Tourette’s and Tic Disorder

Tourette’s is a result of an issue with the nervous system that cause sudden, repetitive movements or sounds called tics. Often, these behaviors stand out from what is considered to be normal behavior. There are two types of tics: motor and vocal. Motor tics are involuntary physical movements like a head jerking or shoulder shrugging. These tics can be suppressed, but that suppression may lead to discomfort that can only be relieved by performing the tic. Vocal tics are sounds someone makes or words they say that come out randomly.

Tic disorders are thought to be a result of stress and sleep deprivation. If your teen has been showing signs of tics, try getting them to sleep and relax more and see if that lessens the severity of their condition.

How Can Turn-About Ranch Help?

25 percent of children have some form of tic disorder. This may sound like a high number, but most children will grow out of their tics by the time they’re teenagers. When coupled with anxiety or sleep problems, those with tics may develop behavioral issues too. If this is the case with your teen, our therapists can work with them on appropriately managing their tics and cope with the possible underlying issues that may have caused them in the first place.