By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 24, 2026
Understanding Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders in Children
Repeated blinking, throat clearing for no apparent reason, sudden jerking movements your child can't seem to stop. These are tics, and they show up in several neurological conditions, Tourette Syndrome among them. Families in Scottsdale and North Phoenix need accurate answers and specialized care. At Rose Medical Pavilion, Dr. Tamara Zach MD evaluates and treats pediatric tic disorders, helping children and their parents understand what's happening and what to do next.
what tic disorders actually are
Tics are sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or sounds children produce with little or no control. They can startle anyone watching. Kids who have them often describe a buildup of tension before a tic and a brief sense of relief after. Doctors classify tic disorders by symptom type and duration:
- 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: Multiple motor tics plus at least one vocal tic, occurring for more than 12 months. Symptoms usually start between ages 5 and 10.
Tics wax and wane. They may vanish for weeks and then return, often getting worse during stress, excitement, or fatigue. Arizona's summer heat plays a part too. When kids are sleep-deprived, overheated, or stuck inside during triple-digit weeks, many parents notice more frequent tics. That's normal, and it doesn't mean the condition is getting permanently worse.
recognizing tics in your child
Motor Tics
Motor tics are sudden body movements. Simple ones include eye blinking, grimacing, head jerking, or shoulder shrugging. Complex motor tics can look like a sequence of coordinated movements: stepping in a certain pattern, touching objects repeatedly, or making gestures that appear purposeful but aren't.
Vocal Tics
Vocal tics are involuntary sounds. Simple ones include throat clearing, sniffing, grunting, or squeaking. Complex vocal tics can involve repeating words or phrases, or in a small minority of cases, shouting inappropriate words. That symptom is called coprolalia, and it's far rarer than movies and TV suggest, affecting only about 10–15% of children with Tourette Syndrome.
Plenty of parents first assume allergies (the sniffing and throat clearing) or a behavior problem (the movements and sounds). A neurological evaluation with a specialist like Dr. Tamara Zach MD is the most reliable way to tell tics apart from other conditions and reach an accurate diagnosis.
conditions that show up alongside tics
Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders rarely come alone. Many children with tics and Tourette syndrome also have co-occurring conditions that can affect them as much as the tics, sometimes more. These include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Learning differences and executive function challenges
- Sleep difficulties
Treating these conditions is often central to the work. When a child's ADHD or anxiety is well-managed, tic severity frequently drops too. Care that addresses the whole child, not just the tics, produces better results at school and at home.
diagnosis and evaluation at Rose Medical Pavilion
No single lab test or brain scan diagnoses Tourette Syndrome. The diagnosis is clinical, built from a detailed medical history, careful observation, and ruling out other causes. Dr. Tamara Zach MD takes time to learn your child's full developmental history, the nature and timeline of symptoms, any family history of tics or related conditions, and how symptoms affect daily life.
Sometimes more testing makes sense. When the movement pattern is unclear, or when seizure-like episodes are present, a pediatric EEG can rule out epileptic activity. The distinction matters: some conditions that look like tics on the surface, such as absence seizures, call for completely different treatment.
treatment options for tics and Tourette Syndrome
Behavioral Therapies
For tics that interfere with daily life, behavioral therapy comes first, specifically Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). This approach teaches children to recognize the urge before a tic and substitute a competing behavior. CBIT works for many children and has no medication side effects. Families in Scottsdale and North Phoenix can ask Dr. Zach for referrals to local therapists trained in it.
Medication Management
When tics are frequent, disruptive, or painful, medication may be worth considering. Several drug classes are used, including alpha-2 agonists like guanfacine and clonidine, plus certain antipsychotics at low doses. Dr. Tamara Zach MD weighs the benefits and side effects for each child before recommending anything.
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. Accommodations can include extended time on tests, preferential seating, or permission to leave the classroom when tics get intense. For younger children showing early developmental concerns alongside tics, Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) may help. Families on AHCCCS can access neurological evaluation and treatment, and our team can help you figure out what your plan covers.
when to see a specialist
You don't have to wait until tics get severe. An early visit with a Tourette syndrome specialist in Scottsdale or a provider experienced in tic disorders in North Phoenix gives your child an accurate diagnosis, avoids misdiagnosis, and connects them with support sooner. Dr. Tamara Zach MD and the team at Rose Medical Pavilion work with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, across every level of tic severity.
Many tics improve a lot by late adolescence, and with the right guidance, most children with Tourette Syndrome lead full lives. The goal isn't to wipe out every tic at any cost. It's to keep tics from getting in the way of your child thriving.
schedule an evaluation at Rose Medical Pavilion
If tics, involuntary movements, or sounds have you worried, or if your child already has a Tourette Syndrome diagnosis and you want ongoing expert care, Rose Medical Pavilion can help. Dr. Tamara Zach MD brings pediatric neurology expertise to families across Scottsdale, North Phoenix, and the surrounding Valley. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
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.