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.
School boy and doctor have consultation in hospital room

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.

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. Trainings can be accessed for free on AAP's Professional Education (PediaLink) website. Course registrants may also be eligible for continuing education credits.

3-Part PediaLink Course Series Available on Demand!

Graphic with images of doctor placing hand on child's shoulder and Pedialink training home page. Text reads, "Tourette Syndrome Online Course Series"
This course series is designed to provide clinicians with practical tips, knowledge, and resources to effectively identify and diagnose Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders.

Research on 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.

Important‎

Results from this research can be used to improve identification of tics so people with tic disorders can connect with resources when needed.
Parents sit on park bench with their daughter, looking and smiling at a cell phone.
Knowing when tics started and how long symptoms have lasted can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis.

Improving Identification of Tic Disorders in Children. Wardrop RC, Lewin AB, Adams HR, Vermilion JA, Cuffe SP, Danielson ML, Bitsko RH, Cai B, Hardin JW. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2024 Mar 23:1-9.

Education and support

CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities has partnered with the Tourette Association of America (TAA) to provide educational programs to improve awareness of tic disorders and Tourette syndrome 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 physicians and allied professionals and school personnel, as well as those who have Tourette syndrome, their families, and the general public, about Tourette syndrome. In addition to education, the CDC-TAA partnership helps people with a tic disorder and their families make meaningful connections: