My poor DS is tic-ing like crazy

[HermioneWeasley]

He has verbal and physical tics. Diagnosis is "tic disorder" though what the difference between that and Tourette's is I don't know.

His verbal tics have been very pronounced the last week or so. He should be asleep by now and I can hear him tic-ing constantly in bed. I think it's keeping him awake. It must be so frustrating for him.

We went to a museum yesterday and he was terrified he was going to be asked to leave for making a noise. There was a little demo at the museum and other kids moved to get away from him.

My heart is breaking for him.

PJ67 You are absolutely correct. DS2 also has ADHD and it is this that took us to CAHMS were he was formally diagnosed with both. DS1 who does not have any co morbidity but had violent tics has never actually been diagnosed.

Therefore i'd say if there are no co morbidities then either :

1. Do nothing, just observe the tics and don't draw too much attention to it depending on age. Hopefully they will eventually wane as child grows older.

1. Seek referral to a paediatric neurologist, IF the tics are having a big impact on schooling particularly or daily life, it may require medication in this instance.

1. If there ARE co morbidities, ADHD, OCD, ASD etc then seek referral to CAHMS who will be able to provide therapy or medication for all of the above including the tics, they are a multidisciplinary team and so should have a neurologist within their team.

I am not a clinician, but this is just my own experience.

Hermione - that's awful that your son's teacher commented on the noise, I really hope you resolve the issue in school, I was very sad to read your post. The staff should not be creating additional pressure or embarrassment for your son. I hope he had a better sleep last night and is feeling OK today

Well silly me, I thought he was lying away tormented by tics. Turns out he's (somehow) been reading Beast Quest books after bedtime, by the incredibly dim light from the hallway into his room.

We have now agreed a certain amount of additional reading time (with good light!) and then he goes to sleep. Took him a while to get to sleep tonight, but asleep earlier than the last few nights, which can only help.

We were too relieved to be angry!

I love that! Bless him.

That's great Hermione, I hope things continue to improve for him x

Just wanted to tell you my experience with tics, well my nephew actually. He is 9 and developed some tics 18 months ago. He would constantly flick his head and do a movement with his neck, like a chicken IYSWIM.

My sister was at her wits end as the doctor seemed to not make much of it and he was starting to get teased and feel self concious which seemed to aggravate the tics more.

Anyway my sister took him to see a cranial osteopath and after 3 sessions his tics went and he has not had one since.

For some cranial seems like mumbo jumbo but it obviously worked for him. Just thought I would share this experience.

Thanks everyone

Hi all I read your comments on your childs tics. Just wondered how your children are now getting on? My 6 year old son developed vocal tics over 3 months ago which he still has. He had also developed motor tics such ad blinking and head jerking but they seem to have gone now. We went to GP who advised to monitor but ignore as common in boys and may just be transicient. The verbal tic seems to come on mainly when tired and excited. He hasnt been teased and doesnt get upset by them and teacher says she doesnt notice them. Just wondered how everyone's childs tics r now?

My son had a cough tic 2 years ago. It disappeared after few month, but it came back recently, and even tho its fading away I noticed a new one with his shoulder now. Not sure if it's all this stress with coronavirus and everything going bonkers...but am really stressed about it. I try to ignore but it's getting to me. I'm obsessing about it. Help! Hes gonna be 8 end July.

So since my last post in feb they started to fade apart from a vocal one just when tired. But we have noticed over last couple of weeks they have returned with head jerks and vocal noises but mainly when tired or anxious. I also wonder if its stress being at home, home schooling etc. He has had tics now for 8 months although wax and wane. How long has some of your children had them for?