Overview
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).
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.
Locations/Contact Us
Contact Tic and Tourette Service
Akron Children's Hospital Neurobehavorial Health, Akron
Considine Professional Building
215 W. Bowery St.
Suite 4400
Akron, Ohio 44308
Fax: 330-543-8054
More about this location...
Map & directions
Our Doctors/Providers
Director: School Success Clinic and Tic and Tourette Service; Pediatric Psychologist; Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Resources and Stories
- A to Z: Tic Disorder
- Tourette Syndrome
- Tourette Association Youth Ambassador Program
- Meet Ethan "Mega T" Herald
- Akron Children's Hospital Program Helps Kids with Tics Retrain the Brain
- Living With Tourette Syndrome
- Katie Coburn, Ohio’s Youth Ambassador Program for Tics & Tourette’s and patient of Akron Children’s
What Should Families Expect When They Come for an Appointment?
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.
Limiting the Number of Caregivers and Face Covering
The number of caregivers permitted to accompany a child to an appointment is dependent on the department you are visiting. Everyone visiting an Akron Children's facility is asked to wear masks or face coverings, except for kids under 2 or those with sensory issues. Masks will be provided for visitors who do not bring their own.
Checking In and Screening of Visitors
Akron Children's now offers Mobile Check-in to limit your exposure to others. You'll receive a text an hour before your child's appointment arrival time. Click the link in the text when you reach the Akron Children's facility for your child's appointment. You will receive a confirmation text that reminds you to wait in your car. Once we determine appropriate spacing is available inside the building, you'll receive a third text to let you know it's OK to come in for your appointment.
Immediately upon entering the building, your temperature will be taken, either by a thermal scanner or a greeter who will also ask you a few questions.
If you are in a waiting room, you’ll notice signs and a limited number of chairs. This is to remind our patients to keep 6 feet of physical distance between your family and others.
Precautions If You Suspect Your Child Has COVID-19
Call your child’s healthcare professional if your child is sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and has been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Your health care professional will work with Ohio’s public health department and the CDC to determine if your child needs to be tested for COVID-19.
View all the safety precautions Akron Children's is taking.
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