ent and behavior therapy. Psychopharmacological agents most often prescribed for tics include atypical antipsychotics or antihypertensives. Cognitive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) is a structured therapy based on functional analysis. Utilizing the information gathered in the assessment, clinicians help individuals to increase their awareness of tics and urges to tic, develop and implement specific competing responses when an urge to tic is noticed, and make changes to daily routines and activities which may be helpful in reducing tics. To learn more about CBIT and training opportunities to learn CBIT, visit Tourette.org on the web.
Quality resources for schools, families, and communities to raise awareness and provide comprehensive and reliable information about TS and related disorders is fundamental.
The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) (njcts.org), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advocacy of children, adolescents, adults and families affected by Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders, is such a resource. NJCTS provides programs and services to support families, public outreach and awareness campaigns, education for schools and healthcare professionals, and referrals for specialized treatment providers across the state of New Jersey. Additional programming, such as educational webinars, virtual support groups, youth advocacy programs, the NJCTS Tim Howard Leadership Academy, the NJCTS Family Retreat Weekend, and research collaborations also provide impactful means of supporting the TS community. To learn more about TS and resources in New Jersey, visit njcts.org.
Marla W. Deibler, Psy.D.is a Licensed Psychologist and the Executive Director of The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia, Cherry Hill & Princeton, NJ