6 year old son recently started displaying an almost OCD tick (1 Viewer)

[Portis Homer]

A few months ago, out of nowhere one day, I noticed my 6 year old tap both his wrists against the bannister of the staircase. At first I didn't think anything of it, but then I noticed some more. Basically, if his hand or foot hit something accidentally, he would tap it with the other side. It literally came out of nowhere. I guess I just thought this was a phase, but it's been a couple months and he hasn't stopped. It's not all the time, and doesn't seem to be impeding him in anyway at school or in his life, but I notice it and I'm prone to overly worry about these sort of things. He doesn't do it when he's busy with something active, like when he's at hockey or playing outside, more so if he's in the house. 

I've been researching on the internet (which I should never do as I completely freak myself out) and it appears to at the very least be O.C.D., but that can be associated with a host of other things such as ADHD, Autism, etc... My son was a late to talk, so we were worried about autism early on, but he showed no other symptoms and with speech therapy caught up so the doctors were not concerned, but now with this I'm, stressed about that again as well. We've also noticed he's been more fidgety when sitting on the couch in correspondence with this need to touch things evenly with both hands. I sat down and talked to him last week, let him know he was in no way in trouble or doing anything wrong, but we've noticed and wanted to know if everything okay. Basically he knows he's doing it, and he's not sure why it's started. He just started to feel the need basically to touch things with both hands or feet when one accidentally touches the other. He's otherwise a sweet healthy kid, doing really well in school, has some close friends, shows normal emotions, understand social cues,  doesn't show many of the other symptoms for something more serious, etc...

We've made an appointment to go see his Doctor and see if we need a referral and should be doing something about this, but at this point I'm just completely freaked out and basically just want to see if anyone has any experience with this. I'm literally a nervous wreck and can't stop watching him do it and progressively worry more and more. I'm hopeful it's just a phase, but worried it's anywhere from an OCD tick to something much worse.

 

[Standing Hampton]

Six-year-old, then kindergarten.  Talk to his teacher and see if they notice anything.  We see children all day and are conditioned to look for things like that.

 

[El Floppo]

how is he with engaging other kids? does he listen... pick up on a social cues... have a back and forth dialogue?

he's still young, and it sounds like whatever is going on, if anything, he's operating at a highly functional level. it's great that you're aware and taking action... and easy for me to say, but if there's any way to breath and just enjoy and support him as-is (while doing your due diligence to see if he needs any help)... it might help with your own nervousness and anxiety. caveat- I'm only a dad with two kids (9 & 5), so don't have any technical experience here other than having seen some other kids and families go through adhd & autism spectrum related issues... and like your son, with engaged parents who helped get the kids whatever support they needed.

 

[shader]

I think you're worrying a bit too much.  Settle down just a bit.  If he's healthy in most ways, this isn't something to seriously stress about.  If you're "literally a nervous wreck" because of what he is doing....then it would seem to me that this won't help the situation.  If you're talking to a doctor, that's a good step.  

 

[Portis Homer]

He's in grade 1.

He picks up social cues fine, he's a little shy but engages well with kids. We've never had or noticed an social issues through all of pre-school or kindergarten and grade 1. Due to the speech delay, we've both looked through the autism spectrum symptoms pretty extensively.

Other than this new tick, the only other warning signs that worry me are the recent fidgeting, the fact he had speech delay as a baby, and maybe the fact he can be a little shy and sensitive at times, but again, he makes friends in school and has multiple close friends.

 

[gianmarco]

Could just be a simple motor tic which kids grow out of. It certainly doesn't sound like anything to get overly worried about (easier said than done), and you've already taken the correct first step by making an appointment. Stressing prior to an evaluation won't do him or you any good.

 

[El Floppo]

He's in grade 1.

He picks up social cues fine, he's a little shy but engages well with kids. We've never had or noticed an social issues through all of pre-school or kindergarten and grade 1. Due to the speech delay, we've both looked through the autism spectrum symptoms pretty extensively.

Other than this new tick, the only other warning signs that worry me are the recent fidgeting, the fact he had speech delay as a baby, and maybe the fact he can be a little shy and sensitive at times, but again, he makes friends in school and has multiple close friends.

other than the tick, you just described both my kids and all of their cousins.

agree with shader about doing your best to relax over this.

 

[Itchy Amos]

Your sons behavior is very familiar to me.  My oldest son has mild Tourettes syndrome.  It presents as a series of tics that come and go.  They seem to be worse during the change of seasons or during times of stress.  The tics first showed up around age 5 or 6.  He sometimes does that exact wrist tic that you described.  Tourettes is far more common than most people realize and isn't necessarily as bad as what you are imagining.  Most cases don't devolve into shouting out swears or racially insensitive words.  Most present as a series of relatively harmless tics.  

You also need to be aware that tics are very common in children of that age.  It might just be a phase that he'll grow out of.  If it is tourettes, you may realize that he has been exhibiting tics for some time and you just didn't realize that they were tics.  In fact, most of my son's classmates had no idea that he was doing involuntary tics.  Common tics can include excessive blinking, squinting, yawning, stuttering, nodding the head quickly, looking up with their eyes & diaphragm related tics like strange breathing patterns or tightening of the stomach. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

There's a whole cottage industry that preys on parental fears about OCD, tics and Tourette's. There's a strong chance your son's tic is transient and will naturally disappear over time without any intervention. When it's mild and has only been going on for a few weeks or months, isn't aren’t causing distress or interference, they’ll likely disappear.

Your son probably is somewhat left brain dominant, which tends toward linear thought processes. Symmetry appeals to him. That's why he has a mild compulsion to tap the bannister with each hand. He may develop a strong sense of closure as he gets older. All positive traits that will help him excel later in life.

No harm in gathering more information or seeing a specialist, but the key takeaway for me is it isn't causing disruption or interfering with his ability to function socially or academically. Kids sometimes go through meaningless phases that are little more than natural development.

GL GB 

 

[mr. furley]

Due to the speech delay, we've both looked through the autism spectrum symptoms pretty extensively.

sounds a bit like one of those new parent deals where you read up on something and now you're overly alert about it. like the first time your kid gets a rash and your wife is convinced that it's lupus after she spends 13 hours on the internet cross-examining skin conditions against the baby's.

i'd guess that he's fine and this is just one of those things kids do and grow out of.

gllllllllllllll

 

[Fat Nick]

I just wanted to bump this thread and say I appreciate the old posts from @BobbyLayne and @Itchy Amos.

My now 11 year-old son has had tics of various kinds for a few years now. I had them as a kid and even into adulthood, but mine were mild. The worst ones were when I was in my early teens. I'd flick my head as if I was flipping hair out of my face (despite having a buzz cut), or squint really hard. I still do the head flick sometimes now, but it's much more subdued.

Anyway - my son started with certain head movements. He'd crank his neck hard to one side, or move his jaw. It'd last for a few weeks, then disappear. Then he did some thing with his arm where he'd kind of rotate his arm and make a fist. He also had one where he would basically do an abdominal crunch and you could see him straining. These usually came and went.

Ever since school let out in late June, his tics have been in overdrive. That's surprising to me because I would expect the stress of school would bring them on, not summer break. They have gotten worse and worse as summer has gone on. His latest tic is by far the most disruptive and socially ostracizing. He basically moves his jaw in a way that draws air down his throat, then he burps. It's usually mouth-closed. Sounds kind of like a bull frog grunt if you've ever heard that before...but sometimes he gets enough air that it's an actual belch. It's very very frequent. 5+ times per minute...sometimes he struggles to complete a sentence because of it.

My wife and I are concerned - her more than me. I have a higher tolerance because I had them as a kid and grew out of them. She did not - and is mostly concerned with the social aspect of it. He's going into 6th grade. He's very sensitive, and has struggled to make strong friend bonds. He's a really good kid - athletic, kind, really smart...but not very socially aware. He also is extremely reactive when picked on. We're worried this tic will continue and he will become a target and not be equipped to deal with it.

I'm not really posting asking for any advice - but I welcome any given voluntarily. To me, this is an unfortunate "wait and see," and he just has to navigate the social aspect of it. I'm quietly hoping it goes away when school starts since it started when school ends...but who knows. I feel very helpless, but in some ways, that's OK.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I just wanted to bump this thread and say I appreciate the old posts from @BobbyLayne and @Itchy Amos.

My now 11 year-old son has had tics of various kinds for a few years now. I had them as a kid and even into adulthood, but mine were mild. The worst ones were when I was in my early teens. I'd flick my head as if I was flipping hair out of my face (despite having a buzz cut), or squint really hard. I still do the head flick sometimes now, but it's much more subdued.

Anyway - my son started with certain head movements. He'd crank his neck hard to one side, or move his jaw. It'd last for a few weeks, then disappear. Then he did some thing with his arm where he'd kind of rotate his arm and make a fist. He also had one where he would basically do an abdominal crunch and you could see him straining. These usually came and went.

Ever since school let out in late June, his tics have been in overdrive. That's surprising to me because I would expect the stress of school would bring them on, not summer break. They have gotten worse and worse as summer has gone on. His latest tic is by far the most disruptive and socially ostracizing. He basically moves his jaw in a way that draws air down his throat, then he burps. It's usually mouth-closed. Sounds kind of like a bull frog grunt if you've ever heard that before...but sometimes he gets enough air that it's an actual belch. It's very very frequent. 5+ times per minute...sometimes he struggles to complete a sentence because of it.

My wife and I are concerned - her more than me. I have a higher tolerance because I had them as a kid and grew out of them. She did not - and is mostly concerned with the social aspect of it. He's going into 6th grade. He's very sensitive, and has struggled to make strong friend bonds. He's a really good kid - athletic, kind, really smart...but not very socially aware. He also is extremely reactive when picked on. We're worried this tic will continue and he will become a target and not be equipped to deal with it.

I'm not really posting asking for any advice - but I welcome any given voluntarily. To me, this is an unfortunate "wait and see," and he just has to navigate the social aspect of it. I'm quietly hoping it goes away when school starts since it started when school ends...but who knows. I feel very helpless, but in some ways, that's OK.

I’m going to give this some thought, maybe shoot you a dm later.

I had my share of social anxiety at that age but the things that made a huge difference in who I became were playing team sports (9 years) and sleep away camp (all 3 junior high years, age 11-13.)

I’m an old boomer and the world is a different place but developing the sense I was part of a larger community was pretty clutch. Like I was always introspective and did a lot of things by myself because I just assumed other kids weren’t into the things that fascinated me. History, current events, politics, chess opening theory, Sabermetrics (+ Strat-O-Matic), hex-and-counter games.

Typical middle school convo for me & my buddies: OK, yeah, boobs are cool (& I am impressed Amy Jo let you touch hers), but did you know the first enemy soldier captured on D-Day was a Korean who had been forced to fight for the Japanese, then the Soviets, and finally the Germans before being captured by the Americans?

I got nothing, GB. But there are worse things than being a little weirdo. Quirks are what make us human and unique. I’ve been reminding myself for 27 years love covers a multitude of things. Always be the safe place for them to be whatever they need to be.

Love you brother man, hang tough.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Boston Children's Hospital has this info.

The Cleveland Clinic's site looks realy useful.

You could ask your kid if it bothers him. If it does, I would figure something out. Best wishes.

 

[Fat Nick]

I just wanted to bump this thread and say I appreciate the old posts from @BobbyLayne and @Itchy Amos.

My now 11 year-old son has had tics of various kinds for a few years now. I had them as a kid and even into adulthood, but mine were mild. The worst ones were when I was in my early teens. I'd flick my head as if I was flipping hair out of my face (despite having a buzz cut), or squint really hard. I still do the head flick sometimes now, but it's much more subdued.

Anyway - my son started with certain head movements. He'd crank his neck hard to one side, or move his jaw. It'd last for a few weeks, then disappear. Then he did some thing with his arm where he'd kind of rotate his arm and make a fist. He also had one where he would basically do an abdominal crunch and you could see him straining. These usually came and went.

Ever since school let out in late June, his tics have been in overdrive. That's surprising to me because I would expect the stress of school would bring them on, not summer break. They have gotten worse and worse as summer has gone on. His latest tic is by far the most disruptive and socially ostracizing. He basically moves his jaw in a way that draws air down his throat, then he burps. It's usually mouth-closed. Sounds kind of like a bull frog grunt if you've ever heard that before...but sometimes he gets enough air that it's an actual belch. It's very very frequent. 5+ times per minute...sometimes he struggles to complete a sentence because of it.

My wife and I are concerned - her more than me. I have a higher tolerance because I had them as a kid and grew out of them. She did not - and is mostly concerned with the social aspect of it. He's going into 6th grade. He's very sensitive, and has struggled to make strong friend bonds. He's a really good kid - athletic, kind, really smart...but not very socially aware. He also is extremely reactive when picked on. We're worried this tic will continue and he will become a target and not be equipped to deal with it.

I'm not really posting asking for any advice - but I welcome any given voluntarily. To me, this is an unfortunate "wait and see," and he just has to navigate the social aspect of it. I'm quietly hoping it goes away when school starts since it started when school ends...but who knows. I feel very helpless, but in some ways, that's OK.

I’m going to give this some thought, maybe shoot you a dm later.

I had my share of social anxiety at that age but the things that made a huge difference in who I became were playing team sports (9 years) and sleep away camp (all 3 junior high years, age 11-13.)

I’m an old boomer and the world is a different place but developing the sense I was part of a larger community was pretty clutch. Like I was always introspective and did a lot of things by myself because I just assumed other kids weren’t into the things that fascinated me. History, current events, politics, chess opening theory, Sabermetrics (+ Strat-O-Matic), hex-and-counter games.

Typical middle school convo for me & my buddies: OK, yeah, boobs are cool (& I am impressed Amy Jo let you touch hers), but did you know the first enemy soldier captured on D-Day was a Korean who had been forced to fight for the Japanese, then the Soviets, and finally the Germans before being captured by the Americans?

I got nothing, GB. But there are worse things than being a little weirdo. Quirks are what make us human and unique. I’ve been reminding myself for 27 years love covers a multitude of things. Always be the safe place for them to be whatever they need to be.

Love you brother man, hang tough.

Sports are an interesting dynamic for him. He's very athletic. Maybe not the biggest or fastest, but his eye-hand coordination is nuts. He can catch and throw anything better than I can at this point...but Sports are both an outlet, and a source of anxiety. When he's on the field playing, it's an outlet...but all the sports "bro time" is tough.

Your example from middle school resonated with me because I imagine that's how he is socially. He's always bombarding me with questions about science, technology, and history. I'm glad I can hold my own in those conversations, but I can't imagine his friends care as much. Conversely, despite loving sports, he can't really hold his own talking sports with his buddies because he watches zero baseball or basketball, which are his two primary sports. He probably can't name an MLB player besides Judge or Ohtani.

I appreciate the comments - and I totally hear you re. the world being a different place - and honestly, while kids are still kids, they are generally better than they were when you or I were kids. I often criticize the "softer" generation now, but they are much more accepting of differences than when I grew up in the '80's or when you grew up. They aren't saints, but things that were normal when I was a kid re. teasing and such aren't tolerated these days.

Anyway - I appreciate the reply. Means a lot.

 

[Fat Nick]

Boston Children's Hospital has this info.

The Cleveland Clinic's site looks realy useful.

You could ask your kid if it bothers him. If it does, I would figure something out. Best wishes.

Thanks. I appreciate the links - I'll take a look. I've read a few here and there, but these are new.

It 100% bothers him - truthfully, I'm shocked it doesn't bother him more than it does though. 11 year-old me would have been mortified with his latest tic. Not sure I'd have kept going to camp and engaging the way he does. He's a trooper.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

It 100% bothers him

I expect that the loss of control is a bit scary. Having a good professional explain what is going on could really help. Not feeling like the only person with this could help, too.