1 in 50 SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN HAVE TOURETTE SYNDROME OR ANOTHER PERSISTENT TIC DISORDER
BUT ONLY 50% HAVE RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS
DO YOU KNOW THE DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR TS?
Given that we know Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a life-long condition and that 83% of individuals living with TS and other tic disorders also experience comorbid conditions such as OCD, ADHD, behavioral and/or anxiety issues, there is a high likelihood that many individuals in your area are in need of the complex care that you and your colleagues can provide. As you know, their care journey must start with a diagnosis.
In the Fall 2023 Porter Novelli DocStyles survey, only 52% of healthcare providers, including neurologists, were able to correctly identify the diagnostic criteria for Tourette Syndrome.
Please explore the information below about Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders to learn how you can further support your patients. Below and across our site, you’ll find many free resources filled with the most up-to-date information on treatment options and more to share with your patients.
What is Tourette Syndrome (TS)?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence.
It is part of the spectrum of Tic Disorders and is characterized by motor and vocal tics. The current estimates are that 1 out of every 50 children has TS or another persistent Tic Disorder.
Treatment
Each person with Tourette Syndrome (TS) or another Tic Disorder is an individual and will require an individualized treatment plan. It is important to note that not everyone with TS or another Tic Disorder will need medical treatment and medical treatment needs can vary over time. While there is no cure for TS or other Tic Disorders, there are a number of treatments, including non-medicine behavioral treatments as well as medications, that can be effective at reducing tics or helping to manage co-occurring conditions. Of course, when making any treatment decisions, it is important that patients consult with a licensed medical provider. While the TAA cannot make medical recommendations, we provide general information.
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
The American Academy of Neurology’s first ever Treatment Guidelines for Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders listed CBIT as the recommended first line of treatment for Tourette Syndrome. CBIT is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatment consisting of three important components:
- Training the patient to be more aware of his or her tics and the urge to tic.
- Training patients to do competing behavior when they feel the urge to tic.
- Making changes to day to day activities in ways that can be helpful in reducing tics.
Many of these strategies are already commonly used in the management of TS symptoms. Many adults with TS report that they have come up with strategies similar to CBIT to manage their tics. CBIT takes the most effective concepts and blends them with strategies that aid people in learning the techniques quickly.
Learn more about CBIT.
Two Options for CBIT Training for Practitioners
The Tourette Association of America offers two options for practitioners to explore CBIT: No-Cost CBIT Overview Workshops.
Co-occurring Conditions
TS commonly has a number of other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions, including OCD, ADHD, behavioral issues, and anxiety, which may present before and cause more impairment than the tics themselves. These are referred to as co-occurring conditions.
Webinars for Medical Providers & Allied Health Professionals
In collaboration with the CDC, the TAA is offering CEU credits via live & recorded webinars for those who are involved in the care of individuals living with Tourette Syndrome and for those who are interested in learning more about TS treatment and management. We invite physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, and psychologists regardless of Tourette Syndrome experience, to participate in these educational programs.
We also invite you to learn about our Medical Advisory Board, our Scientific Advisory Board, and our Centers of Excellence to find and learn about the many leading physicians and researchers who support our community.
Medical Grand Rounds Video Series
These videos were created in collaboration with the CDC and are intended to assist medical and other allied health professionals in learn more about TS and other tic disorders. These videos are free to watch but require registration. Click the Register buttons below to gain access to each video.
Contact programs@tourette.org if you need further assistance.
Medical Grand Rounds Video Series
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TARGET AUDIENCE: Physicians, Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, Occupational therapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists
PREREQUISITES: The target audience should be well-versed in foundational medical skills (diagnostic methods, common assessment modalities, building rapport with patients, etc.). Target audience should also have a basic understanding of diagnostic reference material (e.g., ICD-10, DSM-5).
FEES: No fees are charged for CDC’s CE activities
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE):
To receive continuing education (CE) for WD(SC)4733-TAA Medical Grand Rounds Series, please visit CDC TRAIN and search for the course in the Course Catalog using WD4733-090823. Follow the steps below by 09/08/2025.
- Register for and complete the course.
- Pass the post-assessment at 80%.
- Complete the evaluation.
- Visit Your Learning to access your certificates and transcript.
FEES: No fees are charged for CDC CE activities.
FACULTY/CREDENTIALS:
- Diana Felner, BS, Vice President , Public Policy and Programs, Tourette Association of America
- Peter E. Morrison, DO, Assistant Professor, University of Rochester
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This enduring activity is designed to increase knowledge and change competency of diagnostic criteria for Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders, as well as a means for assimilating these criteria into the audience’s existing patient interview/assessment process. In addition, the presentation provides a basic overview of the various management/treatment strategies used among patients presenting with tics, as well as items or issues of concern to look for related to commonly co-occurring conditions among this population.
OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of the session, the participant should be able to:
- Identify criteria used to diagnose Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders
- Discuss the potential health disparities in individuals with Tourette Syndrome and other Chronic Tic Disorders
- Discuss the strategies that the healthcare team can use to optimize the educator-healthcare team provider relationship.
- Identify effective management strategies for patients with tics.
- Identify effective treatment strategies for patients with tics.
- Identify the common co-occurring conditions seen in patients with Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders
ORIGINATION DATE: September 8, 2023
EXPIRATION DATE: September 2025
CONTACT INFORMATION: Office of Kim Newsome, (404) 498-0605
CME: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this enduring activity for a maximum of (1) AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this activity for (1) nursing contact hours.
CEU: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is authorized by IACET to offer (0.1) CEU’s for this program.
DISCLOSURE: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all planners and presenters must disclose all financial relationships, in any amount, with ineligible
companies during the previous 24 months as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or products under investigational use.
CDC, our planners, and content experts wish to disclose they have no financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Content will not include any discussion of the unlabeled use of a product or a product under investigational use.
CDC did not accept financial or in-kind support from ineligible companies for this continuing education activity.
Medical Grand Rounds - Coprophenomena
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OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of the session, the participant should be able to:
1. Discuss the potential health disparities in individuals with Tourette Syndrome and other Chronic Tic Disorders
2. Discuss the strategies that the healthcare team can use to optimize the educator-healthcare team provider relationship.
3. Identify effective management strategies for patients with tics.
Session Objectives
1. Provide at least three (3) common examples of impairment specific to Coprophenomena
2. List two (2) questions to ask in determining an educator’s familiarity with Coprophenomena
3. Give two (2) examples of classroom/workplace accommodations for Coprophenomena
FACULTY/ CREDENTIALS:
Jan Rowe, Dr. OT, OTR/L, FAOTA, Occupational Therapist at Children’s of Alabama
Barbara Coffey, M.D. MS, TS and Related Disorders Specialist at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Irene Malaty, M.D., Movement Disorder Specialist at University of Florida Gainesville
Joshua Nadeau, Former Vice President of Programs and Medical and Scientific Affairs at Tourette Association of America
Shannon Bennett, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College; Attending Psychologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital
Adam Lewin, Ph.D., ABPP, Psychologist, Professor and Division Chief at University of South Florida Pediatric Neuropsychiatry
Callum deQuevado, Former Youth Ambassador, Rising Leader at Tourette Association of America
Dawn deQuevado, Parent of Callum deQuevado, Tourette Association of America
CE ORIGINATION DATE: February 20, 2024
CE RENEWAL DATE: –
CE EXPIRATION DATE: February 20, 2026
URL: https://tourette.org/ceu-educational-activities/
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE: Computer Hardware; Internet Connection; Browser
MATERIALS: Computer, Internet
TARGET AUDIENCE: Teachers, School social workers, School administrators, School Physiologists, Special Education teachers, School occupational therapists, School speech language therapists. Physicians, Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, Occupational therapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists
PREREQUISITES: These videos are designed for school professionals and health professionals with knowledge of teaching and learning.
FORMAT: This activity is Web on Demand.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Office of Kim Newsome, (404) 498-0605
ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS:
CME: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this live activity for a maximum of (1) AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this activity for (1) nursing contact hours.
CEU: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is authorized by IACET to offer (0.1) CEU’s for this program.
DISCLOSURE: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all planners and presenters must disclose all financial relationships, in any amount, with ineligible companies during the previous 24 months as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or products under investigational use.
CDC, our planners, and presenters/moderators wish to disclose they have no financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies with the exception of Dr. Jan Rowe and Dr. Barbara Coffey.
· Dr. Jan Rowe wishes to disclose she is writing a training manual for occupational therapists in partnership with the Tourette Association of America.
· Dr. Barbara Coffeey wishes to disclose she has standing financial relationships with the following Companies:
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Emalex
- Florida Department of Health: Children’s Medical Services
- Galen Mental Health
- Harvard Medical School /Psychiatry Academy
- New Venture Fund
- NIMH/NINDS
- Partners Healthcare
- Skyland Trail
- Zynerba
All of the relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.
Content will not include any discussion of the unlabeled use of a product or a product under investigational use with the exception of Dr. Barbara Coffey’s discussion of neuroleptics, including alpha agonists and VMAT 2 inhibitors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Tourette Association of America are jointly providing the CEUs for this activity.
CDC did not accept financial or in-kind support from ineligible companies for this continuing education activity.
Instructions for Obtaining Continuing Education (CE)
To receive continuing education (CE) for [WD4733(SC)]-[TAA Medical Grand Rounds Series], please visit CDC TRAIN and search for the course in the Course Catalog using [WD4733]. Follow the steps below by [02/20/2026].
1. Register for and complete the course.
2. Pass the post-assessment at [80]%.
3. Complete the evaluation.
4. Visit Your Learning to access your certificates and transcript.
FEES: No fees are charged for CDC’s CE activities.
Introduction to CBIT for Tics Workshop
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TARGET AUDIENCE: Physicians, Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, Occupational therapists, Psychiatrists, Psychologists
PREREQUISITES: Target audience should be a licensed (or license-eligible) healthcare practitioner who currently works with – or anticipates working with – clients/patients who have a Tic Disorder. Base knowledge and skill prerequisites include an understanding of child/adolescent development, familiarity with best practices in symptom assessment, and exposure to basic principles of research design/statistical analysis.
FEES: No fees are charged for CDC’s CE activities
Requirements: Upon registration, participants are required to sign a Participant Memorandum of Understanding (PMU) and submit a copy of their license/certification.
NOTE: Please note that this workshop is only intended for licensed, healthcare professionals practicing in the U.S. If you are currently located outside of the U.S., we encourage you to contact your local health governing body for more information on available treatments for Tourette Syndrome/Tic Disorders in your area.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE):
To receive continuing education (CE) for WD4734 – TOURETTE SYNDROME – CBIT please visit CDC TRAIN and search for the course in the Course Catalog using WD4734. Follow the steps below by October 16, 2025.
1. Register for and complete the course.
2. Pass the post-assessment at 75%.
3. Complete the evaluation.
4. Visit Your Learning to access your certificates and transcript.
FACULTY/CREDENTIALS:
- Jan Rowe, Dr OT, OTR/L, FAOTA; Co-Director, TS Center of Excellence (Children’s of Al and Univ of Al at Birmingham)
- Alexandra Walsh, Program Coordinator, Tourette Association of America
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This enduring activity is designed to increase learners’ knowledge and comprehension of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), and to provide resources specific to this treatment approach for health professionals working with individuals who have a tic disorder.
OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of the session, the participant should be able to:
- Describe various Tic Disorders.
- Differentiate among various Tic Disorders.
- Describe the basic outline of the CBIT program.
- List the 3 main components of CBIT.
- Identify resources provided by TAA that can assist learners in performing their duties within their healthcare team.
ORIGINATION DATE: October 16, 2023
EXPIRATION DATE: October 16, 2025
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE: Computer Hardware; Internet Connection; Browser
MATERIALS: None
FORMAT: This activity is Web on Demand
CONTACT INFORMATION: Office of Kim Newsome, (404) 498-0605
CME: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this enduring activity for a maximum of (2.75) AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
CNE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates this activity for (2.75) nursing contact hours.
CEU: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is authorized by IACET to offer (0.3) CEU’s for this program.
CECH: Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to (2.5) total Category I continuing education contact hours. Maximum advanced level continuing education contact hours available are (2.5). Continuing Competency credits available are (2.5). CDC provider number 98614.
For Certified Public Health Professionals (CPH)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a preapproved provider of Certified in Public Health (CPH) recertification credits and is authorized to offer (3) CPH recertification credits for this program.
DISCLOSURE: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all planners and presenters must disclose all financial relationships, in any amount, with ineligible companies during the previous 24 months as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or products under investigational use.
CDC, our planners, and content experts wish to disclose they have no financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Content will not include any discussion of the unlabeled use of a product or a product under investigational use.
CDC did not accept financial or in-kind support from ineligible companies for this continuing education activity.
Additional Video Resources
Lucy's Journey to a Diagnosis
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) Demonstration
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
TS & Co-Occurring Conditions
Why Students with TS and Related Disorders Need an OT in Their Corner
A TS Conversation with Dr. Shannon Bennett
Webinar: Diagnosis of TS and Tic Disorders
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) Demonstration Pt. 2
A Clinical Update: TS & OCD
The Use of Medication with TS
Case Vignettes, Applications, and Resources for Occupational Therapists
Additional Resources
Clinical Trials
The TAA supports clinical research and clinical studies to improve the quality of life for those affected by Tourette Syndrome. The studies below are listed for informational purposes only. Visit www.clinicaltrials.gov for a more comprehensive list of opportunities to participate in research studies in your area.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a potential treatment for certain Tourette Syndrome (TS) patients with severe motor or vocal tics affecting their quality of life, despite other treatments. While there’s significant media interest in DBS for TS, it raises many questions. We aim to address these and provide an update on its current state.
Centers of Excellence
The Tourette Association of America’s Centers of Excellence (CofE) program recognizes medical institutions that offer the highest level of care, are undertaking groundbreaking research, are leaders in training and education and provide exceptional community outreach and advocacy for Tourette syndrome and other Tic Disorders. For more information or to become a CofE please visit:
