Overview

Children with Tourette syndrome (TS) make sounds and movements that they can't control. These are called tics.

Some children blink their eyes a lot or twitch their nose. Others move their arms or legs a lot or stamp their feet. A child with verbal tics may grunt, shout, or clear their throat. In rare cases, a child uses bad words or gestures.

Tics usually begin in early childhood. They are often worst around age 12. As your child ages, the pattern of tics can change.

Tics can last into adulthood. But in most children they slowly go away in the teen years.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Learn about TS. Share what you learn with your child's teachers and people who spend a lot of time with your child.
• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Make sure your child goes to all counselling sessions and follow-up appointments.
• Do any homework or exercises that your child's therapist gives you.
• Write down when the tics happen. Try to identify what might cause them. If you do this, you may be able to help your child avoid things that cause tics.
• Make changes at home. For example, don't treat tics as bad behaviour. Give your child free time after tasks or chores. When tics are bad, stay calm and help your child relax.
• Ask your child's teachers to make changes. For example, your child may need more time to take tests. Or it may help if your child sits in a more private place with few distractions. It might also help if your child can rest when needed or leave the classroom to deal with severe tics.