe a little more intelligent than the average person, and a little more prone to need to release a little energy by playing mind games. I hope that helps!

Oh happy day that I've found this site! Hi everyone. I'm a constant letter-counter, and Russell, I totally do the typewriter thing all the time too, making sure there are the same amount of letters (in the word) on the left side of the typewriter as on the right, and if there's not, I add spaces or a period or whatever to even it out - I feel like such a WEIRDO! My brain does NOT like to be still. While people are talking, I'm doing weird brain things with the words they're saying. Geez Louise. (So what's this about candida in my system? If that's fueling this, how do I get rid of it? I'd love to hear how you've found some relief.) I take two naps every day, and have been told I'm sleepy because my brain is tired from working all the time and never truly relaxing...any input? Thanks, my new fellow brain-freak friends! woohoo, I"m not alone!! (Do you guys know of any other sites that deal with this?)