Tic disorders are common among children, impacting as many as 1 in 5 school aged children. Tics are even more common in boys than girls. A tic is a sudden, brief movemetn or sound that a person does repeatedly without control. Tics can be long or short, loud or quiet, and can change or persist. Tics are often distressing to children as it makes them stand out during a time when they very much want to fit in. The stress of the tics can exacerbate them further as well, leading to an upward cycle of tics and distress. 

 

Tics can be a stand-alone problem or they can be triggered by another mental health condition, stress, or anxiety. Either way, they can be upsetting to children and families. Fortunately, there are effective treatment strategies for tics. 

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The most well effective treatment for tic disorders is Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT). In HRT a therapist will help a child with his family, to recognize and break the habits that may be exacerbating tics and develop another response to these habits. This new response is often called a competing response and can help break a tic pattern. Secondary issues including stress and other anxieties can also be examined and treated accordingly. 

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If your son is experiencing tics and you would like an assessment for treatment options please reach out to us to schedule an assessment!