CBIT Therapy for Tics, FND, and BFRB

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  • HOME
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Tics

Tics are rapid, purposeless, unvoluntary, repetitive, frequent, unwanted, and discrete muscle movements. Tics are typically classified as motor or vocal tics. Motor tics include blinking, neck rotation, torso twisting, jumping, and toe flexing. Vocal tics include coughing, making a hum or grunt sound, and saying a word or phrase.


Neurologists are the medical specialists who most often diagnose tic disorders.

Common tic disorders and their diagnostic criteria are described below:


Provisional Tic Disorder

  • Patient has one or more motor or vocal tics.
  • Tics are present for less than one year.
  • Tics start before age 18.
  • The tics are not due to a medication, other drugs, or a medical condition that can cause tics (for example, Huntington disease or postviral encephalitis).
  • The patient has not been diagnosed with another tic disorder.


Persistent Tic Disorder

  • The patient has one or more motor tics or vocal tics, but not both.
  • The tics occur many times a day nearly every day or on and off throughout a period of more than a year.
  • The tics start before age 18.
  • The tics are not due to a medication, other drugs, or a medical condition that can cause tics.
  • The patient has not been diagnosed with another tic disorder.


Tourette Syndrome (Tourette Disorder, Tourette's, TS)

  • The patient has two or more motor tics and at least one vocal tic.
  • The tics have been present for at least one year. The tics can occur many times a day (usually in bouts) nearly every day, or off and on for at least one year.
  • The tics begin before age 18.
  • The tics are not due to a medication, other drugs, or a medical condition that can cause tics.


It should be noted that most tics first occur in early childhood. Tics also start very gradually, with only one new tic emerging at a time. There is no sudden onset of multiple tics. 


Many people with Tourette Syndrome have co-occuring concerns including anxiety, depression, Autism, OCD, ADHD, gender dysphoria, dysgraphia, and difficulty with executive functioning tasks. There also is some correlation with  Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) such as excessive nail biting or skin picking, and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) such as tic-like behaviors. 


To learn more about Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders, please visit the Tourette Association of America website.


CBIT telehealth for tics and tourette syndrome

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is the leading intervention strategy for tic disorders including Tourette Syndrome. CBIT has also been adapted for telehealth to address some Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB). CBIT is provided by licensed health professionals with a specialized certification in CBIT. CBIT treatment often includes the following components:


  • Sensory training to become more aware of when tics are occurring.
  • Recognition of internal signals (premonitory urges) when tics are about to occur.
  • Habit reversal techniques called competing responses to block current tics and reduce the frequency and intensity of future tics.
  • Environmental modification to address internal and external stressors.
  • Assistance requesting accommodations at home, school, and on the job.
  • Referrals for related neurological, physical, and emotional concerns.
  • Patient and family education and support.
  • Advocacy.


Click here to learn more about CBIT .

Living with ToUrette Syndrome

This excellent documentary by the Tourette Syndrome Association (which is now known as the Tourette Association of America) features children and adolescents with Tourette Syndrome chronicling their ived experience with tics. It is a must see for anyone touched with motor and / or vocal tics. Topics of discussion include bullying, difficulty fitting in, embarrassment, sadness, hope, resilience, and camaradarie.

Resources for Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders

Social Story about Tourette's

Social Story about Tourette's

Social Story about Tourette's

Young child reading in bookstore

Explaining CBIT, tics, and Tourette Syndrome is easier with the help of a social story.

self advocacy

Social Story about Tourette's

Social Story about Tourette's

Card explaining tics and Tourette Syndrome.

Educate others about tics and Tourette Syndrome in a quick and effective way.  Click here for the TAA "I have TS" card.

Support Groups

Social Story about Tourette's

School Accommodations

Multiracial hands piled on top of each other for support

Click here to contact a tic / Tourette support group in the United States.

School Accommodations

School Accommodations

School Accommodations

Teenager in class

Reach out for additional information about CBIT and support for tics and Tourette Syndrome at the Tourette Association of America.

Work Accommodations

School Accommodations

Work Accommodations

Electricians with hard hats

Reach out to the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for free and confidential guidance while on the job and when seeking new work. 

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