What are tics?
Tics are sudden, repetitive, fast muscle movements that result in body jolts or sounds and are difficult to control. Tics occur in 20% of children and the majority do not cause any harm. If tics are persistent (have been occurring for more than a year) and are causing your child difficulty in day-to-day life then an assessment may be useful.
Tics are very common and often start at around 5 years old although can be later. They tend to come and go over time, changing in location (where on your body), frequency (how often) and severity (how bad or annoying). Tics tend to be at their worst between the ages of 11-15 years, but typically get better over time and become controlled by late teens to early 20’s. When both body movements and sounds present together, and at least one form of these tics have been present for over a year, then we call this Tourette’s Syndrome.
We know that children and young people who develop tics can find them worrying and distressing. Their families worry too. Other difficulties often occur alongside tics and Tourette’s. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety or mood problems. These often need identifying and treating. 50-70% of children with Tourette’s Syndrome have ADHD and therefore any assessment of tics should also consider an assessment of ADHD. All our tic assessments include a comprehensive mental health assessment; however ADHD and autism assessments will need to be additionally booked if these require diagnosis.
We will assess your child’s experiences by talking with them and you. Our goal is to help you and your family understand more about what is happening and identify tics and Tourette Syndrome, and any additional problems. There are helpful approaches to manage tics, and these will be discussed with you to see if they meet your child’s needs.
When to consider an assessment for tics
There are several situations in which it may be helpful for a child or young person to have an assessment for tics. For instance:
- If your child has developed an awareness of difficulties, is questioning their tics, and you as their parents wish to understand more about tics and how to support your child.
- If tics are significantly impacting your child’s life, for instance in terms of self-esteem, mood and behaviour.
- If an autism assessment has been recommended by your child’s GP, School or CAMHS service.
How an assessment for tics can help
Understanding your child’s lived experience is key to their development. Given the correct, tailored, targeted supports children can flourish, both in education and at home. This can only follow a detailed assessment to identify their specific strengths and difficulties at an individual level. We often find that children and young people are relieved that their experience is not so unusual, and that there are many other children, young people and adults with similar neurodiverse profiles.