Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic, which persist for more than one year and onset in childhood. Motor tics can include sudden movements like eye blinking or shoulder shrugging, while vocal tics may range from throat clearing to involuntary utterances. It often co-occurs with other conditions such as ADHD or OCD and involves dysfunctions in cortico-striatal-thalamic circuits. For SLPs, Tourette syndrome is relevant when vocal tics impact communication and may require functional communication support and education.
Jones, Kimberly S., Ezgi Saylam, and Kamleshun Ramphul. “Tourette Syndrome and Other Tic Disorders.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, (2023).
Johnson, Kara A., et al. “Tourette Syndrome: Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, and Treatment.” The Lancet Neurology 22, no. 2 (2023).
