Tics/OCD

[Guest guest]

I don't frequently post because my son is only 3.5 so we're still

learning about his challenges. But he had been having a number of

facial tics lately that concern us. He used to do some ear flapping or

lightly hitting himself on the cheek but that seems to have subsided

for the most part. About six months ago he started having facial

grimaces compulsively. Just recently those have been replaced by him

rubbing his eye compulsively. The poor boy is doing it so frequently

that it's starting to get infected. I don't know what to do to try and

prevent the behavior. He just doesn't seem to have any control over

it. When he was diagnosed with HFA last year they said that he may

have OCD as well. I'm not sure if this is something I should seek

medication for (I hate to at his young age) or if some other kind of

behavioral therapy might work. Every time he does this we try to

remind him to touch something else instead (like his tummy).

From what I've read, oftentimes if you prevent one behavior another

one will pop up in it's place. I would just like him to do something

less harmful to his body. He is probably under more stress right now

because I'm due to have a baby soon and have been on bed rest. So, the

attention that he used to get from me has greatly diminished and I'm

sure that's hard for any kid to understand and deal with.

Any insight into this problem would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Colleen