Is there a link between stammering, tics and Tourette Syndrome? Read our guide and learn how to get help if you are worried.
We often hear from people who are worried they or their child have a tic disorder as well as stammering.
What are tics?
Tics are involuntary sounds (vocal tics) and movements (motor tics), such as:
- shoulder shrugs, eye-blinking or head twitches
- repeated sounds such as throat clearing or sniffing
- making a specific noise or repeating words or phrases.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) might be diagnosed if a person has multiple motor and vocal tics for at least a year.
TS is thought to affect about one per cent of the population. It can affect all races and ethnic groups equally. More boys than girls develop it. It typically starts around the age of 6, with very few children developing TS beyond the age of 13.
A recent study found that there is a positive future for people with TS. Participants had a high quality of life and 70% reported a reduction in symptoms. (See the link on the Tourettes Action website.)
What is the link with stammering?
Stammering and tic disorders can be hard to distinguish. Sometimes, people who stammer make involuntary movements when they stammer. These reflect the effort the person is using to try to push out words that feel stuck.
Involuntary movements when the person isn't speaking are more likely to be classed as tics. And sometimes the vocal tics of people with TS may resemble stammering behaviours.
Most childhood tics will disappear as a child grows older. If you're worried, keep a diary of the tics — what they look and sound like and when they happen — and talk to your GP.
You can talk to Tourettes Action if you have questions or need more support. Contact the Tourettes Action Helpdesk.
There's a good book called 'Tic Disorders: A Guide for Parents and Professionals', you might want to seek out. It's by Uttom Chowdhury and Tara Murphy (2016), Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
