Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders Support Group
This community is dedicated to those afflicted with a tic disorder. A tic disorder is one in which uncontrollable muscle spasms that can range from small annoyances to major disruptive occurrences. .
Our nine-year-old son has had tics for a couple years and they were diagnosed simply as tics. At the time, there were no verbal outbursts. Recently, though, last six months, our son has been fixated on saying annoying words over and over and over again. The latest one is penis. It's driving me insane! He's not saying it in class (although likely at recess), but constantly at home. That makes me think he can control this and maybe it's not Tourette's. In any case, it makes my head want to explode! Nails on chalkboard annoying.
He already has ADHD, OCD, encopresis, depression, food anxiety and tics, so I wouldn't be shocked to learn it's Tourette's. My thought, though, is that this may be more in line with his OCD.
Any thoughts?
He already has ADHD, OCD, encopresis, depression, food anxiety and tics, so I wouldn't be shocked to learn it's Tourette's. My thought, though, is that this may be more in line with his OCD.
Any thoughts?
I understand how frustrating this must be... I have suffered from a tic disorder since I was in kindergarten and my parents were always very frustrated with me... However, believe me - your son is NOT doing this on purpose and he especially is not trying to annoy or aggravate you with these outbursts... My parents (particularly my mom, who was extremely sensitive to my tics) always accused me of "trying to annoy them" because my tics were more active when they were around. However my tics flared up most when I was at home BECAUSE that's where there was the most pressure to keep them in control! I always felt such pressure around my mom to try and not have tics that the anxiety would literally make them twice as worse.
I've never been in my mother's position, having a child with a tic disorder, but I can imagine that this is extremely difficult for you. I can only try and give you some insight into how your son is feeling... it was extremely difficult (at its worst, agonizing) growing up and going to public school with a tic disorder. Remind your son you love him no matter how bad his outbursts... Taking the pressure off might significantly reduce his tics at home. I know at least from experience that when I knew my mom wasn't being angered by my tics, it was easier to keep them under control.
I know that might seem backwards... just trying to help :)