Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence. Impacting an estimated 1 million Americans, it is part of the spectrum of Tic Disorders and is characterized by uncontrollable motor and vocal tics. As the only national organization serving this community, the Tourette Association of America works to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to patients and families impacted by TS and Tic Disorders as well as the professionals who serve the community. We provide hope and help through our network across the nation, which consists of 31 Chapters, 83 support groups and 20 Centers of Excellence. We empower the voices of the community and seek to further foster social acceptance of TS.
Key Facts about Tourette Syndrome:
- 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.
- 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 100 children has TS or another Tic Disorder.
- Some Tic Disorders may be transient, while others will persist into adolescence and adulthood.
- It is common for people with Tourette Syndrome to be affected by another co-occurring condition.
- Some co-occurring conditions are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
- There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, but thanks to years of dedicated research, there are various treatment options.
