Tics & Tourette’s

In one sentence

Tics are involuntary sounds or movements; Tourette’s is when both motor and vocal tics have been present for over a year.

What parents often notice first

• Eye blinking, throat clearing, shoulder shrugging or facial movements.
• Tics increase with stress, excitement, or tiredness.
• Child may describe a build-up feeling and relief after ticcing.

What this means day-to-day

Tics can be distracting, uncomfortable or embarrassing. They are not deliberate and children cannot simply ‘stop’ them on request.

When to seek help

If tics cause pain, injury, extreme fatigue, bullying, or interfere with learning or social life.

Who can help

• GP
• Paediatrician
• Neurologist
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist

Common myths

• Myth: All children with tics have Tourette’s.
  Truth: Many children have transient tics that come and go. Tourette’s is diagnosed when tics are multiple and long-term.
• Myth: Children tic on purpose for attention.
  Truth: Tics are involuntary. Drawing attention to them often makes them worse.