In our ongoing exploration of treatment options for suppressing tics, we’ve discussed numerous approaches, such as medications and behavioral therapies like Habit Reversal Training (HRT). While these strategies can be effective for some children and teens, results can vary significantly. Parents of children with Tourette Syndrome understandably yearn for a breakthrough — a definitive, safe treatment that can alleviate their child’s symptoms. In light of this, let’s explore two therapies showing great promise in the realm of Tourette Syndrome treatment: Neopulse and Ecopipam. Neopulse Developed ..read more

For the many parents of children and adolescents with persistent tic disorder and Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as adults with TS, the quest for treatments to increase the quality of life and reduce the severity of tics is constant and ongoing.  Treatments of TS Vary in Effectiveness None of the prescription drugs currently approved for use eliminate tics completely but physicians may prescribe medications to lessen the intensity of severe or disruptive tics caused by TS. Unfortunately, the class of medications usually prescribed often has side effects including weight gain, stiff muscl ..read more

School is back in full swing now and as the curriculum progresses and increases in complexity, students have more information and activity to juggle and organize. Students need to manage their schoolwork, establish and follow a routine and schedule, manage time and prioritize tasks, and initiate and finish assignments. These skills are collectively referred to as “executive functioning skills.” In today’s blog, we are discussing how Tourette Syndrome (TS) and its co-morbidities can affect “executive functions.” According to the Annual Review of Psychology, there are three common core “executiv ..read more

People who have tics or Tourette Syndrome often also have OCD-like behaviors. Those affected with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have agonizing irrational thoughts (obsessions) that lead to a strong emotional reaction, such as anxiety or disgust, and they often use repeated excessive behaviors (compulsions) to reduce this anxiety. In 2015, NJCTS published these general statistics on comorbidities in TS: 25%-50% of people with Tourette or Chronic Tic Disorder meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis of OCD 80% of people with Tourette or Chronic tic disorder may have obsessive compulsive b ..read more

Are you planning on traveling this fall or for the upcoming holidays? You cannot be too early in your preparations if you have Tourette Syndrome (TS) or are traveling with someone who has TS. Extra preparation can make the trip much smoother. Traveling can be stressful for everyone. Air travelers are subject to long lines, cumbersome security measures that often invade one’s personal space, canceled flights, and fellow passengers that are sometimes agitated. Then there is COVID and the on-going questions about masking and sanitization. There are ways to alleviate some of the stress but often u ..read more

Why are there myths and misconceptions about Tourette Syndrome (TS)? One reason could be that TS is not diagnosed with a blood, laboratory, or imaging test. Instead, knowledgeable clinicians evaluate and interpret a patient’s symptoms. Depending on who is observing symptoms and reporting them, TS can go undetected or undiagnosed. Also, the symptoms which characterize TS are exhibited involuntarily and for some people seem embarrassing or awkward. TS raises human curiosity because of how it presents itself. In this article, we address five of the most frequently questioned facts or myths about ..read more

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Summer is here, but before you know it, it will be Labor Day. So, there’s no time like the present to start planning for your child’s next school year especially if your son or daughter has a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome (TS) or the symptoms of TS. Skip to our list of helpful resources for parents What is TS and how does it manifest itself? Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable vocal (phonic) sounds called tics. In a few cases, such tics can include inappropriate words ..read more

What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder. The name Asperger’s Syndrome has been discontinued and the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome are now included in a condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Many people still use the term Asperger’s Syndrome when talking about the condition.  Young people with Asperger’s Syndrome or ASD have a difficult time relating to others socially and their behavior and thinking patterns can be rigid and repetitive. Often, children and teens with Asperger’s Syndrome can speak more easily with adults rather than their p ..read more

For TS Awareness Month, Dr. Marc Schmidt, a professor of Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania, explains the genetics behind Tourettes Syndrome. Is Tourette hereditary? Part 1 Part 2 Special thanks to PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance (PATSA) for sharing these videos! Follow Dr. Schmidt on Twitter @Marc_F_Schmidt Dr. Gary Heiman, professor of genetics, answers the question, Does Tourette Syndrome Run in Families? The post The Genetics of Tourettes Syndrome with Marc Schmidt, PhD. appeared first on TS Parents Online ..read more

Thursday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. We invite fathers (grandfathers and father figures, too) of children with Tourette Syndrome or other tic disorders to dialogue with one another during this special Tourette Talk just for dads. This session will be led by Dr. Jeff Lederman, a dad “who’s been there, done that” and who can relate to the challenges and experiences of other fathers raising children with TS. In advance of Father’s Day, gift yourself this hour and join us for an opportunity to connect and reflect (and maybe even laugh a little!). Dr. Jeff Lederman is a graduate of a combined Internal Me ..read more