Tic's in Children 2 yyrs of age

Our  grandaughter will be 12mo. old this Wed.1/26/11. She has  deveolped a definate "Tic" or tic's I should say:  She shrugs her right shoulder repetedly when tired or frustrated, she also extends then throws her right arm back behind her for a few seconds. She then resumes her natural motions but often looks down at her right arm like she is trying to understand what is happening?
I am wondering how  many parents dicsovered their child  had a Tic or Tourettes syndrome before their child was 18 mos old?  How many cases are diagnosed at 12 -18 mos?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The movements you describe do appear to be tics, though they may not represent the onset of TD (there is no sign at this point of a vocal tic). While this child is at the young end for tics to develop (more often the younger end of the range is 3-5 years), it is certainly not unheard of. She should be evaluated by her pediatrician and then perhaps by a pediatric neurologist.

[Gammarn]

She does make a repeative snorting noise, through her noise and  mouth.
What do you recommend for the show of discomfort she is displaying after the repeative R shoulder /arm Tic's?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The snorting noise is an example of a vocal tic and, in light of the multiple motor tics in addition, she does meet the criteria for a diahnosis of TD. I would pay no attention to the behavior at all. Focusing on it will serve only to increase any anxiety, and she is too young to make sense of such a condition. Be sure (or her parents should be sure) to arrange an appointment with a pediatric neurologist.