Navigating Tic Disorder Management the Holistic Way!

Navigating Tic Disorder Management the Holistic Way! 

Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child’s tic disorder diagnosis? Tired of the endless merry-go-round of doctor visits and medication trials? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty of holistic tic management – and trust me, it’s going to be a wild ride! 

The Conventional Approach: A Never-Ending Game of Whack-a-Mole 

First, let’s talk about the conventional approach to managing tic disorders. You know the drill: you take your kiddo to the doctor, they get diagnosed (usually without any actual tests), and then you’re handed a prescription or six. Yep, you read that right – SIX prescriptions! 

But here’s the kicker: those meds? They’re not going to cure your child’s tics. In fact, they’re often prescribed off-label (meaning they’re not even approved for treating tics!), and they rarely reduce symptoms by more than 50%. Talk about a letdown!  It can be frustrating to realize that the medications prescribed for tics may not be as effective as you hoped. Fortunately, there are other tic disorder treatments available that may offer relief for your child. From behavioral therapy to relaxation techniques and alternative medications, there are a variety of options to explore with your child’s healthcare provider. It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to try different approaches to find the best treatment for your child’s tics.

So, you keep going back to the doctor, trying new meds, hoping for a miracle – but it feels like you’re playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. And all the while, you’re left wondering: what the heck is actually going on inside my child’s body? 

The Holistic Approach: A Whole New Ballgame 

There is another way – the holistic way. When you choose the holistic, functional approach, you’re choosing to dig deep and get to the root of your child’s tic disorder. We’re talking functional lab testing, genetic analysis, checking for mold toxicity, heavy metals, environmental toxins – the whole shebang! 

Now, I’m not going to lie to you – this approach is hard too. It takes time (we’re talking 1-2 months of work for every year your child has been struggling), and it requires some lifestyle changes (goodbye, gluten! ). But here’s the thing: it’s a different kind of hard.

Instead of constantly putting Band-Aids on the problem (looking at you, meds), you’re actually addressing the underlying issues. And yes, there might be some bumps along the way (healing crises, anyone?), but you’re working towards a long-term solution – not just a temporary fix.

Teaching Your Kids to Listen to Their Bodies 

Perhaps the most important part of the holistic approach? Teaching your kids to listen to their own bodies. When they can tune in to what’s going on inside them – whether it’s a racing heart, anxiety, or just feeling “off” – they’re empowered to take control of their health. And that, my friends, is a skill that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. 

So, Which Sandwich Will You Choose?  At the end of the day, managing a tic disorder is hard – no matter which approach you choose. It’s like my friend Janette always says: “Choose your sandwich.”  Because whether you go the conventional route or the holistic route, there’s going to be struggles along the way.

But as someone who’s been there, done that (and bought the gluten-free, dairy-free t-shirt ), I can tell you this: the holistic approach? It’s the sandwich that’s worth sinking your teeth into. It may be a tough journey, but trust me – the destination is oh-so-worth it!