ADHD and vocal tics?

Hi there. My son is in the process of being diagnosed with ADHD and just started Kindergarten.

His teacher called us this morning to let us know that he has been humming and making clicking sounds with his mouth throughout the day, so much so that the other kids complain.

Neither my husband nor I have ever heard him do this. The only thing we have noticed is that he is constantly clearing his throat and sniffling, but we figured this was from his allergies.

In addition, he has terrible impulse control and zero social skills. He does not introduce himself to other kids, instead he goes up to them and "roars" in their face. We've told him time and again that the other kids don't like that, it scares them and would make them not want to play with him.

I really don't want him to be the kid that gets made fun of in class, especially this early.

We will be taking him to see his doctor tomorrow, but just wondering if any other parents have any experience with this. Any any tips that you have both for the vocal tics and the social skills would be great.

Re: ADHD and vocal tics?

Has he been receiving any therapy or services?

I don't know how it works with receiving services at the kindergarten level (my DS is still getting EI) but I know they have social skills groups for special needs children of that age, I've seen parents on this board post about it. Maybe that is something that might work for your DS.

Re: ADHD and vocal tics?

He used to receive special services for pre-school, but he was declassified this past spring. Of course, like we feared, he regressed over the summer and we have to wait until November to get a proper diagnosis to get him re-classified.

He was receiving music therapy to help him focus so I'm wondering if he's possibly just making his own background noise to keep himself focused now....

Re: ADHD and vocal tics?

My son is 7 with Autism and has many vocal tics. (he's non-verbal) For him he will make a sound and if he enjoys hearing it (this is what I'm assuming) then he will continue doing it, over and over and over.......
I'm not sure this is what your son is doing but asking a Dr., will help you figure it out.

Re: ADHD and vocal tics?

My DD is 7 and had ADHD. She doesn't have tics, but does have limited social skills. She is in a typical classroom with no services.

Tomorrow, she is starting a Saturday morning social skills group at Variety in Syosset. Let me know if you would like the contact info.

Re: ADHD and vocal tics?

My son has ADHD Tourettes and OCD.

Sadly they often go hand in hand. I started taking my son to all different pediatricians for his sniffing and blinking. they told me it was allergies. I knew they werent right. Over time he started with vocal tics (clearing his throat), head jerking etc. We started to see a neurologist at LIJ Schneiders Childrens and after a while he was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome.

Ill be honest it has been hard. I just withdrew my son from school in 5th grade and put him in Boces where he is much happier because hes fitting in socially. We have also tried all different meds. Some worked, some didnt.

Good luck. Huge hugs. If you want to more info please feel free to message me.

Message edited 9/24/2011 12:29:35 PM.