Nervous Habits and Tics

Abstract

In TIPs nervous habits or tics are defined as any persistent habits, muscular twitches or spasms which seem to be beyond the immediate control of the child displaying them. Nail biting and thumb sucking are two examples of the persistent nervous habits teachers frequently encounter, and head twitching or the sudden jerking of a shoulder are two common examples of nervous tics. Although not necessarily harmful in themselves to a child, they can lead to embarrassment on the child’s part, social ridicule and even rejection. Left untreated, a nervous habit or tic will almost inevitably impair a child’s social, emotional or educational development and consequently should be a cause of concern to the teacher.