What are tic disorders?
There are three types of tic disorders: Tourette’s Disorder, Provisional Tic Disorder, and Persistent Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder. In order to make a diagnosis, a thorough interview must be completed. The interview will discuss the types of tics present and how long the tics have lasted.
Tics typically emerge between the ages of 5-7 years, most often with a motor tic of the head and neck region. They tend to increase in frequency and severity between the ages of 8-12 years.
– Tourette Association of America
What does treatment look like?
Treatment for tic disorders is individualized to meet the needs of your child. One of the most effective treatments for tic disorders is a therapy known as Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). This is an established treatment that teaches children to change their behavior by being more aware of the situations that trigger tics, having a better understanding of the urge and the tic, learning strategies to resist the urge, and practicing things to do instead. The therapist will work with collaboratively with you and your child through each step of the process.
Examples of Tics
blinking eyes
jerking body parts
making facial grimaces
coughing
clearing throat
repeating words
sniffing
knuckle cracking