Tic and Tourette Service

About tics and Tourette syndrome.

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).

Reducing tics through comprehensive behavioral therapy.

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:

• Teaching children to become more aware of their tics
• Training them to perform a competing behavior when they feel the urge to have a tic
• Making changes in daily activities that can reduce the number of tics

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.