Local Support for Individuals with Tourette Syndrome

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Have you ever wondered why that cute child at the grocery store screamed an obscenity or a phrase that no parent wants to hear? Perhaps you’ve seen the teenage girl who jerks her neck from side to side. Maybe a young man on the bus was constantly shrugging his shoulders and saying words or phrases that didn’t seem to be part of any conversation. It’s possible these people have a condition known as Tourette syndrome, often called Tourette’s.

Tourette’s is a neurological (brain) disorder. Symptoms include motor tics and involuntary, rapid, sudden movements. Other symptoms include eye-blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging and facial grimacing. Vocal symptoms can include throat clearing, barking noises, sniffing and tongue clicking. Symptoms may change from time to time in number, frequency, type and severity. They may disappear for weeks or months at a time.   

Tourette’s can be accompanied by:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Poor impulse control
• Other behavioral symptoms

Tourette syndrome usually starts in childhood and can vary between individuals. Tics can sometimes go away for periods of time, but this may cause discomfort and fatigue. Symptoms of Tourette’s may look intentional. They can sometimes seem disrespectful and can be disruptive to others. Tourette syndrome can prevent a child from performing to their full potential. 

For further information, contact the support group leader by emailing us at [email protected] or call the office at 281-238-8096.  All meetings are free of charge unless noted.

For more resources related to Tourette syndrome, visit the website links for When Other People Misunderstand Your Child’s Behavior and Find Services, Groups and Events.