Verbal tics in 11 yr old DD with ASD

[Dunnow]

11 year old DD has recently developed some verbal tics. They happen fairly frequently throughout the day and she’s exhausted and stressed about them. GP thinks it’s stress related but haven’t offered much in terms of help other than to keep her distracted. Has anyone found anything that helps? I’ve read it’s something quite common in autistic children around her age but the more it happens the more stressed she gets and the worse the tics get. Other than ignoring it and trying to keep her calm is there anything else I can do?

Is DD getting any support with her MH and emotional regulation? Some find tics reduce when sensory needs are met. Has DD had an OT assessment that includes a sensory OT assessment? Is there support at school?

@flawlessflipper not sure what an OT assessment is. She’s home educated due to issues at school so I think she’s still processing all of that. Think we’re most likely going to have to wait it out.

OT is occupational therapy.

Have you considered requesting an EHCNA?

My DS is a similar age and quite ticcy. And some of his noises are very piercing so they impact on all of us. Getting the sensory balance right definitely helps. When he’s well regulated they definitely reduce. For instance he was quite stimmy and ticcy last night and also close to meltdown. We got him on his spinny chair for 10 mins and it knocked everything on the head. I’d look carefully at her sensory needs and work on getting the sensory diet right for her - I’m guessing school will be a major factor, so it’s worth talking to her about how she’s finding it.