{"id":2598,"date":"2026-02-23T13:23:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T14:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/naturallywoodcreations.com\/?p=2598"},"modified":"2026-02-25T15:32:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:32:39","slug":"kids-start-showing-signs-of-tourettes-from-age-six-heres-the-one-major-thing-to-look-out-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/naturallywoodcreations.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/kids-start-showing-signs-of-tourettes-from-age-six-heres-the-one-major-thing-to-look-out-for\/","title":{"rendered":"Kids start showing signs of Tourette\u2019s from age six \u2013 here\u2019s the one major thing to look out for"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\"A\t<\/div>
Tourette Syndrome can begin presenting in children at a very young age(Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the 2026 BAFTA Awards<\/a>, host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after a number of involuntary comments were made by Tourette Syndrome<\/a> (TS) activist John Davidson.<\/p>\n

John was invited to the awards ceremony to celebrate the nomination of ‘I Swear’, a film based on his life, showcasing the reality of living with Tourettes.<\/p>\n

On multiple occasions throughout the awards ceremony, John could be heard by audience members directing swear words towards certain individuals, including one moment when he shouted the N-word<\/a> at Michael B Jordan<\/a> and Delroy Lindo, who were presenting an award.<\/p>\n

The BBC<\/a> apologised for the comments saying: ‘Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026. <\/p>\n

‘This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional.’ <\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"2026\t<\/div>
John Davidson is a Tourette Syndrome activist who served as the inspiration for the recent BAFTA winning film ‘I Swear’ (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, the broadcaster has been slammed for the ‘throw away apology’.<\/p>\n

Experts and individuals with the condition themselves have pointed out how Tourette’s can manifest itself in different ways, and often symptoms can be deeply unsettling to witness, which is why education surrounding the syndrome is so crucial.<\/p>\n

John was first diagnosed when he was just 12 years old, but some children experience display signs of the condition from as young as six. <\/p>\n

What are the early signs of Tourette Syndrome?<\/h2>\n

While you can be diagnosed with Tourette’s at any point in your life, the says that symptoms tend to start around the age of six, and can get more noticeable around age 10.<\/p>\n

Tourette’s also happens to be more common in boys than girls. And although medical professionals don’t know exactly why it happens, you are more likely to develop Tourette’s if one of your parents has it.<\/p>\n

The main symptom of TS is tics. Kim Mitchell, CEO of Tourette’s Syndrome Inclusion in the Community (T.I.C.), tells Metro <\/strong>that ‘tics can start off very small, usually you will notice things like rapid eye blinking or sniffing.<\/p>\n

‘It is more common for children to be diagnosed young, however as many tics can go unmissed later stresses such as hormones and school<\/a> anxiety can increase symptoms appearing to cause a later onset.’<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\"A\t<\/div>
Tourette’s Syndrome can sometimes begin presenting itself in children as young as six year old (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tics can include repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics). In both cases, you won’t have any choice or control over them.<\/p>\n

Some of the most common vocal tics include: whistling, sniffing or clearing your throat, making animal sounds, repeating certain words or phrases.<\/p>\n

Physical or motor tics tend to be: rolling your eyes or blinking, shrugging your shoulders, jerking or twitching movements, tensing your stomach muscles, jumping, or sniffling, as Kim mentions.<\/p>\n

Kim goes on to note that while there are not different types of TS, it is a spectrum condition: ‘Some individuals may have more simple tics and others more complex, but the impact they have on each individual is no less for someone who does not fit the stereotypical expectations.’<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"Michael\t<\/div>
The incident took place while Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award (Picture: 2026 Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

\n\t\t\t\tCan people with Tourette's suppress tics?\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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While tics can be temporarily suppressed, it requires a lot of concentrated control and effort and is not a long-term solution to Tourette Syndrome.<\/p>\n

Often referred to as suppressibility, containing verbal or physical tics can lead to increased tension or fatigue.<\/p>\n

Tourette Syndrome charity T.I.C. explains: ‘Some people are naturally able to suppress their tics at times and others work hard to do so. <\/p>\n

‘Not everyone has the ability, and the discomfort and exhaustion it brings is often a reason many choose not to. It is very much like shaking that cola bottle, eventually the lid will come off and the explosion will occur.’<\/p>\n

Some people with TS also experience premonitory sensations (urges), not dissimilar from what you’d feel if you needed to sneeze or scratch an itch. This intense urge can only be released once you complete the tic. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

How common is swearing as a tic?<\/h2>\n

In more rare cases, individuals with Tourette’s can also have tics that involve repetitive swearing, known in the medical community as ‘coprolalia’.<\/p>\n

According to Kim, this particular symptom is said to affect around 10% of individuals living with TS.<\/p>\n

Explaining this in more detail, Kim notes: ‘Tics are not a representation of what an individual is thinking, in fact most coprolalia comes from a place of anxiety<\/a>, fear of upsetting someone or saying the wrong thing. <\/p>\n

‘As a society, we know what we can and can’t say, and that fear of saying it will often result in the tic coming out.’<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"EE\t<\/div>
In 2019, John Davidson was awarded an MBE for his activism and efforts to increase societal understanding of the condition (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What is the treatment for Tourette Syndrome?<\/h2>\n

If you suspect your child might be displaying early signs of TS, the best thing to do is consult a physician straight away.<\/p>\n

A confirmed diagnosis is important to ensure the right treatment course is prioritised. So, following a GP appointment, referral is usually to a paediatrician or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.<\/p>\n

While there is no specific treatment for TS, getting educated and understanding Tourette’s is a crucial first step.<\/p>\n

There’s been a lot of progress in this sector thanks to activists such as John, as well as countless young people who regularly dispel myths about the condition online and provide a window into what life is really like.<\/p>\n

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\nhttps:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@trainwithcalum\/video\/7578787824686714134?q=living%20with%20tourettes&t=1771847869927<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Behavioural therapy can sometimes be recommended to help individuals learn how to cope with their tics. Following this, medicine can also be prescribed. However, the type of medicine you or your child may be offered also depends on if you also have ADHD<\/a> or OCD<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Other more day-to-day things to be considered are having a consistent daily routine with lots of physical activity, having a calm and regular sleep routine, and trying to avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress can exacerbate tics.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n


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