Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that may cause unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds called tics. To be diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome a child must have several different types of tics. More specifically, multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic that have been present for at least a year. They may occur daily or from time to time throughout the year.
Tourette syndrome affects more boys than girls with an onset usually between the ages of 4 to 10, with the age of 6 being the average age of onset.
Two types of tics are associated with Tourette syndrome;
Motor tics which are sudden, apparently uncontrollable movement such as eye blinking, grimacing, head jerking or shoulder shrugging.
Vocal tics include repeated throat clearing, sniffing or humming.
Tics can also be categorized as simple or complex. Simple motor tics usually involve just one muscle group, such as eye blinking and grimacing. Simple vocal tics can be throat clearing, sniffing or grunting. Complex motor tics usually involve more muscle groups and could look like a series of movements. For example, someone may touch a part of their body repeatedly. A complex vocal tic can involve calling out, involuntary swearing (called coprolalia), repeating other people’s words (echolalia).
Children’s tics can be impacted by anxiety and stress increasing their severity. As your child gets older, they may become more aware of their tics and work to hold back or hide their tic from peers for a short period of time. When a child is concentrating on controlling a tic they may find it hard to concentrate on other things. This can make it difficult for kids with Tourette’s syndrome to have a conversation or pay attention in class.
Tourette’s syndrome is different for every person and as such treatment will look different too. There is not a cure for Tourette’s syndrome. It is not a psychological condition, but tics can be impacted by stress and anxiety. Tourette’s syndrome can also be comorbid with other disorders such as OCD and ADHD. As such, seeing a therapist will help support your child talking about any problems they may have, cope with stress better and learn techniques to help cope with their tics on a daily basis. Tics are generally most severe before the late teen years and many people see improvements as they enter into adulthood.
Children may require support from parents as advocates in the classroom and social situations. Collaborating with your child’s learning team at school and setting up structures and plans for your child to feel like their needs are being met. This may mean they are permitted to take short breaks throughout the day to relieve the stress of trying to control a tic. Socially, your child may want to communicate to peers about their tics to help normalise the behaviour. As parents we can help facilitate this with peers and other parents in a non-judgmental supportive environment. When children feel supported by parents, teachers and friends their risk of developing anxiety and/or social withdrawal decreases.
To meet with a professional psychologist or counsellor, call The Other Clinic at 8809 0659 or email us hello@theotherclinic.sg.
References:
Owen, Jack. Managing Tourette syndrome (TS): A Complete guide to symptoms, management And Treatments That Work Paperback – 6 August 2022
Kutscher, Martin L., Attwood, Tony, Wolff, Robert. Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Autism Spectrum, Tourette’s, Anxiety and More! The One-Stop Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Other Professionals