vocal tics

[LisaH]

Is there anything specific that you have used that has helped vocal tics? I know everyone is different and what works for one might not help another. My dd's latest vocal tic is an inappropriate word so I'd really like to try some things to calm it down, my 20mth old is hearing this and trying to repeat it. Her seasonal allergies are bad right now so I'm sure that has something to do with it.

 

Any suggestions I'd really appreciate. I've really been enjoying all the info here, I've pretty much camped out here the last few days reading and taking notes.

 

Thanks,

Lisa

[Chemar]

Hi Lisa

 

some have found L-carnitine to be helpful with vocal tics

 

if you do try it, please start on a low dose and move up as it doesnt always suit everyone, as is the case with most amino acids

 

as an aside, when my son was going thru coprolalia (vocal tics involving inapropriate words) we actally applied some of the techniques he had been taught by his CBT therapist for OCD (cognitive behavioral therapy) and it worked for him. He found sounds that were similar to the tic ones, but not offensive and then

masked the words with these sounds. It still gave him the outlet of vocalizing the word, but to the hearer it sounded like something different

 

I will try to give a least offensive example....he would say "shi.........take`" (as in shitake` mushrooms)

 

Coprolalia is one of the hardest tics to deal with, especially if, like us, you are a family that avoids bad language. The CBT really helped my son thru that potentially embarassing phase of tics.

[LisaH]

Thank you Chemar, I'll look into the L-carnitine and try out the other technique.

 

I'd read that the Coprolalia was pretty uncommon so I thought we wouldn't have to worry about this and now here we are. We are really involved in Church and our homeschool group so I worry about people reactions.

 

Thanks

[Giselle]

Hi Lisa, my son doesn't do this tic. . . yet? So no advice persay, but my son's vocal tic is either a super loud clearing of the throat or a blowing out the nose with so much force I expect to see brain remnants popping out! Right now he is doing either of these about 60-80 times per minute. So I can completely sympathize that vocal tics are horrible - even I, who love and adore him, just want to escape from the noise! Especially while trying to do school work - he's quite bad right now so we are home doing the work his teacher is sending us (so sweet of her). I know the seasonal stuff is the culprit - plus we are in Ventura County and our air quality is horrific because of the huge Day fire going on - it's not helping. What does help though is the knowledge that it WILL pass. I am just being super vigilant about keeping him away from his food allergens, making sure I don't miss any vitamins, keeping him well rested and hydrated. It WILL pass - so hugs to you right now. I'm sure glad you're the special kind of Mom who is trying to help your daughter by healing her - not just covering symptoms up. Bravo!

 

Giselle