Not sure where to begin - newly joined

[Prettypoloponies]

My son is nearing 6. I have noticed a big increase in what I can only describe as tics. Things such as clearing his throat in an exaggerated way, constantly throughout the day. Making a squeak repetitively. He has also starting hitting himself in the head frequently.
He (as all children) has moments of being delightful and loving but on the whole he behaviour can be very aloof and independent and challenging.

My dad was mentioning ideas of things he thinks could be wrong with him and I know you cant google diagnose it but it has got me thinking and worried maybe there is more going here than I want to believe.

Have any of you had any similar displays of behaviour from your children that have turned out to be nothing more than them dealing with growing up or has it been more serious on the mental health side of things?

[Pancakeflipper]

Hi
Is your son at school? I would start by having a chat with the teachers and SENCo to see if they have noticed similar to you and if there is any context (e.g. a situation your son finds stressful like lining up/going to assemble/certain types of work).

I would also go to the Dr's and asked to be referred (round our way they call it MAST but I think different authorities and areas call them different things). School can also make referrals if they have concerns.

I would try to not worry ( cos' that is really easy as a parent!) as your son is still your brilliant boy but if he needs some support then best to get it when they are young.

[Prettypoloponies]

Yes he is at school, I don't believe it to be down to missing me as he has gone full time to nursery since he was 2.
He does find lunch times harder and we are having a meeting with the Senco in early January.

I have booked to see the doctor too.

I have been being quite dismissive of my dad and his comments and suggestions but I think maybe I shouldn't have been and maybe I have been letting my DS down by not discussing this sooner.

[Hawkmoth]

So is he in year one? If yes, that's the first year they are expected to sit in their seats most of the time. This is the point where my son's issues started to come to the fore, in school as well as at home, though we always knew he was a bit different (and wonderful). He has ASD and ADHD. He squeaks and sometimes hits himself.

[Littleguggi]

If school share concerns also, you could seek a referral to your local children's neurodevelopmental team or paediatric team.