Tic Disorder & Tourette Syndrome
Tics are repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds that children cannot control. Common tics include eye blinking, facial movements, head movements, sniffing, and throat clearing.
Tics often come and go, change over time, or become more noticeable during stress. While tics do not always require treatment, support can be helpful when they cause pain, embarrassment, or interfere with daily activities.
Tics often come and go, change over time, or become more noticeable during stress. While tics do not always require treatment, support can be helpful when they cause pain, embarrassment, or interfere with daily activities.
PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER THERAPY IF TICS:
- Cause discomfort or pain
- Are bothersome or distressing to the child
- Interfere with school, social life, or daily routines
- Increase during stress or transitions
- Occur alongside ADHD, anxiety, or depression, which often impact functioning more than the tics themselves
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The frontline recommended treatment for tic disorders. Through CBIT, children learn to:
- Understand their tics
- Notice the feelings or situations that trigger tics
- Build competing responses that increase control
CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics)
OUR TREATMENT APPROACH
At Ballard Clinic, we use evidence-based interventions to help children gain more control over their tics and reduce distress
Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
Helps children identify early signs of a tic and practice alternative behaviors.
Parent Participation
We offer the inclusion of parents in sessions to help them learn supportive strategies and reduce unintentional pressure.
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- Learning how tics work in the brain
- Increasing awareness of pre‑tic urges
- Practicing competing responses
- Building coping strategies for stress
- Supporting emotional regulation
- Helping kids talk about tics with peers or teachers
- Strengthening confidence and identity
- Parent coaching and school collaboration
WHAT THERAPY LOOKS LIKE
A THERAPY SESSION MAY INCLUDE:
