Tourette’s

Has Your Child Been Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome?

If you have a child who has been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, you understand the frustrations that it can cause in your child’s daily life.

Tourette’s Syndrome is a form of “tic” disorder. Tics can be defined as involuntary, repetitive, and frequent movements and/or vocalizations that the person is not able to control.

If you have a child with Tourette’s Syndrome, contact Jeevam Therapy today! Our Edison and Paramus, NJ physical therapists can help.

What is Tourette’s Syndrome?

Although tics may be prevalent with your child, it does not necessarily mean that they are living with Tourrette’s. In fact, some of the most common factors that go into diagnosing Tourette’s, in order to make sure that the tics your child is experiencing are indeed an effect of Tourette’s Syndrome and not another disorder include:

• Presentation of multiple tics (not necessarily at the same time), including at least 2 motor tics and at least 1 vocal or phonic tic
• Persistent tics that have been occurring for more than one year, and that may change in frequency throughout the year
• Presentation of tics before the age of 18
• Tics that do not occur as a result of medication or some other substance

What should I look out for?

According to the Tourette Association of America, there are certain factors to keep in mind if you suspect your child may have Tourette’s Syndrome. In regards to what you should look out for tic-wise, they state:

“Tics typically emerge between the ages of 5 and 7 years, usually with a motor tic in the head or neck region. They tend to increase in frequency and severity between the ages of 8 and 12 years and can range from mild to severe. Most people with TS see improvements by late adolescence, with some becoming tic-free. A minority of people with TS continue to have persistent, severe tics into adulthood. 

Tics can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can be self-injurious and debilitating. Tics regularly change in type, frequency, and severity—sometimes for reasons unknown and sometimes in response to specific internal and external factors, including stress, anxiety, excitement, fatigue, and illness.”

Jeevam Therapy is here to help

At Jeevam Therapy, we are here to let you know that it is possible to manage the tics your child has. Our dedicated Edison and Paramus, NJ physical therapists have worked with children diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome before, and many have had extremely positive results.

Therapy for Tourette’s can help a child live more independently and without fear that their tic may occur in an inappropriate setting. For more information on how our team can benefit your child, feel free to contact Jeevam Therapy for a consultation!