How to Detect Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by physical and vocal tics, or uncontrollable actions. It manifests in childhood, often leaving parents and caregivers bewildered as to the cause of these behavioral problems. This condition affects as many as 11 children per every 1000. There is no known cause, but spotting Tourette’s Syndrome can help the parents and the child learn to deal with the condition. The earlier Tourette’s Syndrome is detected, the sooner the child can get help and learn to live with the condition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook
• Pen

How to Detect Tourette's Syndrome

1. Notice if the child develops a physical tic. Tics vary in intensity, but they are characterized by brief, sudden movements that are usually repetitive in nature. Uncontrolled eye blinking, for example, is a common tic.

2. Watch for vocal tics as well. Children may grunt, yell a strange word, or clear their throats uncontrollably when suffering from Tourette's Syndrome.

3. Notice any complex tics. Hopping or jumping, for instance, with no apparent purpose can be a tic. Write down the tics you notice so you can discuss them with medical and psychiatric professionals.

4. Take note if the tics seem to be worse when the child is excited or agitated, then slow down when the child is calm and focused on an activity.

5. Record the frequency of the tics to discuss with the doctor. Most doctors will not diagnose Tourette's Syndrome until the tics are present for one year.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that children with Tourette's Syndrome may yell words that are not socially acceptable, such as curse words. This is a type of tic known as coprolalia, and the child has little control over the words spoken.
• Giving support and encouragement to a child with Tourette's Syndrome is essential to helping them grow into a well balanced adult.
• Never punish a child who is suffering from tics due to Tourette's Syndrome. While the child can learn to control the tic somewhat, the urge is always present, and failing to follow through with the urge will create increased tension and cause an explosion of tics at some point in the future.

Resources

• Tourette's Syndrome Fact Sheet
• Tourette's Syndrome Association

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