Understanding Tourettes Syndrome in Children
Welcome to the BrainX Movement breakdown of Tourettes and the symptoms.
Tourettes Doesn't have to Define Your Child
This article aims to explore Tourettes signs, diagnosis, the traditional methods of support and the BrainX method to supporting children.
Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects children and is characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics. Children with Tourette's Syndrome often have co-occurring conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This condition typically begins in childhood, with the average onset occurring between the ages of 5 and 7 years old. Tourette’s Syndrome affects approximately 1 in 100 children, with boys being three to four times more likely to develop the condition than girls[1]. Children with Tourette's Syndrome typically have
a normal life expectancy.
What is Tourette's Syndrome, a Neurological Disorder?
Tourette’s Syndrome is a complex neurological disorder that causes individuals to make sudden, uncontrollable movements or sounds, known as tics. Tourette's Syndrome is a type of tic disorder. These tics
can range from mild to severe and may change over time[1]. The condition is named after Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the syndrome in 1885.
Key characteristics:
- Presence of both motor and vocal tics
- Presence of multiple motor tics
- Tics that persist for more than a year
- Onset before the age of 18
The BrainX way of supporting children with Stimming
Addressing the cause not supporting the symptoms.
By truly understanding the brain’s developmental process, BrainX categorically believes that Tics are not a life sentence and through movement, exercise, nutrition and education all behaviours can be reversed we....
- Offer no medication
- Assess for Retained Primitive Reflexes
- Assess for Hemispheric Imbalances
- Assess for Sensory Dysfunctions
It offers exercises and movement programs to rebalance the neurological foundations, helping our children thrive.
The Major Neurological Milestones...
Through our research and clinical practice, we repeatedly see these major neurological milestones as the causality of Tics:
Unintegrated Moro Reflex, ATNR , Spinal Galant reflex, TLR, STNR, Palmer Reflex, Rooting Reflex, Babinski Reflex & Landau Reflex coupled with dysfunctional Breathing, sensory delays (in particular
vestibular and proprioception) & dysfunctional movement patterns.
Learn more about Primitive Reflexes, and how they need to be 'turned off' >
Signs and Symptoms
The primary symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome are tics, which can be categorised as either motor or vocal tics.
Tics can become more complex and involve multiple muscle groups, known as complex tics.
Physical tics are a significant symptom of Tourette's Syndrome.
Motor tics:
- Eye blinking
- Facial grimacing
- Shoulder shrugging
- Head jerking
Vocal tics:
- Throat clearing
- Grunting
- Sniffing
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
In children, tics may first appear around the age of 5 or 6 and often begin with simple motor tics like eye blinking or nose twitching[1]. As the child grows older, the tics may become more complex and involve multiple muscle groups.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Tourette’s Syndrome is not fully understood, but research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Tic disorders, including Tourette's Syndrome, can be influenced by genetic,
psychological, and environmental factors.
Genetic factors:
- Family history of tics or Tourette's Syndrome (Epi genetics not genes)
- Alterations in specific genes related to brain development
Environmental influences:
- Prenatal and perinatal factors
- Infections or autoimmune reactions
- Stress or anxiety
It's important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing Tourette's Syndrome, having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that a child will develop the condition.
Treatment Options
Below is the traditional thought process of treatment options. It is completely outdated. We have successfully treated many children with Tourettes - by firstly addressing Retained Primitive Reflexes, then Sensory Dysfunctions, in particular eye tracking, audio and breathing and finally postural, stability and coordination dysfunction. Then behaviour and occupational therapies become really effective.
While there is no cure for Tourette’s Syndrome, there are effective strategies to manage and reduce the frequency of tics. Various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for children with the condition.
- Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention Therapies:
- Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
- Habit reversal training
- Exposure and response prevention
Medications:
- Alpha-2 agonists (e.g., clonidine, guanfacine)
- Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, aripiprazole)
- ADHD medications (for co-occurring ADHD)
Educational interventions:
- Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
- Classroom accommodations
- Social skills training
Primx Programme
Primx Programme
See if your child would benefit from our course and train
Support and Resources
Numerous organisations and resources are available to support children with Tourette's Syndrome and their families.
Organisations and support groups:
- Tourette Association of America
- Tourettes Action (UK)
- Local support groups and online communities
Educational materials:
- Books and brochures about Tourette's Syndrome
- Online webinars and workshops
- Educational videos for children and families
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential that as a society we shift away from the narrative that developmental disorders are genetic, fixed, and permanent. There is no scientific or medical evidence to support this view. Recognising that these disorders are not immutable opens up the possibility of reversing their associated symptoms and behaviours.
Our incredible brain, through neuroplasticity, has an extraordinary capacity to adapt and improve when provided with the right stimuli—movement, nutrition, and cognitive engagement
Frequently Asked Questions | Tourettes
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