Quote From: asalazarHang in there. If you have found medication that works stick to it. Just know that will change as he grows. Tics wax and wan especially during the puberty years. Stress is the key factor and if you are able to advocate for him at school for modifications then go for it. My son also has disorder of written expression and has the option of doing his work by computer or answering orally and for things that have to be written, defined instructions, nothing ambiguous or abstract with unlimited time to complete the assignment. Reducing the stress factor reduces the need to tic. Also, can he leave the class for a 'break' to tic? Sometimes suppressing becomes stressful and if he has a chance to release the tics it could help his concentration in class. Suppression takes focus away from the task at hand. Therapy is important. He needs to learn and understand himself and learn the triggers to self manage as he gets older. Our children have been traveling the same road. As far as meds are concerned, Topamax had been great especialy with vocal tics. There is weight as an inital sideeffect but that subsides after a while.
Before Christmas we decided to try the dexadrine again by my son's choice. He really wants to be in school and without meds, there is very little tolerence for him. We as a family have tried to eliminate as much stress as possible, by focussing more on what really matters and not on all the little things. My son currently takes his core classes on the computer and I think this has helped alot with his stress level and tics. Thank you for the info and it is comforting to know there is others out there that are struggling as much as we do.
Sherry
