My son is almost 8, has Tourette Syndrome and has multiple rage attacks daily. It wasn't until a few months ago that I discovered there is a difference between throwing a tantrum and having a rage attack. I had always thought he just had a strong temper. Does anyone else experience these and how do you deal with it?

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It seems that a tantrum is willfully done (although they can get carried away), but what you're talking about is basically involuntary, right? Is your son in therapy to help him deal with these when the feelings first start to well up, and try to head them off? In other words, coping exercises? Has occupational therapy ever addressed this with him?

Counting to 10
Splashing water on face
Saying a calming word or feeling a "worry stone" or other comforting textural thing in his pocket.
A calming touch (being held down or just held in arms, like hugging makes it worse, as it takes the feeling of control away - at that point HE needs to feel in control)
An ice pack or hot water bottle - whichever feels better
Bundling in blankets or piling pillows on top of himself
Some say letting him scream, but I haven't seen that work. Crying does, sometimes, though.
A bath or swim.
A walk at his own pace.
Cutting up paper with scissors
Coloring
Scrubbing something clean
Lifting dumbbells
Stretching
Jumping on a mini trampoline
Falling into a bean bag
Squats or pushups
Running
Boxing - with either the inflatable boppers or into a boxing bag/sack thing

Just some ideas. A cold, sweet drink and something crunchy, like a carrot stick in ranch dressing sometimes helps.

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You know Tourettes can go hand in hand with Mood Disorders. Has he been evaluated for that?

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Becki in IN
SAHM to two great girls, ages 12 and 10
fostering to adopt their baby brother, age 10 mos.

Can you describe what happens during the rage attacks? Does he become violent towards himself or others? I don't know if this would help you depending on the size of your son but when my dd would have these all-out fits (screaming, hitting herself, pulling at her hair) I would get her in a basket hold. Sit on the ground, cross your legs over his, cross his arms across his chest (not too rough) and keep your head to the side so you don't get a head butt, and just hold him. When my dd did this she couldn't calm herself down, this hold would calm her down after a few minutes, then she would cry and want to be held.

I've heard of the water in the face but that just made my dd angrier. It does work for my sister though.