stimming or tics?

[Lain]

I have two boys on the spectrum, both of them have (not sure what term to use!!) repetitive mannerisms such as throat clearing, jerky head movements etc. I know these usually are part of ASD but I have began to worry about my 10 yo who is Aspergers as he has around 6 of these 'mannerisms' which he has most of the time. They have increased recently and worse then i have ever seen them. Both he and his peers at school have noticed this. Some he knows he is doing but can't stop where as the latest one (a sharp 'shh' noise while talking) he doesn't realise he is doing it. I counted 7 times in one sentence. They seem to get worse when he is stressed, anxious and strangely also when he is excited. I decided to look it up on the net but all that had done is get me confused over tics and stimming, as i understand it stimming has something to do with sensory input? How on earth do you tell if it is a tic or stimming? If any one can shed some light i would be extremely grateful.

[Sally44]

Have you looked at tourettes?

When a child has a diagnosis of anything, it can mean they also then have a higher chance of having a co-morbid condition.

I don't know much about tourettes, but I believe that like ASDs it can be on a sliding scale from mild to severe. It might be worth having a google about it, as well as look at the diagnostic criteria, and then ask your GP for a referal to the consultant that diagnosed the ASD and talk to them about these mannerisms.

If they are becoming more pronounced and are starting to have a negative impact on his self esteem, or how others view him, then it is worth having it looked at.

As you have already noticed it becomes worse when he is either stressed or excited, there might be self calming techniques that professionals already involved (ie. OT), might be able to help with.

 

My son has a vomitting syndrome that appears to be associated with high emotional states, so he will vomit if he is anxious, stressed or very excited. This is something we have had to be referred back to the childrens hospital for to ensure there is no medical reason behind it. As there is no medical reason the developmental paediatrician, who is experienced in ASDs has said it is due to this vomiting syndrome - which apparently is quite common in children with ASDs.

 

So I would encourage you to seek medical advice about it.

[JsMum]

It does sound more like tics than stimming, and agree it sounds like tourettes syndrome, so it maybe a good idea to get him seen by a proffesional in Autistm and Tourettes syndrome, I dont know much about tourettes only what Ive seen on the TV, from that documantary pubity and tourettes syndrome seem to increase the tics, due to imballance of hormones and chemicals so it could that he is starting pubity, which in ASD children can start as young as nine/ten years of age.

 

I would definaly monitor it and keep some kind of diary to see when in the day he has increased tics, that way you might see if there is a pattern.

 

He will need a full assessment to dx Tourettes syndrome.

 

JsMumxxx

 

[kerryt84]

I found this on Wikipedia:

 

"Stereotypic movement disorder (stimming) is often misdiagnosed as tics or Tourette's. Unlike the tics of Tourette's, which tend to appear around age six or seven, repetitive movements typically start before age two, are more bilateral than tics, and consist of intense patterns of movement for longer runs than tics. Tics are less likely to be stimulated by excitement. Children with Stereotypic movement disorder do not always report being bothered by the movements as a child with tics might."

 

I suffer from mild tourette's and this statement does seem to run true for me. Mine started as an older rather than younger child, and are quite short in nature (for example, making strange movements with my eyes and repeating sounds for several seconds). My tics seem to happen more when I am tired or anxious. And I wish they didn't happen as people do notice sometimes and it's embarrassing.

 

From what you described I would say they are probably more tourette's but you'd need to get them assessed to be certain.

[Lain]

Thanks Guys, have looked at a few tourette's sites and think you are right, will get a referral to his specialist asap (here we go again!)

 

Have also had a chat with my son about it and he is keen to go ahead to find out what the cause is.

xx

[Stella63]

Hi Lain,

 

My youngest has Tourettes (among other things!!) and when we were starting on our journey of discovery the CAMHS person advised me to go to my doctor and ask him to write to St Georges Hospital in London for a consultation. He honestly admitted he had no understanding of Tourettes but dutifully wrote the letter. We had to wait 6mths for an appointment but OJ was diagnosed by Prof Mary Robinson who is the worlds leading expert on Tourettes! We go back every 6mths for discussion, info and advice and they are superb!! I would totally recommend this course of action if your professionals will allow it.

 

Hope that helps but pm me if you want any more info on Tourettes (after 5 years I have more than a little knowledge!!!)

 

Stella xx

[lisa35]

Hi Stella, our 14 yr old son has Aspergers- we re waiting for further review-probable tourettes, the tics wax and wane, change, very typical of tourettes, some are unnoticable-some not, at mo, he occsasionally spits to one side,,if that makes any sense?!

worse when tired oranxiuos-have you found anything helps your son, did you find it worse as teenager?

watched documentary a while ago and suppose bit worried it may get worse

wouldnt be keen on medication-but end of theday this would be our sons decsion

thanks

Lisa

[trekster]

I have two boys on the spectrum, both of them have (not sure what term to use!!) repetitive mannerisms such as throat clearing, jerky head movements etc. I know these usually are part of ASD but I have began to worry about my 10 yo who is Aspergers as he has around 6 of these 'mannerisms' which he has most of the time. They have increased recently and worse then i have ever seen them. Both he and his peers at school have noticed this. Some he knows he is doing but can't stop where as the latest one (a sharp 'shh' noise while talking) he doesn't realise he is doing it. I counted 7 times in one sentence. They seem to get worse when he is stressed, anxious and strangely also when he is excited. I decided to look it up on the net but all that had done is get me confused over tics and stimming, as i understand it stimming has something to do with sensory input? How on earth do you tell if it is a tic or stimming? If any one can shed some light i would be extremely grateful.

 

i was wondering about tourettes as well. Stims are normally voluntary and we are aware of them. So my verbal shouting out "playmobile" in public is voluntary as i attempt to hide it when others are around.

 

i think you need to have so many vocal and so many physical tics to qualify for a tourettes syndrome diagnosis. Despite popular belief only 15%of tourettics swear my cousin (sd) excluded.

 

Alexis

[Lain]

His teacher is also in agreement with you guys, that it's possibly tourettes. Have made the referral (god knows how long it will be before i get an appointment!) so will see what happens.

 

Thanks all xx