Tourette and Tic Disorders Program

Tics and Tourette syndrome are neurological disorders characterized by sudden, repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds. Tics can range from simple motor actions, such as blinking or head jerking, to complex movements or vocalizations. Tourette syndrome, a more specific form of tic disorder, is distinguished by the presence of multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic over a period of time. These conditions can significantly impact daily life, affecting social interactions, academic performance and emotional well-being.

At Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s, we offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for tics and Tourette syndrome, providing specialized care through our designated Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence. Our expert team utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to deliver personalized treatment plans that address both the physical and psychological aspects of these disorders, aiming to improve quality of life for children and their families.

As the only pediatric Tourette and Tic Disorders Program in the region, our team of specialists is dedicated to understanding and addressing your child’s unique needs. We recognize the significant impact these conditions can have on learning, socializing and overall development. We approach each child with empathy, respect and individualized attention, ensuring each child receives the care they deserve. Through comprehensive evaluation and personalized care plans, we manage not only the involuntary movements associated with Tourette syndrome, but also any associated neuropsychiatric conditions.

Our mission is to empower your child to thrive by offering them the support and care they need during their critical growing years. We are committed to helping them navigate the challenges of Tourette syndrome and tic disorders, fostering an environment where they can achieve their full potential.

Teamwork for Complex Conditions

We work to address all questions and concerns that each family may have based on their child’s unique history and symptoms. Our team includes both general neurologists and specialized movement disorder neurologists with expertise in diagnosing and managing complex tic disorders and Tourette syndrome.

We also have health care professionals who specialize in Comprehensive Behavior Intervention for Tics (CBIT). We provide referrals to Mental and Behavioral Health providers at Phoenix Children’s and in the community, as appropriate, for evaluation and management of associated conditions that often impact the frequency and intensity of tics such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism spectrum disorder and other conditions.

Early Diagnosis and Integrated Therapies

Tourette’s is typically diagnosed in school-aged children. At Phoenix Children’s, we make every effort to evaluate and identify children with Tourette’s and related disorders as early as possible. This allows us to offer your child personalized and helpful solutions before Tourette’s interferes with important developmental processes and milestones.

We take a comprehensive approach to care, collectively creating a treatment plan that best fits your child and family. Our doctors use these and other types of therapies:

Medical therapies
Injection therapies, such as botulinum toxin injections
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
Family and school support in collaboration with the Tourette Association of America Arizona Chapter
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in certain severe situations

We help your child learn to understand and manage their Tourette syndrome and live life to its fullest. In some instances, Tourette symptoms get milder or even go away without requiring treatment. For some children, symptoms may temporarily get worse during their transitional adolescent years. Our team is here to help your child at any age and continue consultation or care as needed into adolescence and adulthood.

National Recognition and Support

At Phoenix Children’s, your child never has to feel alone when coping with Tourette and tic disorders. Our designation as a Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence recognizes our consistently exceptional level of personalized and compassionate clinical care.

In addition to our team’s personalized care and services, our national and regional affiliations with the Tourette Association of America (TAA) and their Arizona Chapter offer added benefits and support to your child and family. We actively participate in and support Tourette’s awareness and advocacy initiatives, fostering a community of understanding and support. Periodically, we also serve as experts at local chapter support group meetings.

Our team is focused on providing the best therapies and resources based on current scientific knowledge about this condition. Learn more about our programs and services at Phoenix Children’s, including support groups near you.