my son is 15 months old and a very active high strong baby. The only time he really settles down is while reading or book or most recently watching some of the baby einstein tapes. Watching these tapes with him the other day I noticed that he is having twitches that I never recogized before. Specifically he opens and closes his mouth quickly in rapid succession, blinks quickly and in some instances raises his hands or jerks his head back a bit. He also does get impatient and will through his head back onto the floor or wherever he happens to be at that time (not while watching the tapes of course). I have in some instances noticed that he does make some noises when this "tic" of sorts starts. He has been running a fever or the past few days when I have noticed this behavior so not sure if that is affecting his actions. Like others using the web I have diagnosed Tourettes (I know I know I am not a DR. ;>) ) but it concerns me.

 

Consult a pediatric neurologist. Your pediatrician will give you a referral.

 

I agree with Daniel.

You are doing the right thing by researching your son's problem but a physician is the one to make a proper diagnosis.

The sooner you do this the sooner you will know if there is a problem or not.

 

Tourettes and ADHD have very similar symptoms and usually don't present themselves until much later. Only a physician can diagnose. Many common childhood ailments can be the result of allergies: asthma, ear infections, hay fever, hyperactivity, bronchitis, bladder infections, chronic stomach aches, and others. The fever may be secondary to allergies as may be the hyperactivity. Only a doctor can diagnose.

15-month-old children have a reputation for being tempermental and throwing fits, especially if they don't feel like they are getting your attention. They are really good about throwing fits in public. The way you respond is very important. You don't want him to learn that all he needs to do to get your attention is to throw a fit. You may have to try several tactics before you land on one that works. Try picking up your child and holding him quietly until he settles down. Say nothing except maybe I love you. Don't yell or try holding his arms down. This adds to the frustration. Or, move him to a safe place on the ground or back into the car seat. Stay near by and let him have his fit. If home, and you just absolutely can't take it another minute, walk out of the room and go to the bathroom and give yourself a time out. Some have found that by simply walking out of the room without saying a word when the fit commences soon puts and end to the behavior.

Remember children are always testing you and their limits. Bedtime is always a good time to test parents. It has been a long day and you want the kids in bed so you can have a few minutes alone together. Establishing routines, like a bath and book before bed will help make bedtime less frustrating for you.

 

I've looked at some research online and most of it says that children usually dont develop tourettes until like the age of two years old. BUt for the last couple of days my 8 month old son has been having little ticks throughout the day and they seem to be getting more consistent he kind of just sticks his arms out in front of him and straightens his back up and makes the same face everytime and he will kind of shake with it a little bit also. Im not sure if he would have it or not.

 

As parents we tend to overdiagnose every sneeze, sniffle, and movement. We cannot DIY diagnose our children. When concerned, make an appointment with the pediatrician ASAP! If needed, referrals can be made to other specialists. When it comes down to the final diagnosis, get at least two other professional opinions to confirm. Let's pray your child simply has gas or is experiencing teething.

 

be first children.
sorry for the late entry, i couldnt help commenting here!

I completely agree with twelvepole here, make that appointment first, and then calm down until the appointment. Children of this age are still developing their fine AND gross motor skills AND their nervous system and jerking or sudden ‘strange’ movements are very normal, esp when they are sitting still or not moving around. They don’t yet have the muscle endurance or tone not to jerk sometimes.

I'll pray for the best!