Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations that are common in childhood. For many children, tics are mild and temporary, and do not require intervention. For others, tics may be more frequent, intense, or distressing, or may begin to interfere with a child’s comfort, confidence, or daily functioning.
Tics can include motor movements such as eye blinking, facial movements, shoulder shrugging, or body movements, as well as vocal tics such as throat clearing, sniffing, or repeating sounds or words. Tourette Syndrome is diagnosed when both motor and vocal tics have been present for a period of time, though the impact of tics varies widely from child to child.
Dr. Murray provides specialized, evidence-based treatment for tic disorders and Tourette Syndrome using Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). CBIT is the gold-standard behavioral treatment for tics and is strongly supported by research.
Treatment begins with a careful assessment to understand the nature of the tics, the situations in which they occur, and factors that may influence their frequency or intensity.
Dr. Murray works with children and adolescents experiencing motor tics, vocal tics, Tourette Syndrome, and related concerns, with the goal of helping children feel more comfortable, confident, and in control.
Evidence-based treatment can help reduce the impact of tics and improve a child’s comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
