Tic and movement disorders
What are examples of tics?
Motor tic: blinking, shaking, copying others' movements
Vocal: throat clearing, echolalia (repeating words or phrases of others), pallia (repeating self constantly), copropraxia (use of curse words)
How would you explain to a parent that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and not a result of poor discipline?
ADHD is a difference in how the brain develops, especially in the areas that manage attention, planning, impulse control, and activity level. It’s one of the most researched conditions in childhood, and it’s strongly linked to genetics. It isn’t caused by something you did or didn’t do as a parent. Your child isn’t choosing to ignore you or be difficult. The skills involved in sitting still, waiting your turn, and remembering the steps are harder for their brain to control, even when they want to do well
How would you adjust your communication style for a patient who takes language very literally?
Say what you mean and avoid idioms, sarcasm, and figures of speech. Instead of "This might sting a little" say "You will feel a sharp pinch for about 2 seconds"
What are the three different specific learning disorders?
How would you adjust communication for a patient who has tics or an involuntary movement disorder?
Don’t comment or ask them to stop; allow extra time; keep a calm manner
What are the three presentations in DSM-5, and how might each look in a classroom or at home?
What early signs in a toddler might prompt you to recommend a developmental screening?
How would you modify teaching for a patient that has dyslexia?
Use teach-back and pictograms or large print
What's the difference between persistent tic disorder and Tourette syndrome?
Persistent tic disorder: Either one or more motor tics are present or one or more vocal tics are present, not both.
Tourette syndrome: The client experiences two or more motor tics and at least one vocal tic; these may not always occur simultaneously.
What medical conditions should be ruled out?
Hearing impairment and vision disorders
Sleep disorders
Hyperthyroidism
Anemia or iron deficiency
Lead exposure
Why might a change in room, staff, or schedule be especially distressing, and how could you prepare the patient?
Many autistic people rely on routines and sameness to make a confusing, unpredictable world feel manageable. Unexpected change removes that sense of control. Give advance notices, minimize avoidable changes, offer choices for sense of control
What questions would you ask to learn how a patient communicates and processes information?
“How do you prefer to get information: spoken, written, pictures, or a mix?”
“What makes it easier for you to understand or remember instructions?”
“Is there anything about how I’m communicating that isn’t working for you?”