Tics
What does Tics mean?
Tics are sudden, brief, repeated movements or sounds that can be difficult or impossible for a person to control, such as eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, throat clearing, or sniffing. They often increase during times of stress, excitement, or fatigue, and may come and go over time. Tics are more common in autistic children and children with ADHD, though they can occur in any child and range from very mild to more noticeable.
Why this term matters
Tics can sometimes be misunderstood in school or social settings, and it is helpful for teachers, family members, and caregivers to understand that tics are not done on purpose and cannot simply be stopped by asking the child to stop. Knowing what tics are can help families advocate for their child and seek the right support if tics are causing the child distress or getting in the way of daily activities.
Canadian context
If a family has concerns about a child's tics, a good starting point is speaking with a family doctor or paediatrician, who can assess the situation and refer to a specialist such as a paediatric neurologist if needed. Access to specialist assessments varies by province or territory, and wait times may differ significantly depending on where a family lives.
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