What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s Syndrome is a form of neurodivergence that causes involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics.
Tics are often preceded by an uncomfortable build-up of sensation or urge, sometimes described as similar to the feeling before a sneeze or an itch. This is called a premonitory urge, and it’s usually only relieved once the tic has happened.
Tics fall into two broad categories:
- Motor tics: involuntary movements, such as blinking, shoulder shrugging, or touching things.
- Vocal (phonic) tics: involuntary sounds, such as throat clearing, sniffing, or repeating words.Both types can be simple (brief, single movements or sounds) or complex (longer, more coordinated sequences). Coprolalia, the involuntary utterance of swear words or inappropriate remarks, is one of the most widely known tics, but it’s rare, affecting only a small number of people with Tourette’s.
What causes Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s Syndrome is understood to be genetic, with environmental factors also playing a role. It typically begins in childhood, often around age 6, and can become more noticeable around age 10.
Tics are often more frequent during times of stress, excitement, or tiredness, and tend to improve for many people by late adolescence or early adulthood.
Common experiences of Tourette’s Syndrome
Some examples are given below as to how people may experience Tourette’s Syndrome, but it’s important to remember that every individual has their own unique experience.
Motor tics:
- Blinking or eye movements.
- Facial grimacing.
- Shoulder shrugging.
- Head jerking.
Vocal tics:
- Throat clearing or sniffing.
- Grunting.
- Repeating sounds, words, or phrases.
Associated experiences:
- A premonitory urge before a tic.
- Ability to briefly suppress tics, often followed by a stronger urge afterward.
- Tics that change in type, location, or intensity over time.
Tourette’s often occurs alongside other conditions, particularly ADHD and OCD, and support for these can be just as important as support for the tics themselves.
What can help Tourette’s Syndrome?
If you or someone you know has Tourette’s Syndrome, there are lots of things that can help. You can speak to a GP or a specific support helpline (we’ve gathered some here where you can get support over the phone or via drop-in services).
There’s no cure for Tourette’s, but education and understanding, for the individual, their family, friends, and school or workplace, often make the biggest difference and mean specific treatment isn’t always needed.
Where tics are more severe or distressing, Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT), a structured behavioural therapy, can help people manage and reduce tics. Medication may also be considered in some cases.
Self-care and reducing stress can also help, since tics are often triggered or worsened by stress, excitement, or tiredness. Prioritising sleep, downtime, and low-pressure environments can ease symptoms for many people.
Learn more about Tourette’s Syndrome
There are lots of resources online to help you learn more about Tourette’s Syndrome, find ways to support someone with it and access further support.
- NHS advice on Tourette’s syndrome
- Tourettes Action – the UK’s dedicated charity for Tourette’s Syndrome
- Great Ormond Street Hospital’s information sheet on Tourette Syndrome
Last reviewed: September 2026
Our neurodiversity guides have been reviewed by Jamie Douglas, Associate Director of Response Youth. Jamie has a PGCE in Secondary Education and a Masters in English and Language in Education, with 12 years’ epxerience as a secondary school teacher. He is currently studying for a Masters in Inclusion, with a focus on autistic children. Jamie is autistic himself and is open about his own experience of neurodivergence, bringing valuable lived experience alongside his professional expertise.