Tourettes acknowledgement assessment, & diagnosis.. any advice please :)

[Flora_Fauna]

My 12 year old son has had motor Tics since the age of 5, & Vocal (tics coughing, grunting,throat clearing, sniffing,) appeared a bit later around 8 years old, at first we thought it was just pesky habits, as he has got older I've been convinced he has Tourettes, as there has never been a day in the last 8 years that he has Not tic'd .

However over the last 2 1/2 years he has been undergoing tests,for a 'formulation diagnosis' (as written on medical correspondence) ADHD(combined), ASD (Aspergers) Tics, Sensory issues/disorder , with the child psychologists at 'Forward Thinking Birmingham' (Organisation like CAMHS) & his Tourettes isn't getting a look in!

No-one seems to be taking his Tourettes as a primary diagnosis or catalyst for all his other difficulties . I'm convinced Tourettes is his primary difficulty,Its the most obvious & his symptoms from ASD & ADHD cross over & merge together if that makes sense?

I really want him to be assessed for Tourettes, but FTB can't/don't ?, they said Birmingham Children's hospital can?, Birmingham Children's hospital said that they can't/don't? & that FTB can! It's sooo frustrating it's like my son is in a constant game of ping pong between medical organisations!

Has anyone else had difficulties with diagnosis?

My son & I would very much appreciate some advice,

Thankyou in advance 🤗

[Hb2003]

Hello have you talked to his primary care doctor?

[Flora_Fauna in reply to Hb2003]

Hi thankyou for reading & replying..Think I may have to go back to the beginning of my sons journey 3 years ago where our concerns were first raised & take your advice

[Hb2003 in reply to Flora_Fauna]

I have a friend with Tourette’s syndrome

[Flora_Fauna in reply to Hb2003]

You sound like an amazing supportive friend! 🤝🏽 x

[Hb2003 in reply to Flora_Fauna]

Thank you 🙏

[Bootgates]

I wondered if you have looked at the official tourettes website? Maybe there might be some contact info on there for you for support?

[Flora_Fauna in reply to Bootgates]

Hi Thankyou for your reply..I have, & called them to get a list of consultants/specialists sent via email to contact, sadly they are all too far away think the nearest to us is Nottingham? Most others Birmingham only diagnose & treat adults with Tourettes,not children. It's so frustrating, I even looked into going private?, as my son is still in the longggg process of diagnosis for his other difficulties within another medical organisation ..Thankyou again 😊

[Bootgates in reply to Flora_Fauna]

Sorry to hear that. I wouldn't worry too much as a lot of these different diagnoses have a lot of overlapping symptoms. Continue with the appointments for now but if you do go the route of medicine then only do one medication at a time.However, with what I've learned from life I highly recommend you really try with your child's diet.

I highly recommend a high raw vegan diet. Keep it as natural as possible.

Highest energy food on planet is raw fruits.

The mind is the product of the brain, the brain is a product of the body and the body is the product of the food we eat.

[Flora_Fauna in reply to Bootgates]

Interesting & thought provoking reply, Thankyou 🤗 I totally agree about medication, I don't want my son to take any medication at the moment,until he really, really, has to take anything to help him, as a last resort..I prefer the communication & mindfulness support route, for as long as it helps.I will definitely look into the dietary aspects of help too.. Yes you're right they do all overlap hey 🙃 .. I just read your bio, I think you are amazingly brave especially with the difficulties you face..Thankyou for taking your time out to reply & for all your advice 💐