worried about my neice

[lovemyneice]

My neice is 7 years old.  I haven't seen her in a while but she has just come for a visit.  I'm noticing a tic in which she jerks her head back throwing her chin in the air.  In addition, she has started this short throat clearing thing which she does alot.  She is growing up in a very difficult household and gets very little medical or dental attention due to money issues and no insurance.  Her father is in and out of jail and her mother (my sister) reminds me that none of this is any of my business.   She also limits my access to her and her siblings.  I am so worried that this could be something serious.

I have a friend whose son has had tourettes for years and I recongnize alot of similarities in them.  Can this just be a normal thing for a 7 year old girl or should I be really concerned?  I'm wondering if I need to take drastic measures with my sister to make sure this is addressed.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[lovemyneice]

Hi Zepora,

While I would appreciate comments from all, I was really hoping you would respond to my post.  I've read many of your comments and they are very helpful.  

Well, it is day 2 of my neices visit.  Last night she was very tired and was watching TV in my family room.  I was out on my porch observing her through the window so she did not see me.  It was so sad to watch her.... What I thought was a simple neck jerk tic turned into many different types of tics.  She is also taking a deep breath, thrusting her arms out - fingers spread and then clenching fists and punching her legs.  Another one is when she rolls her eyes way up and tips her head way back while opening her mouth as big as she can.  They all seem to be involuntary movement.  At times she almost seems to get a look like "What just happened?" on her face right after a tic.  This all looks very much like tourettes to me but I don't know if it could just be caused by stress.  She has a terrible home life.  My siblings and I are beginning to believe that her father is being abusive to my sister.  I'm sure all of this can be emotionally taxing to a child but I just wonder if the tics could be related to it??  

It is just such a difficult situation.... I don't believe she will get medical attention but there is only so much I can do because she is not my child.  Thank you so much for your comments.  They are greatly appreciated

[Zepora]

I am so sorry that you have noticed these signs in your niece. It is very difficult for me to say, at this point, knowing what little I do about her. whether or not she has Tourette or not. Really, only a Specialist in this disease can make a qualified diagnosis. There are so many other things that it could be. If your family is pushing you out of their business and you continue to be concerned about the matter, then get back to me or Post a question again. I hope, for all your sakes, that it is not Tourette.
Hugs & Prayers
Zepora