Relationships between tic disorders and obscure neurodevelopmental disorders in preschool-aged children: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Associations between tic disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as stuttering, dyslexia, and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in preschool children are unknown, especially in Japan. This study investigated these associations and their relationship with the support requirements using new screening tool named “Check List of obscure disabilities in Preschoolers” (CLASP). Methods We distributed questionnaires to the guardians of children aged 5 or 6 years old in the final grade of preschool. In total, we collected 103 responses. After excluding the responses with missing answers and those that did not provide consent, we analyzed 98 responses. We used t-tests with unequal variances and Spearman’s correlation coefficients to investigate the associations between tic disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We also conducted a two-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis to examine how the severity of tic and other neurodevelopmental disorders symptoms was associated with the support requirements of parents. Results T-tests and correlation analyses suggested weak relationships between tics and stuttering and dyslexia. Conversely, tics and DCD had a significant and robust correlation. Furthermore, multiple regression analyses demonstrated that tics and DCD were significantly associated with parents requiring support. Conclusions These results suggest a relationship between tics and DCD in preschool children. More research on these relationships could promote additional support for children of this age with tic and neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents.