What effects do a parent's bipolar disorder have on young children?

We are raising a relative's two young children. Their mother has bipolar disorder and both children have odd facial tics, vocalizations, ways of expressing themselves (even though neither is diagnosed as bipolar). A counselor suggested that living an isolated, turbulent life with a single parent who was bipolar had socialized them to act as she did.

Have any studies been done on this? They are bright kids but it's obvious there are serious gaps in both their socialization and education.

She was diagnosed but untreated for most of the time they were with her, so there was no therapy or medication to ameliorate her symptoms.

http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/ <<< I can't recommend this page highly enough. It has references for many disorders and I'll bet there is something that can help you there.

"It is believed that Tourette syndrome affects about 1 in 100 people; however, many people do not seek medical attention for the disorder because the symptoms are so mild."

http://www.physorg.com/news159023050.htm...

Hi! I have never seen any studies done on how bipolar disorder would have a long term effect on young children. In any case, have you had a pediatrician check out their "tics" and "vocalizations"? My oldest child had something like that and it turned out he had something called Tourette's Syndrome. It is a central nervous system disorder. We do have many bipolar people in our family. This was not the reason for my son's condition. However, he is grown and is working and happy! He has not let any condition get in the way of becoming a productive adult.
Peace and blessings!