hopping habit???

I havn't read anything quite like this so I'm really desparate for some sort of direction in handling my situation.  My son is 3 1/2 years old and for about 2 months now he has developed a hopping habit.  He'll be walking, then a little hop.  He'll be sitting, then a hop in his chair on his butt, etc.  It's really really driving my nuts.  Along with this bizarre behavior he also has an annoying ahem, ahem, kind of cough.  Nothing serious.  I've taken him to the doctor to check on the coughing and my doctor said it could be a post nasal drip and prescribed medication but after a week it made no difference at all and i discontinued using it.  I'm sure its just a bad habit of his, but when i mentioned the hopping thing the doctor kind of chuckled.  (I guess he didn't think i was serious, therefore i felt kind of foolish and let it be)  I try to ignore it but it won't go away.  After a couple hours of this i lose my mind and start to yell and tell him to cut it out and he doesn't stop.  I'm am at wits end.  Please help, I can not stand hearing the coughing and watching him hop at the nursery school playground.  He looks foolish also along with everything else.(I also have a 6 year old is pretty normal with no habits.)  Thank you so much.  Nancy  ----  I'LL BE WAITING!!!!!   : )

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The behaviors you describe might well be examples of motor (hopping) and verbal (cough) tics, and signs of neurological problem. A possibility, but not the only one, is Tourette Syndrome. You might request a referral to a pediatric neurologist.

[KatieDee]

My son has Tourettes and has, in the past, displayed the exact behaviors you describe.  Please do not get angry with him for this is something he cannot help or control.  Ignoring the behavior, or the tic, is the best option.  If your son has Tourettes, then the pediatric neurologist will best advise you on how to handle this, and what to expect in the future, such as the tics changing and getting better or worse, more commonly referred to as "waxing and waning."  But do keep in mind there are other possibilities, as the doctor mentioned here.  Whatever the diagnosis, I'm sure your son will be fine.  I know you are anxious to find out what's going on with him, as I was too, but now that three years have gone by we have all adjusted to the tics, the good days and bad days and realize he's still the same little boy, but with something he can't control.  Best of luck to you.