An exploratory study into an adapted use of the Alert Program for tic disorder in children. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soler, Nicolette; Hardwick, Chris; Perkes, Iain E; Dossetor, David; Bray, Paula; Dale, Russell C
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 27:Number 2(2019:Apr.)
• Page Start: 144
• Page End: 151
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Tourette syndrome -- tic disorders -- sensory -- child; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856218815750
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objectives: This preliminary study explored whether an adapted approach to the Alert Program, that uses sensorimotor strategies, might assist with management of tic disorders in children. The Alert Program, a program that uses sensorimotor strategies for self-regulation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, had not been trialled with children with tic disorders. Methods: Ten children with tic disorder were assessed using the Dunn Sensory Profile 2 (SP2), the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and the Parent Tic Questionnaire (PTQ). Participants attended three 60–90-minute appointments with an occupational therapist and clinical psychologist for implementation of the adapted Alert Program. Results: The YGTSS showed tic reduction in all participants. The total YGTSS pre-intervention mean score of 46.5 improved to 17.7 post-therapy. Five participants reported no impairment post-therapy. PTQ scores reduced in nine participants. On the SP2, 30% of participants scored as having sensory sensitivities that impaired daily function. Conclusions: This exploratory study found trialling an adapted approach to the Alert Program that uses sensorimotor-based approach decreased tic severity in children with tic disorders. A randomised controlled trial is needed to establish the effectiveness and feasibility of this approach.