Why has my child started making sudden movements or sounds?

The short answer

Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that a child does not choose. Blinking, facial movements, shoulder movements, throat clearing and small sounds are common examples. Many children experience tics without having Tourette syndrome, and simple tics that do not trouble the child may not need referral. Do not reprimand, repeatedly point out or ask the child to suppress them. Record when they began, what they look or sound like, changes over time and any effect on pain, learning, sleep, confidence or daily life. Speak with a GP when tics are severe, painful, distressing or substantially affecting the child. Sudden-onset chorea, ataxia or dystonia, new weakness, altered consciousness or other acute neurological changes need urgent or immediate assessment.

• Tics are involuntary movements or sounds, not deliberate behaviour.
• Having a tic does not automatically mean a child has Tourette syndrome.
• Attention, stress, excitement and tiredness can affect tics without causing blame.
• School should not reprimand or publicly correct a child for a tic.
• Severe, distressing or unusual sudden movements need appropriate medical assessment.