Neurological Balance and Medical Disorders

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Tourette Syndrome in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Therapy Options

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board – Doctor of Therapy Rehab Division

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

14 min read

Understanding Tourette Syndrome in Children: Signs, Causes, and Therapy Solutions

Tourette Syndrome: What Parents Need to Know

What Is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics. It typically begins in childhood, often between the ages of 5 and 10. Although TS can vary in severity, early identification and intervention can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.

Tourette Syndrome is part of a group of conditions known as tic disorders, which also include chronic motor or vocal tic disorders and provisional tic disorder.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Tourette Syndrome

Children with Tourette Syndrome display both motor and vocal tics, which can range from mild to severe and may change over time.

Motor Tics

  • Eye blinking
  • Facial grimacing
  • Shoulder shrugging
  • Head jerking
  • Jumping or twirling

Vocal (Phonic) Tics

  • Throat clearing
  • Sniffing
  • Grunting
  • Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
  • In rare cases, involuntary use of inappropriate words (coprolalia)

Associated Conditions

  • ADHD
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Anxiety
  • Learning disabilities
  • Sensory processing issues

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Tourette Syndrome is not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic and neurobiological factors. Key influences include:

  • Genetics: TS often runs in families.
  • Brain abnormalities: Involving neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
  • Environmental factors: Prenatal or birth complications may increase risk.

Boys are 3 to 4 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.

How Is Tourette Syndrome Diagnosed?

There is no single test for Tourette Syndrome. A diagnosis is typically made by a pediatric neurologist or developmental specialist based on the following:

  • Presence of both motor and vocal tics for at least one year
  • Onset before the age of 18
  • No other medical condition explains the tics

Diagnostic tools may include:

  • Clinical interview and observation
  • Developmental history
  • Family history
  • Neurological exams

Does My Child Need Therapy for Tourette Syndrome?

While tics may not always require direct treatment, many children with TS benefit from therapy for related challenges, including:

  • Motor coordination issues
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Speech and language delays
  • Social communication difficulties
  • Behavioral or emotional regulation

Therapy Options for Children with Tourette Syndrome

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Focuses on:

  • Coping strategies for tics and related sensory sensitivities
  • Improving motor planning and coordination
  • Supporting participation in school and daily routines

Speech Therapy

Helps with:

  • Vocal tics that impact communication
  • Social language skills and fluency
  • Coping strategies for public speaking or verbal self-regulation

Speech Therapy

  • Helps children with language, cognitive, and communication challenges, especially if seizures affect brain regions involved in speech

Physical Therapy

Addresses:

  • Gross motor skills affected by frequent or intense motor tics
  • Postural control and strength
  • Fatigue or muscle tension resulting from repetitive movements

Therapies can be integrated with behavioral strategies such as CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics), one of the most effective evidence-based treatments.

Living With Tourette Syndrome: What Parents Should Know

  • Most children see tics lessen over time, especially in late adolescence.
  • Supportive environments—both at school and at home—play a vital role.
  • Therapy helps build confidence, improve participation, and reduce frustration.
  • Early intervention can improve outcomes, especially when co-occurring disorders are addressed.

How DrSensory Helps Families Living With Tourette Syndrome

DrSensory is your trusted partner in navigating pediatric therapy. Use our specialized Therapist Directory to connect with:

  • Licensed Occupational Therapists
  • Certified Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Pediatric Physical Therapists

Our therapist profiles include detailed specialties, experience, location filters, and the option to verify licensure—giving you peace of mind as you find the best care for your child.

📍 [Search Therapists Near Me →]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Tourette Syndrome considered a disability?

Tourette Syndrome can qualify as a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, particularly if it impacts learning or behavior. Eligibility for services varies by severity and school district.

Can children with Tourette Syndrome go to regular school?

Yes, most children with TS attend mainstream schools. However, they may benefit from Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to support learning, manage tics, and reduce social stigma.

Do tics always need medication?

No. Many children do not need medication for tics unless they are severe or disruptive. Behavioral therapy (especially CBIT) and supportive therapies can often manage symptoms effectively.

Can therapy reduce tics?

Therapy doesn’t eliminate tics but can help children manage triggers, reduce anxiety, and improve functional abilitiesin daily life. Behavioral interventions like CBIT have been shown to reduce tic severity.

Is Tourette Syndrome lifelong?

While Tourette Syndrome is a lifelong condition, tics often decrease or become less noticeable with age. Some individuals experience complete remission by adulthood.

How do I find a therapist who works with Tourette Syndrome?

DrSensory’s database allows you to search by diagnosis, therapy type, and location. You’ll find vetted, experienced professionals who specialize in developmental and neurological conditions like Tourette Syndrome.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

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