Supporting Tics at Home

Your child's tics increase at home and they feel frustrated or exhausted

Steps

  1. Create a 'tic-friendly' zone where they can tic freely without judgement
  2. Never ask them to suppress tics. Suppression causes rebound and distress
  3. After school, allow 'tic release' time before homework or demands
  4. Reduce pressure and demands during high-tic periods
  5. Focus on what they CAN do, not the tics

What you need

Safe space, understanding, reduced demands during flare-ups

Why it works

Children with Tourette's often suppress tics all day at school, leading to a 'rebound' effect at home where tics flood out. Creating a judgement-free space and reducing demands during high-tic periods acknowledges that tic suppression is exhausting and the body needs to release that built-up tension.

Age guidance

Important at all ages. The 'tic release' time after school is especially crucial for school-age children who are masking.

Real-world example

A parent noticed their child's tics tripled after school. They stopped scheduling homework immediately after arrival and introduced 30 minutes of 'tic-friendly' time first — just freedom to be in their room with no expectations. The evening tic intensity dropped noticeably within two weeks.

Troubleshooting

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