Ask:
Hi everyone, I am new to this board. I think my 3 year old might have Tourette Syndrome. Does anyone have any experience with this? It started after Thanksgiving. He started double blinking his eyes (stopped doing it a few weeks later) and now for the past couple of weeks he has been making a noise(ummp). My husband's little brother has it, but my husband and his brother don't have the same dad. Not exactly sure what I can do. Or if there is anything I can do. He has no other symptoms, no ADHD or OCD or anything like that (husband's brother has all of those). I can't really find anyone that can help me. My husband thinks that he doesn't have it because DS only does it when he is tired or upset.
Answer:
I would definately take him in to have him tested since you do have a family history. I think sometimes kids just go through stages like this and it might not be anything. But the blinking and the verbal tics (noises) are both signs of Tourette's and I think it's worth having him checked out. You don't have to have ADHD or OCD to have Tourette's so that's not really relevant. I also think that the fact he only does it when tired doesn't mean he doesn't have it. Sometimes people can compensate and control it, and it becomes worse when they're tired. Again.....I'm not saying he does have it....I have no way of knowing....but I would take him in given those symptoms and the family history. HTH
Answer:
It could be Tourettes, or OCD, but only a professional should diagnose. My son did the same - sometimes because his hair was too long in front. He has allergies, which caused a lot of it. Tiredness causes it/worsens it. Watch for a food/environmental pattern. At this age, it could be a phase. My ped kept assuring me that it was normal for him. He does have a touch of OCD, but it's because, come to find out, he has Aspergers, and OCD is a known marker. Bottom line, is that a Dr. needs to see. Good luck! It can be coped with thru therapy.