Tourette Syndrome, or TS, is a rare, noncontagious, possibly genetic neurological condition affecting approximately 3 in 1,000 children, according to KidsHealth. TS is characterized by vocal and motor tics that may get better and worse throughout a child's life. For example, there may be remissions during which tics completely disappear and exacerbations that cause tics to worsen. KeepKidsHealthy.com indicates that TS usually begins between the ages of 2 and 21.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of TS are simple and complex vocal and motor tics. Initially, a 2-year-old might have simple tics that involve only a few muscle groups. Simple tics usually become more complex, or involve more muscle groups, over time. Examples of simple vocal tics include throat clearing or repetitive sniffing, and complex vocal tics might include repeating another person's words. Repetition of another person's words might not be unusual for a 2-year-old as he is increasing his vocabulary. Simple motor tics include blinking the eyes and grimacing. Complex motor tics might include repeatedly touching someone or banging his head.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Certain repetitive behaviors might be normal for your 2-year-old. Carefully observe your child and take her to the pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis. For a child to meet the criteria for a TS diagnosis, tics need to be present for at least one year, but with varying severity. In addition, a child should not be free of tics for longer than three months, even during periods of remission. There is no cure for TS, but the condition can often be managed with behavioral therapy and medications, if necessary, to control bothersome symptoms.
Comorbid Conditions
Children with TS are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems and suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD -- mood disorders, learning disabilities and oppositional defiant disorder, according to KeepKidsHealthy.com. A 2-year-old child might be too young to determine if any of these comorbid conditions will develop, so he will be watched closely by his pediatrician and and other professionals responsible for his care.
Coping With Tourette Syndrome
If your child is diagnosed with TS, there are several ways for parents and children to better cope with the situation. KidsHealth indicates that tics are sometimes milder and less frequent when a child is involved in an activity that focuses energy elsewhere. This can be an age-appropriate playgroup or a creative activity such as coloring or finger-painting. Find a TS support group for parents -- some are offered by the Tourette Syndrome Association -- so you can be around others who are parenting children with TS.
