Tourette Syndrome (TS) is part of a spectrum of hereditary, childhood-onset, neurodevelopmental conditions referred to as Tic Disorders. These conditions affect both children and adults, causing them to make sudden, uncontrollable movements and/or sounds called tics. TS and tics can be emotionally, physically, and socially debilitating.
Learn more about Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders by exploring our “What is Tourette” page and the 2022 TAA Impact Survey.
To access personalized support, please contact us by using this site’s chat functionality or by emailing support@tourette.org.
Join your community! Attend one of our free and helpful webinars, trainings, support groups, and events to connect with others who share your experiences.
Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders are not rare. The current estimates are that 1 out of every 160 children between the ages of 5-17 in the United States has TS and that 1 out of every 50 children has TS or another Tic Disorder.
- TS and Tic Disorders affect all races and ethnicities.
- Tics regularly change in type, frequency, and severity—sometimes for reasons unknown and sometimes in response to specific internal and external factors, including stress, anxiety, excitement, fatigue, and illness.
- Among children diagnosed with TS, 5 in 6 (83%) also have been diagnosed with a co-occurring condition such as autism, ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, or depression.
- According to the 2022 TAA Impact Survey:
- 38% of children with TS or another Tic Disorder report feeling worried about being socially isolated due to their tics.
- 48% of adults with TS or another Tic Disorder have considered suicide at some point in their lives. 27% attempted suicide at least once within the 12 months before the 2022 Impact Survey was disseminated.
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Help Us Spread Awareness
Every day, members of our community face injustice, discrimination, and cruelty born from ignorance. By building awareness, you’re working to usher in a brighter future where people living with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders are free from these obstacles. Find tools, events, and resources that you can use to help build a world where our community can #TicFreely. Because when people know better, they do better.
Hear Our Stories
More Than Just Tics - What it's Like to Live with TS
Learn about what it’s like to live with a Tic Disorder from multiple members of the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders community through this powerful video.
Chloe's Story
Hear from Chloe about her journey to diagnosis as a Black woman in the US.
Sophia's Story
Hear from Sophia about her experiences as a Trans woman with Tourette Syndrome and Coprolalia/Copropraxia tics.
Brendon's Story
Hear from Brendon about his childhood journey with Tourette Syndrome, navigating obstacles while at school, and his ongoing pursuit of social acceptance.
Claudia's Story
Hear from Claudia about her Tourette Syndrome story as a woman who comes from a family of immigrants.
John's Story
Hear from John about his experience as a parent who has had to advocate and educate the school system about Tourette Syndrome.
Navigating School with TS
Hear from multiple members of the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders community about the challenges that people in our community face with the school system.
About the TAA
Founded in 1972, the Tourette Association of America (formerly known as the Tourette Syndrome Association) is the only national organization serving the community, and works to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to patients and families impacted by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. To this end, the TAA directs a network of 31 Chapters, 83 support groups and recognizes 18 Centers of Excellence across the country. The TAA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
The mission of the Tourette Association of America is to provide help and hope to those affected by Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders and associated conditions through Awareness, Research, and Support.
For individualized support and answers, please contact our Support staff at support@tourette.org or 888-4-TOURET.
