purplepoodle

...okay, my guy was busy playing legos Wed. nite, and my husband said the tics were extreme....we thought they were really decreasing....we spoke to our pediatrician yesterday, he said continue the no caffeine, and no screens for one more week, and then we'll see...He also mentioned that if the tics are not constant, that he really doesn't feel it is tourettes, and mentioned that it is possible it is OCD behavior. I really don't know what to think. However, my heart broke tonight when my son began to cry that he was so looking forward to the week being over tomorrow morning, and he'd be able to go back to television tomorrow, and a video game or two. (We saw the pediatrician 2 weeks ago, at which time he stopped any chocolatae, or any caffeinated beverages). Right now he is playing legos, and my husband brought home his laptop from work (LCD) screen, for him to begin to use tomorrow... Oh well, sorry to go on so...

...just a super quick check in, and Claire - YOU ARE CORRECT! The treadmill does have red flashing lights which show the course, your speed, and so on! Oh My Goodness - it makes sense, doesn't it? THANK YOU GUYS!!!! Day 4!!!! Maureen

Once again, thanks to all for the great info and support. I am trying not to use the computer much myself. We have succeeded with 3 days of No Screens so far. My oldest sons are cooperating with us in this. My son with the tics, said he is not doing them as often, or humming. Of course, he should be having less trouble, since he is not watching tv or playing video games (when he would display the tics and humming the most). I am keeping my fingers crossed, that this will help. He did use the treadmill earlier, and my husband noticed some facial tics then. Other than that, I believe they have been reduced a bit.

Thank you Claire, Marie, and Alison for your empathetic and informative replies. I know I have to involve my older two sons in this no screens week, and plan on discussing this with them over the weekend. Building models is a great idea...something my husband always loved to do as a child, so it could be a nice bonding experience. I will stock up on some books on tape at the library too. I have only recently allowed the boys to have tvs in their bedrooms - bad move. My youngest (the one with the tics) is someone who has an extremely difficult time falling asleep - always did, even as a baby...so I finally caved in, although my 17 year old only just received the privilege in the last month. Is the difficulty falling asleep common? We will continue to look into food and dust as well... I truly appreciate your kindness, and support. Thanks! Maureen

Hi! I have just found your site tonight....THANK YOU for so much wonderful, interesting information. We have noticed tics and humming from our 12 year old son, which seems to be more and more apparent. We have recently met with our pediatrician, who suggested eliminated any caffienated drinks, which we are doing. Presently, the tics seem to occur when watching tv, video games, or playing video games, and when writing. I am quite anxious to try the NO SCREEN week, though with our two oldest children, it may be difficult. I am totally fascinated by the information about tv and computer screens, I was not aware of any of this. THANKS for all so far, and I would be interested in any further suggestions you may want to make.