11 year old cannot control "habits"

My 11 year old son has developed "habits" that he cannot control.  For example, his school work takes him 2-3 times longer than it should because he has to erase every second or third word because it isn't perfect.  He has to blink or rub his shoulder to his face........this started a few months ago.  At that time, he was also having "bad feelings", the doctor said to take him off Singulair, which we did and the "bad feelings" stopped, but he is so frustrated that he cannot stop the other "habits".  The only time he does not have them is when he is playing baseball (which he loves and is good at) or while running and playing with his friends.   I would appreciate any info and/or direction on what we need to do to help our son.

Thank you so much for your anticipated help..

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

I am sorry to hear about your son's troubles- as a parent, I can sympathize with how distressing this must be for you and your son.  It seems to me that it is a good sign that your son does not have these "habits" when he is playing baseball or with his friends- this makes me think that your son will be able to manage them with the appropriate help and guidance.  I think you need to consult your son's doctor again and explain that though the "bad feelings" have gone away, your son's "habits" have continued.  If your doctor feels that these habits are not related to the Singulair or some other physiological explanation, then I would then ask for a recommendation for a child psychologist or a child behavior therapist.  As parents, we need to be strong advocates for our children- so if you do not get a positive response from your son's doctor, then you need to be insistent (respectful but still insistent).  Only you know the impact this is having on your child and you need to give him the best opportunity to overcome this.  Good luck.

Bridget