I feel your concern…This is something very similar to what we have been going through. About a year ago my then 10yo started clicking his teeth, clenching and spreading his fingers, and making an “uh uh” noise in his throat. We were particularly worried because it seemed almost like a compulsive behaviour. We were worried enough to take him to see a Neurologist specializing in children. At it turns out these “ticks” are quite common in children up to around the age of 14. They are nothing particularly worrisome from a medical point of view and usually these kids will simply grow out of them.

A year on and our son still has them, but generally speaking they are becoming less and less. In his case they seem to be more active when he is tired or stressed. Sometimes we’ll go a month or more without seeing them. Having plenty of sleep really helps him. As for other kids teasing etc, that’s something we were very worried about also. The approach we took and have now is to not make an issue of it, ignore it when it happens, but don’t make your son feel as though it’s something he should feel ashamed about. When kids ask my son what he’s doing he just replies “oh they’re just my ticks”. Most kids are just curious and if your son just “matter of factly” states what the behaviours are, most kids just accept it for what it is. Make sure that your son knows that ticks are common, there’s nothing wrong with having them, and they’ll most likely disappear as he grows older, and if other kids ask, tell them “they’re just my ticks”. And it may be hard to do, but don’t keep pointing them out when you see them happening.

Initially we were worried enough to see a specialist, but were very reassured afterward…but of course you should see your doctor if you are overly concerned, and a mention to your dentist might also be advised. We also mentioned our son’s ticks to his teacher just to keep her in the loop (funnily enough she hadn’t even noticed them)… Don’t be too worried (kids pick up on our stress) and good luck!