Improving Identification of Tic Disorders

At a glance

  • CDC and its partners offer trainings and other educational resources to help improve the identification of tic disorders.
  • CDC conducts research on tools to help improve screening and identification of tic disorders.
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Background

Around 1 million people in the United States have Tourette syndrome (TS) or another tic disorder. More than half of children with TS do not get diagnosed. Identification of tic disorders helps people get the treatment and help they need. CDC and partner resources help improve the identification of tic disorders.

More information about TS

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About Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a condition of the nervous system. TS causes people to have "tics."
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Diagnosing Tic Disorders
There are three types of tic disorders.
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Treatment of Tourette Syndrome
Find out more about available treatments and support for people with TS.
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Data and Statistics on Tourette Syndrome
CDC's latest data on Tourette syndrome (TS).
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Five Things To Know About Tourette Syndrome
Knowing the facts can help you understand what it is like to have TS.
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Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome causes people to have “tics”. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds.

Education and support

CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities has partnered with the to provide educational programs to improve awareness of tic disorders and TS so that more people with tic disorders get the right diagnosis, care, and support. The programs use up-to-date, science-based information to educate and as well as those who have TS, their families, and the general public, about TS.

In addition to education, the CDC's partnership with TAA helps people with a tic disorder and their families make meaningful connections:

Support for families


TAA's ambassador program

  • (ages 12-17 years)
  • (ages 7-11 years)
  • (ages 18-25 years)

Trainings for healthcare providers

CDC has partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to develop and offer free virtual trainings on tic disorders. This three-part course series is available to pediatricians and other healthcare providers.

Resource

Trainings can be accessed for free on Course registrants may also be eligible for continuing education credits.

3-Part PediaLink® TS Course Series — On-Demand

This three-part course series is designed to provide clinicians with practical tips, knowledge, and resources to effectively identify and diagnose TS and other tic disorders.

Screening and diagnostic tools

In addition to education about tics and tic disorders, healthcare professionals need tools to screen and identify tic disorders, and such tools are currently limited. CDC has worked with academic partners to conduct multiple studies on screening and diagnostic tools to improve identification of children with tics and tic disorders.

Spotlight

Results from this research can be used to improve identification of tics so people with tic disorders can connect with resources when needed.

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Knowing when tics started and how long symptoms have lasted can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis.

Click the dropdown menu below for more findings on screening and diagnostic tools for tic disorders:

  • Newsome K, Hutchins HJ, Bitsko RH, et al. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2025;46(2):e175-e182.
  • Lewin AB, Brennan E, Small B, Bolton C, Dickinson S, Murphy TK. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2024 Mar 7:1-1.
  • Vermilion JA, Bitsko RH, Danielson ML, Bonifacio KP, Dean SL, Hyman SL, Augustine EF, Mink JW, Morrison PE, Vierhile AE, Sulkes SB. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2023 Nov 17:1-7.
  • Smith JN, Owens JS, Evans SW, Bitsko RH, Holbrook JR. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2023 Oct 8:1-3.
  • Lewin AB, Murphy TK, Mink JW, Small BJ, Adams HR, Brennan E, Augustine EF, Vermilion J, Vierhile A, Collins A, Kudryk K. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2023 Mar 31:1-1.
  • Bitsko RH, Holbrook JR, Fisher PW, Lipton C, van Wijngaarden E, Augustine EF, Mink JW, Vierhile A, Piacentini J, Walkup J, Firchow B. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2023 Mar 27:1-4.
  • Adams HR, Augustine EF, Bonifacio K, Collins AE, Danielson ML, Mink JW, Morrison P, van Wijngaarden E, Vermilion J, Vierhile A, Bitsko RH. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2023 Mar 25:1-5.
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Content Source:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Tourette Syndrome Course Series. Available at: Accessed on May 30, 2024.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Early Identification and Diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome. Available at: Accessed on May 30, 2024.