Do Any of Your Children Have "Tics" Seemingly Uncontrollable Movements??

C.
I am also a single mom. I had my son when I was 38 and he is now 14. He also seemed to always have some "tic" or another. His doctor has said that he leans to the obsessive/compulsive side, but doesn't actually have the full blown syndrome. I know how frustrating this can be. The things you have read are correct in that getting onto them about it doesn't work so well. I have made it a point to not harp on it, but have talked to him about each "tic" that has appeared, to make him aware that he is doing it and how it makes him look, ie: like something is wrong with him. Making him aware of it has made him strive on his own to control it better. I do think you should talk to his doctor about it. I wish you the best.

Tics seem to go with smart people, so don't worry too much. :)

my son has severe blinking followed by jerking of his jawl and the strange movement of his head. i got a referral to a neurologist and he was diagnosed with a mild form of turetts. they put him on celexa and topamax. it was so bad kids were making him uncomfortable. please let me know how things turn out.

Have you had him tested for Tourette's Syndrome? This particular syndrome usually manifests itself in the exact way you are describing in your post. I dated a man in college that had Tourette's and he started showing outward signs at about the same age as your son. It's typically genetic, but skips generations, but wasn't easily diagnosed 30 or 40 years ago. If it does turn out to be Tourette's - don't worry- It's easily controlled with medication although it may take a couple tries to find one that works and doesn't make you son feel a little "sleepy" (the guy I dated in college hated taking his meds because of that reason, but that was almost 20 years ago and I'm sure there has been a lot if advances), so don't be afraid to ask for something new if the original medication doesn't seem right. You can google it for more info before you talk to your son's doctor. Good luck!

You sound like you could be describing my son when he was a bit younger. He grew out of some of it as he got older. Just yesterday he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a high form of autism. Not saying its likely that this is what your son has, but maybe look into it.

C. I know exactly what you are going thru. My son who is now 14 this month was just like what you are discriping as your son and yes it will get on your nerves but what you read is right and hard to do. but I've found out that the least you say the fastes it will go away. Just ever now and then my son will pick up a new tic such as grunting under his breath or nodding his head. I usually mention it to him when he first starts and like your son says he can't help it but he ends up not doing it for long. I know its hard and I know that you worry about something being wrong with him but I've been told that it is nerves. And my son is smart, loves sports, and school is so so. Some times we do excellant and other times get lazy. All the teachers say he is well mannered in school and tries most of the time And I agree that it is his nerves. I had my son late in life and really wasn't suppose to have been able to have another one so all of that along with the tics really scared me I thought he had a mental problem but now I know better and I see him as a blessing. If I can help anymore or if you have any more questions please contact me. I hope I have help to ease your mind.

PS: I just read some of the other respones and some I agree with and some I don't. The ones that say that tics seem to be with smart kids and the one about being challanged with other work and bored with reg. work is so true too. Just thought I would add this.

I have seen children with ADHD have tics due to meds. I would talk with your pediatric doc. about this. Maybe he is anxious or worried about something and this is a reaction to his nervousness.
He still has to do his work reguardless if he likes his teacher or not. Fact of life...

Thank you for your post. Kids who are bored with school tend to find ways to get attention. It means they aren't being challenged. Especially the smart and gifted children. As a precaution, I would still mention to doctor at next wellness visit and also see if teacher is willing to provide a challenge for your son -- something related to what the class is doing but at a higher level. He shouldn't be given "more" work, just a different type. I know this is more work for the teacher but they should give it a try.

Additionally, if you instill respect for elders and authoritative figures in your son now now -- insist on it, you avoid lots of problems later when he is a teen in high school. The teacher will surely appreciate it. You might have to push on the teacher or the school to give challenging him a try. God bless you for caring enough about your son to notice these things and to take action. Most parents want to blame the teachers but they are doing the best they can and you will find most are willing to work with you.

While this is a long shot, repetitive movements like you describe can sometimes be a type of absence seizure activity. Please do not ignore this, have him checked out thoroughly by a good ped. It is most likely just a behavior, but before resorting to punishments please, be sure it is not truly something he cannot control.

I would ask your doctor about this. Maybe you should bring a video of your son doing it, in case he doesn't do it in the office. Also, you might want to have a consult with an Occupational Therapist in case he has a Sensory Integration Disorder.

My son, at 17, who is highly funtional autistic still doesn't like to do work for a teacher he doesn't like. lol My husband finally blurted out to her that that was the reason and now she has tried to make a connection with him and he is doing better. This may not apply to your situation, but I thought I would share.

My daughter had a tic in 3rd grade, she is now in 5th. She would blink her eyes multiple times after speaking. When she was seen for her check up we mentioned it to her doc. She didn't find any physical cause and said sometimes children develop tics for unknown reasons, but they usually go away in a few months. A few months later it was gone and she hasn't had any other tics since. I have heard that some tics are stress related and if your son is having trouble with his teacher the tic might be related to it. We found when we called her attention to her tic it got worse, but when we ingnored it it soon disappered.
I would check with your doc to rule out any underlying conditions.
Hope this helps and good luck!

Yes. My son, 9, has tics or nervous habits I call them. Like excessivly cracking his knucles or his neck. Constantly picking his nose, or blinking. I finally took him to the dr. and they suggested counseling. I took him in and they did some testing and said he had anxiety disorder. I suggest that you have your son evaluated even if its not a disorder, it could just be a phase and therapy might help him get over it. Good luck!

My son also had tics when he was younger. One was particularly strange. He would stretch his neck and gulp, like he was having trouble swallowing! He also had an eye blinking faze that drove us absolutely NUTS!!! He did this up until he was about 11 and finally stopped. He is 13 now.I know how you feel and the other poster was right. My son is smart, got bored at school, still pushes the line sometimes with teachers that he doesn't like! Don't worry, these tics will soon end!