Can Speech Therapy Help with Tourette’s?

Renowned French doctor Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette first identified Tourette’s Syndrome as a distinct condition in 1885. Tourette’s Syndrome often causes affected individuals to produce various vocal and motor (physical) tics. A tic is a sudden and involuntary movement or vocalization that is often rapid and repetitive. Some individuals with TS experience simple or ‘mild’ tics that only affect certain muscle groups, such as rapid blinking or eye twitching. In other instances of this disease, tics are more obvious and complex, often involving a series or pattern of movements or vocalizations.

Vocal tics can range from simple sounds, such as sniffing or throat clearing, to more involved vocalizations, such as words, phrases, and in some cases, even full sentences. Coprolalia is one type of vocal tic that is often connected to Tourette’s Syndrome. Coprolalia is characterized by uncontrollable swearing or other socially unacceptable words or phrases. These types of vocal tics are actually relatively rare in cases of TS and, in many cases, prove to be temporary. 

Another form of tic that is common in those with Tourette’s Syndrome is known as vocal blocking tic or VBT. These tics can mimic the speech disfluencies related to stuttering, causing disjointed speech and repetition of certain word sounds, syllables, and words. 

TS can have a profound effect on an individual’s ability to communicate effectively with others and navigate various situations and environments. Speech therapy for Tourette’s Syndrome can be highly beneficial for those with this condition, as it focuses on managing the symptoms and improving overall communication. 

If you or a loved one is facing communication challenges related to TS, speech therapy could help. Learn more about whether our virtual speech therapy services might be right for you by scheduling your free introductory call today!

The Impact on Speech and Language of Tourette’s Syndrome

Studies have illustrated that individuals with Tourette’s syndrome don’t have a problem understanding or using language. However, their condition causes significant disruptions in speech production. These speech challenges are typically not directly related to the complexity or severity of vocal tics. 

Stuttering and Tourette’s Syndrome

Some research has suggested that individuals with TS are more likely to develop speech disfluency, such as stuttering than those without the condition. There is a possible link between the two diagnoses, particularly in those with abnormal brain function in the area responsible for movement and motor control. Some experts estimate that up to 33% of individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome also struggle with stuttering. 

Social Communication

For many individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome, social communication and the ability to interact with others is significantly affected. Whether they experience extreme vocal or motor tics, severe vocal disfluencies, or have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, or OCD, many individuals with TS struggle to navigate social situations and build meaningful relationships. 

Voice & Speech Disorders

Some vocal tics caused by Tourette’s Syndrome impact the volume or pitch of the voice or affect vocal control. Some vocal tics also produce sudden changes in prosody (speech patterns and rhythm) and intonation (the rise and fall of the voice during speech), making it difficult to be understood by others.   

Tourette’s Syndrome is a complex disorder that can directly impact communication and one’s ability to navigate daily life. If you or a loved one needs communication support for Tourette’s Syndrome, connect with us by scheduling your free introductory call today!  

What Activities are Good for Tourette's Syndrome? What Calms Down Tourette's?

While Tourette’s Syndrome affects each individual in a unique way, there are some simple exercises and techniques that can help to lessen the severity and frequency of tics. 

Find a Passion: Studies have shown that individuals who are focused on a specific activity experience fewer tics than those who aren’t. Whether it is joining a club, playing a sport, or engaging in a focused solitary task (such as knitting or doing a crossword) can all help to lessen the impact of TS. 

Help Others: The unique challenges that individuals with TS face daily often deepen their compassion for others. This special sensitivity makes them ideal for volunteer positions in which they can offer support to others who may be struggling. 

Simple Relaxation Techniques: In many cases, tics are more frequent and severe when an individual is feeling stressed or anxious. By actively working to master relaxation and meditation techniques, individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome can help manage their symptoms and communicate more clearly. 

How Can Speech Therapy Help with Tourette’s Syndrome?

When discussing speech therapy for Tourette’s Syndrome, it is important to note that speech and language pathologists do not provide therapy for tics. Treatment for tics should be provided by a team of care specialists including doctors, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. An experienced speech therapist, however, can help those affected by TS to manage their symptoms, reduce the impact of related challenges, and improve their overall communication skills. 

Co-occurring conditions are common with Tourette’s Syndrome, especially learning disorders, OCD, ADHD, or Asperger’s. In these instances, it is more likely that the individual will benefit significantly from speech and language pathology. 

Speech therapy for Tourette’s Syndrome will often focus on breathing and motor control and improving fluency and clarity of speech. The speech therapist may also help the individual to develop awareness around what may trigger their tics, or how to identify when tics may be coming on. While speech therapy will not directly reduce tics, it will support overall communication and help the individual to overcome related challenges. Generally speaking, speech therapy can be part of a holistic approach to managing Tourette’s syndrome with a focus on managing speech and communication difficulties, enhancing social communication, and providing support for the emotional and psychological effects of the condition. 

If you’re ready to get started with virtual speech therapy for Tourette’s Syndrome or would like to learn more about our amazing team of specialized speech and language pathologists, connect with us by scheduling your free introductory call today!