Eye blinking again....

[Triggles]

Okay. DS2 (almost 6) has been blinking repeatedly (very obvious) with facial grimaces for almost 2 years now. Eyes have been checked extensively and are fine - no vision or physical problems with the eyes. Paed says to watch...sigh.

I've reached a point where I'm going to insist on further follow up, especially since he is doing some vocal tics now as well. (bit of a concern about tourettes as it apparently can be comorbid with ADHD)

A couple days ago, we noticed that DS3 (almost 3yo) is now doing the same thing. Exactly. We've not discussed it in front of him, and he doesn't seem to realise he is doing it. We've never pointed out DS2 doing it (always discussed it privately after children's bedtime) or made an issue - plus it's fairly obvious he's not "copying" it.

We mostly notice it when they are watching television or DS2 playing his DS game, however, with DS2 it happens anytime, and is worse when stressed or upset or excited.

It's not from watching too much television or specifically tired, as it happens any time of the day.

Is it considered bad form to bring it up (yet again) to paed during DS2's appointment and ask her at same time about DS3 starting to do it now as well?? I'm puzzled why DS3 is starting this now as well....

I think the main reason we notice it when he is watching television is that is the only time he is sitting still. Same with DS2 to be fair. I know DS3 has only recently started doing this as we often watch him when he is watching a programme as his facial expressions can be rather amusing so we noticed right away when this started.

zzzzz yes, both are concerns I suppose, really. It's very obvious, and DS2's has gotten more pronounced since it first began, so yes we're concerned about why DS3 is now doing it.

Definitely makes him look different when he's doing it. And causing distress - well, often he's distressed when it happens, although I notice that often he'll start rubbing his eyes or covering them for a few seconds here and there when he's doing it - so it must be bothering him. He doesn't mention it though, as he has some comprehension and S&L issues, so it's often hard to get any kind of straight answer from him. (DS2 I mean)

I certainly feel that if it continues to deteriorate it will inpinge on his life. He certainly won't be driving that way! And if it happens in front of screens (computer, DS, TV) then obviously further concerns as they're everywhere, aren't they, and part of every day life. I suppose that's the epilepsy concern as it's most frequently noted in front of screens,although with DS2 it's any time, regardless - so includes in front of screens, but happens anywhere - even without a screen nearby. So perhaps more likely to be in the tourettes range? especially with the added verbal tics.

sigh... I just don't need more to deal with, I really don't.

I'll do that, thanks. If I bring it up through the paed at DS2's appointment, can the paed sort out for DS3 as well, or will I have to go through GP for DS3 first?

Ah, didn't think of that. Well, back to the GP it is then.

nope... only asthma meds... which he started a few months after the blinking started

just what we need... EEGs scheduled - one for each boy... groan...

Combine this with tribunal in December and renewing DLA in the spring, 2012-2013 is looking to be "not so fun"....

When you say 'no physical problem' have you seen a behavioural optometrist - person who deals with vision tracking and convergence, not sure if I had name of type of dr right.

Ds1 often pulled odd faces, screwed his eyes up, rubbed at his face. Recently found he has tracking and convergence problem and sometimes sees double, especially if he's been concentrating on something for a while, like the tv, wii, school work.

Only when I read your post did I realise that he hasn't been don't it much since he started his exercises and also now we know about the problem he seems to be talking about it rather than acting out because of it.

I think Keith Holland is a behavioural optometrist. I'll just google.

Yep, he's in BABO, British Association of Behavioural Optometrists. Not cheap...

I'll look into that as well. They did check tracking and convergence for DS2 at the eye appointment with the consultant, mainly because I had problems with it as a child, and no problems noted. But DS3 hasn't been checked - I suspect it would be difficult with his age.

already have video. lol. took it the other day. will start notebook though.