PDD-NOS and throat clearing

[Anonymous]

Our 4 1/2 year old was diagnosed with PDD-NOS about a year ago. So far we have dealt with pragmatic speech and OT-related issues. About two weeks ago, he began clearing his throat. At first it was only occasional, but frequent enough that it was noticeable. Now, he clears his throat repeatedly, almost constantly. Is this a tic, and is there a direct correlation to the PDD? Anyone experience something similar? We've taken him to the ped who ruled out allergies or any throat issues.

[Anonymous]

Tic? Tourette's? Either can be co-morbid with autism. Suggest you take DS to a developmental pediatrician.

[Anonymous]

My DS also was frequently clearing his throat at that age - it was a tic, and he has had others over the years. Not Tourette's, and not PDD (ADHD and anxiety). He takes guanfacine to control the tics.

There is a high level of comorbidity between tics and autism spectrum disorders.

[Anonymous]

We are also working on constant throat-clearing with our DS. No evidence of ADHD or autism, just tics, maybe Tourette's. No success thus far with supplements (e.g. magnesium); waiting to see a neurologist. (All the ones we contacted had a 2+ month wait!)

[Anonymous]

Had a student with the exact same tic (which was what it was finally diagnosed to be). Was eventually replaced by something new.

[Anonymous]

My son (Asperger's) started with throat clearing, went to sniffing, and then eventually developed some really debilitating tics. At that point we turned to meds (Zoloft) and the tics disappeared after 15 days. That was 3 1/2 years ago and the tics resurface occasionally during periods of higher stress. We went off Zoloft for a few months due to a different issue and the tics came back with a vengeance. When it was "just" throat clearing, it was annoying to me, but he didn't really notice it and most other people didn't either. In the end people were actively making fun of him for the tics (including adults at school) and when I told him there was a medicine that could help, he cried and begged me to let him take it. Bonus is the Zoloft definitely helps with the anxiety and depression we deal with with Asperger's.

Oh, and tics are definitely co-morbid with the whole autism spectrum and it's not necessarily Tourette's though it could be.

[Anonymous]

Check for allergies and asthma as well. Sometimes you may have more mucus and need to clear your throat more often

[Anonymous]

11:33

The adults too? Disgusting.
Glad you were able to help your son.

[Anonymous]

DS1 had issues with tics. There are 2 physiological causes for this. 1. excessive heavy metal load and 2. PANDAS

You can test for either condition. PANDAS tests for antibodies to strep. And you can do either an agitated urine test or a hair sample to test for heavy metals. Both tests should be covered by insurance and I'm sure a neurologist can order both of these tests.

[Anonymous]

Our typically developing 4 1/2 year old had a throat clearing tic as well. At its worst he's clear once every 15-30 seconds for an hour and a half. I felt so bad for him as it must have irritated his little throat. The doctor said that at this age it is not indicative of anything wrong. Tics related to tourettes, etc. usually begin later in childhood when the brain is more mature (and less likely to change drastically over time so they don't "grow out of it").

Tics in this age group are usually harmless and related to a period of dramatic brain maturation and development. Especially in boys the brain is more likely to misfire and you'll get tics that will pop up. Once they are a little older and changes settle down they go away. Our doctor said tics in this age group are not correlated at all with Torettes so he was at no greater risk of developing it than a child without tics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our typically developing 4 1/2 year old had a throat clearing tic as well. At its worst he's clear once every 15-30 seconds for an hour and a half. I felt so bad for him as it must have irritated his little throat. The doctor said that at this age it is not indicative of anything wrong. Tics related to tourettes, etc. usually begin later in childhood when the brain is more mature (and less likely to change drastically over time so they don't "grow out of it").

Tics in this age group are usually harmless and related to a period of dramatic brain maturation and development. Especially in boys the brain is more likely to misfire and you'll get tics that will pop up. Once they are a little older and changes settle down they go away. Our doctor said tics in this age group are not correlated at all with Torettes so he was at no greater risk of developing it than a child without tics.

I forgot to mention...his tic was at it's height for about 2 or 3 months. It taperd down to where he'd only do it when he was having quiet time reading books, playing with toys, or watching cartoons. It's been about 6 months now and it's basically gone.