Tics in Children and How Parent Can Support

Tics in children are sudden, repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds that can vary in intensity and frequency. They are relatively common and often appear during childhood, particularly between the ages of 5 and 10. Tics can be classified into two main categories:

• Motor Tics which include physical movement, such as blinking, facial grimacing or shoulder shrugging.
• Vocal tics, which include sounds, such as grunting, sniffing or throat clearing.       
  

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of tics is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute, including:

• Environmental Factors: Stress, excitement, or fatigue can exacerbate tics. Certain medications, illnesses, or stimulants may also trigger or worsen them.
• Genetics: Tics tend to run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition.
• Neurobiological Factors: Changes in brain chemistry, particularly involving neurotransmitters like dopamine, are linked to tics.

Most children with tics experience improvement or even complete resolution of symptoms by adolescence. However, in some cases, tics may persist into adulthood.

How can you help as a parent if your child experiences tics?

Here are some strategies that you as a parent can implement to support your child:

1. Create a Stress-Reducing and Supportive Environment

Stress and anxiety can often worsen tics, so it’s important to foster a calm and supportive home environment. Maintain a consistent daily routine, encourage your child to use diverse relaxation techniques and help them to identify and manage the source of stress (e.g., school or social pressures).

Tics often fluctuate in severity over time, and it can be frustrating for both the child and the parents. Providing emotional support, being patient, and reassuring the child that the tics are not their fault will help them feel more secure and accepted. Many children outgrow tics, or they lessen in intensity as they get older.

By creating a supportive environment and seeking appropriate help, parents can greatly assist in managing their child’s tics and improving their overall quality of life.

2. Avoid Drawing Attention to Tics

Drawing attention to tics may make children more self-conscious, potentially worsening the behaviour. If parents notice tics, it’s best to avoid reacting strongly. Calmly acknowledging them, if necessary, without showing frustration, can help the child feel less anxious. Encourage your child’s talents, interests, and strengths, which can build self-esteem and confidence. Positive reinforcement of their accomplishments helps shift focus away from the tics.

3. Encourage Healthy Habits

• Regular Sleep: Ensuring a good sleep schedule can help reduce the frequency and severity of tics.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise can be a great stress-reliever and may help lessen tics.
• Balanced Diet: While no specific diet prevents tics, maintaining overall health through a balanced diet can help manage stress and well-being.

4. Communicate with the School

Speak with the child’s teachers about the condition and how to best support the child in the classroom. Ensuring that peers are respectful and understanding can reduce any social anxiety related to tics. If necessary, request accommodations like extra time on tests or movement breaks to help the child manage tics during the school day.

5. Consider Therapy

Behavioural interventions can be very helpful in managing tics:

• Habit Reversal Training (HRT): It teaches children to recognize when a tic is about to occur and engage in a competing response that makes the tic more difficult.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It helps children manage the stress or anxiety that may be exacerbating their tics.

6. Seek Professional Help

A healthcare provider may suggest further evaluations, treatments, or even medication in more severe cases.