Tourette Syndrome (TS)

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition. TS causes people to have “tics”. Tics are involuntary movements and vocalizations. Typically the condition emerges between ages 2-15. Males are four times more likely to develop TS. While there is no cure for TS, treatment is available. Tics can often get worse during growth spurts as well as times of excitement or times of stress. Tics frequently decrease during the later teen years.

Types of Tics:

Vocal Tics: clearing your throat, coughing, spitting, humming, snorting, exaggerated breathing sounds, clicking tongue and sniffing

Motor Tics: blinking of the eyes, rolling of the eyes, flipping of the hair, tensing of the muscles, tapping of the toes, grinding teeth, pulling out hair, hitting self and skin picking

Mental Tics: intrusive words, images and thoughts, obsessing about the same topic, on track mindset

Common Characteristics: impulsive, rigid thinking, struggles to transition, weak organizational skills, struggles to stop, and reactive.

Additionally, some people with TS repeat or echoes words or phrases, some say vulgar or inappropriate words, invade space, inappropriately touch, or become overly concerned with their health as well as become focused on forbidden actions.