Parenting Interventions for Children with Tic Disorders: Professionals’ Perspectives

Abstract

Tic disorders can have an emotional and social impact on children and families, which can in turn have a reciprocal impact on tics. Research into parenting interventions within this population is limited. Twenty-five professionals’ views on the acceptability, effectiveness, feasibility and utility of parenting interventions were explored using Q-methodology. Three highly correlated factors emerged, indicating three viewpoints with discrete elements that were underpinned by similar general perspectives. All factors endorsed a psychological approach, the importance of parenting practices, and theoretical and clinical justifications for parenting interventions. Discrete elements of the viewpoints debated the advocated focus, barriers and audience of interventions. Multidisciplinary professionals endorsed parenting interventions as a therapeutic tool within tic disorders. Results provide suggestions to further develop and implement interventions.

Living with tics: Nursing care of pediatric Tourette syndrome

“…Several studies have noted that healthcare providers can help improve the abilities of youths with TS and their parents to recognize symptoms, discuss the coping strategies jointly, and develop interventions that actually support the parents in raising their children. Taken together, these measures enhance the parents’ capacity and competence in giving care to children with TS [ 2 , 9 , 31 ].…”

“…As youths with TS grow up, they shift their focus to peers in their teenage years, and develop their own autonomy and competence as well as strategies to help overcome TS's interference in their learning and interpersonal relationship [ 7 , 11 ]. In addition, parents' and teachers' understanding of TS is also important, as it affects their attitudes when educating their children/students about symptom management [ 31 ]. Therefore, parents and teachers must have a comprehensive understanding of TS and its characteristics and should avoid using an authoritative attitude and demanding tic control or suppression.…”

“…Therefore, parents and teachers must have a comprehensive understanding of TS and its characteristics and should avoid using an authoritative attitude and demanding tic control or suppression. Instead, parents and teachers must respect and listen to the opinions of youths with TS, and trust them to be able to manage their interpersonal interactions and tic-derived problems, thereby facilitating effective communication [ 11 , 31 ].…”

Awareness of Tourette Syndrome in Malaysia

“…The early symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are typically noticed first in childhood, with the average onset between the ages of 3 and 9 years. This Syndrome occurs in people from all ethnic groups; males are affected about three to four times more often than females [8]. Although students with Tourette Syndrome often function well in the regular classroom, but frequent tics can greatly interfere with academic performance or social adjustment [9].…”