By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 24, 2026
Understanding Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders in Children
If your child has been blinking repeatedly, clearing their throat for no apparent reason, or making sudden jerking movements they seem unable to control, you may be witnessing tics — a hallmark feature of several neurological conditions, including Tourette Syndrome. For families in Scottsdale and North Phoenix, getting accurate answers and compassionate, specialized care is essential. At Rose Medical Pavilion, Dr. Tamara Zach MD provides expert evaluation and treatment for pediatric tic disorders, helping children and their families understand what's happening and how to move forward with confidence.
What Are Tic Disorders?
Tics are sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or sounds that children produce with little or no control. They can be startling to witness, and children who experience them often describe a buildup of tension before a tic and a momentary sense of relief afterward. Tic disorders are classified based on the type and duration of symptoms:
- Provisional Tic Disorder: Motor or vocal tics present for fewer than 12 months. This is the most common type in school-age children and often resolves on its own.
- Persistent (Chronic) Tic Disorder: Either motor or vocal tics — but not both — lasting more than 12 months.
- Tourette Syndrome: The presence of both multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic, occurring for more than 12 months. Symptoms typically begin between ages 5 and 10.
It's important to know that tics naturally wax and wane — they may seem to disappear for weeks and then return, often intensifying during periods of stress, excitement, or fatigue. Arizona's intense summer heat can also play a role; when children are sleep-deprived, overheated, or spending more unstructured time indoors during triple-digit temperatures, many families notice an uptick in tic frequency. This is not unusual, and it doesn't necessarily mean the condition is worsening permanently.
Recognizing Tics in Your Child
Motor Tics
Motor tics involve sudden body movements. Simple motor tics include eye blinking, grimacing, head jerking, or shoulder shrugging. Complex motor tics may look like a sequence of coordinated movements — stepping in a certain pattern, touching objects repeatedly, or making gestures that appear purposeful but are not.
Vocal Tics
Vocal tics are sounds produced involuntarily. Simple vocal tics include throat clearing, sniffing, grunting, or squeaking. Complex vocal tics may involve repeating words or phrases, or in a small minority of cases, shouting inappropriate words — a symptom known as coprolalia, which is far less common than popular culture suggests and affects only about 10–15% of children with Tourette Syndrome.
Many parents initially assume their child has allergies (due to sniffing or throat clearing) or behavioral issues (due to movement or sounds). A thorough neurological evaluation with a specialist like Dr. Tamara Zach MD is the most reliable way to distinguish tics from other conditions and get an accurate diagnosis.
Conditions That Can Occur Alongside Tic Disorders
Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders rarely travel alone. A significant number of children with tics and Tourette syndrome also experience co-occurring conditions that can be just as impactful — or more so — than the tics themselves. These include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Learning differences and executive function challenges
- Sleep difficulties
Addressing these co-occurring conditions is often a central part of treatment. A child whose ADHD or anxiety is well-managed frequently shows improvement in tic severity as well. Comprehensive care that accounts for the whole child — not just the tics — leads to significantly better outcomes at school and at home.
Diagnosis and Evaluation at Rose Medical Pavilion
There is no single lab test or brain scan that diagnoses Tourette Syndrome. Diagnosis is clinical, meaning it is based on a detailed medical history, careful observation, and ruling out other causes. Dr. Tamara Zach MD takes time to understand your child's full developmental history, the nature and timeline of symptoms, family history of tics or related conditions, and how symptoms are affecting daily life.
In some cases, additional testing may be recommended. For children where the movement pattern is less clear, or where seizure-like episodes are present, a pediatric EEG may be ordered to rule out epileptic activity. This is an important distinction, as some conditions that superficially resemble tics — such as absence seizures — require very different treatment approaches.
Treatment Options for Tics and Tourette Syndrome
Behavioral Therapies
The first-line treatment for tics that affect daily functioning is behavioral therapy, specifically Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). This evidence-based approach teaches children to recognize the urge that precedes a tic and substitute a competing behavior. CBIT is effective for many children and carries no medication side effects. Families in the Scottsdale and North Phoenix area can ask Dr. Zach for referrals to local therapists trained in this approach.
Medication Management
When tics are frequent, disruptive, or painful, medication may be considered. Several classes of medications are used, including alpha-2 agonists like guanfacine and clonidine, as well as specific antipsychotic medications at low doses. Dr. Tamara Zach MD carefully weighs the benefits and potential side effects for each child before making any medication recommendations.
School and Community Support
Children with Tourette Syndrome or chronic tic disorders may qualify for a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through their Arizona public school. These accommodations can include extended time on tests, preferential seating, or permission to leave the classroom when tics are particularly intense. For younger children showing early developmental concerns alongside tics, Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) may also be a resource worth exploring. Families who rely on AHCCCS for health coverage can access neurological evaluation and treatment services — our team can help guide you through what your plan covers.
When to Seek a Specialist
You don't need to wait until tics are severe to seek an evaluation. Early consultation with a Tourette syndrome specialist in Scottsdale or a provider experienced in tic disorders in North Phoenix helps ensure your child receives an accurate diagnosis, avoids misdiagnosis, and gets connected with the right support sooner rather than later. Dr. Tamara Zach MD and the team at Rose Medical Pavilion are experienced in working with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, across the full spectrum of tic severity.
Many tics improve significantly by late adolescence, and with the right guidance, most children with Tourette Syndrome lead full, successful lives. The goal of care is never to eliminate every tic at all costs — it's to make sure tics don't stand in the way of your child thriving.
Schedule an Evaluation at Rose Medical Pavilion
If you're concerned about tics, involuntary movements, or sounds your child is making — or if your child has already been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and you're looking for expert ongoing care — Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Dr. Tamara Zach MD brings specialized pediatric neurology expertise to families throughout Scottsdale, North Phoenix, and the surrounding Valley communities. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward clarity and confident care for your child.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.