Designated as a Center for Excellence by the Tics & Tourette Association, Akron Children’s has been recognized as having an exceptional level of care, treatment and research in Tourette syndrome and tic disorders. We are dedicated to diagnosing and treating children and teens, and can minimize the symptoms in 6 weeks with a proven therapy called Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).
An estimated 1 out of 100 children between the ages of 5 and 17 have a tic disorder or Tourette syndrome, and boys are affected 3 to 4 times more often than girls.
These conditions are highly disruptive to a child’s life and are frequently misunderstood by others. They can harm a child’s relationships with friends and family, interfere with school or work, and even pose harm to children with severe disorders.
Tics are relatively sudden, brief and repetitive involuntary movements (motor tics) or sounds (vocal tics) that may be simple (blinking, nose twitching or grunting) or complex (a facial grimace combined with a head twist or repetitive words or phrases). They may last for a brief period or continue into adolescence and adulthood.
Tourette syndrome (TS) is the most severe kind of tic disorder that involves both motor and vocal tics. It’s common for those with TS to have another condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Our specialists will determine if your child’s tics interfere with daily functioning or school performance, and/or whether other conditions are present, such as ADHD or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
For children and teens ages 7-18, we offer Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), which teaches people to change their behavior over time and tic less. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found CBIT to be more effective than basic supportive therapy and education.
CBIT has 3 components:
Our program includes an initial evaluation, 6 weekly, 60-minute sessions. To be accepted into the program, you must be able to make this weekly commitment.
A referral from your child’s doctor is also required to make sure any other conditions have been addressed.
Pediatric Psychologist; Nationally Certified School Psychologist; Interim Director, Division of Neurobehavioral Health; Associate Director, Pediatric Psychology Fellowship; Program Director, School Success Clinic; Clinic Director, Tic and Tourette Service
At Akron Children’s, your child’s health and safety is our priority. Please continue to bring your child for wellness visits, vaccinations or sick care appointments that keep children healthy. We want to assure you that we have taken additional precautions to ensure a safe environment for your child and family. The following are additional safety efforts, in addition to our normal cleaning protocols, that we are taking to help you be comfortable bringing your child to an appointment.
Akron Children’s has a number of safety protocols in place for our patients and visitors in order to provide a safe hospital environment.
tics, tourette syndrome, repetitive movements, repetitive sounds, motor tics, vocal tics