Young people with dystonia are normal kids. Young people with dystonia have challenges that other children do not, but they succeed in doing everything that children without dystonia can do. Young people with dystonia are very good at

Dystonia is nothing to be ashamed of.

finding creative ways to succeed in school, play sports, do fun activities, and lead interesting lives.

Having dystonia is not always easy and there will be times when you feel frustrated. It is not unusual to feel sad, angry, and depressed once in a while, but if these feelings stay with you for more than a few days tell your parents. Dystonia is hard enough to deal with without feeling depressed, so let your parents help you when you feel bad. You don't have to do it all on your own.

Here is some advice kids with dystonia have for others kids like them:

Try not to get stressed out because that makes the dystonia worse. Keep a positive and up-beat attitude. Never stop fighting or else you've let dystonia get the best of you.

Try to do your best.

Remember we are not different from other kids.

Treat other people nice and take a break when you get tired.

Stay strong and never care about what people who don't care about you think. Stay active.

It's ok to ask for help. Sometimes it makes life much easier and enjoyable.

Make sure to tell people how you're feeling and what's bothering you. Maybe they can help.

Do not give up!

Get involved in a competitive physical activity and don't let the disorder become enmeshed with your personality.

Write down your life goals and try as hard as you can to achieve them. If your goals aren't realistic for you at this time, make a list of new ones that you can achieve and go back to the other goals when you are able to achieve them.

Life goes on with or without dystonia. Do what everybody else does.

Never give up. Always believe in yourself. Have a positive attitude.

Learn to do the best you can. Always focus on what you can do, not what you can't do. Don't let dystonia rob you of your childhood and your future goals.

Don't let your dystonia get you down. Just because you have dystonia doesn't mean you can't do what you want. Don't let people tell you that you can't do something because you have dystonia. Prove them wrong and show them you are capable of anything you put your heart into.

Think positive and don't feel sorry for yourself.

If your family doesn't treat you like the rest of the household, ask them to do so.

Be like a palm tree. When the winds blow, lean with it, and when it stops, straighten back up.