Tourettes Syndrome?

Question

My son who is almost 13 was diagnose with dyspraxia at age 3 and ADHD at age 7. He has always had verbal outburtst often using inaporiate langue/swearing.

We have always tried to ingore these outbust in the hope that if we didnt respond he would stop but he hasnt, and when i asked him if he realised what he was sayin he said "that it just comes out" I honestly think at times he has no idea of what he is saying.

I have never heard of Verbal outburst being link to ADHD or Dyspraxia which makes me think he may have Tourettes Syndrome??

He take a slow relase form of ritalin and is regular monitored by a specialist nurse.

I am getting increasing concerned that as he gets older his "runnay mouth" is gonna get him into trouble.

Advice plz

Answer 1

I can understand your concern, and I'm hoping that the top link may be of use. It provides suggestions for how to treat, and has a link to a page for preparing to see a Doctor. It isn't one of those pages that seems to advocate medicating right out of the gate, they say "Moderate and severe symptoms are more likely to be treated with medication if needed and also be supported by better education of patients, school personnel and parents, and initiation of supportive counseling and/or behavior therapy."

I'm also including the fact sheet from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. My doctor recommended the site to me at one time, suggesting it was a safe resource. Also, the NINDS doesn't jump on the medication bandwagon unless it's necessary.

There may be other ways for your child to cope, though they may be complicated by the presence of ADHD. The 2 are commonly linked, but as ADHD has a very impulsive quality about it, there's no way to tell for sure without a proper "examination" by a qualified diagnostician. (Honestly, if he's just spouting, and it isn't targeting anything specific, then you're definitely on the right track I would think, but TS isn't my area, so I'm just offering 2 cents.) Best of luck. Hope the resources help.

Answer 2

There seems to be a strong link between ADHD & Tourette's, so the possibility that he has both is a very real one.