Tic Conditions are a group of neurological differences that are characterised by involuntary sounds and movements (tics). Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is the most commonly known within this group, however others include: transient or provisional tics, Persistent or Chronic tics, and tics not specified.

Tourette Syndrome: Multiple movement tics and at least one verbal tic, persistent for more than one year.
Persistent Tics: Either movement or vocal tics (but not both) persistent for more than one year.
Provisional Tics: One or more movement and/or vocal tics, persistent for less than one year.
Tics not specified: Tics are present but diagnostic criteria is not fully met.

Functional tics resemble tics but are not classified as a tic condition. Instead they sit within the classification of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

While swearing combined with tics have been popularised in the media, this presentation is relatively rare. More often tics are movements, or small sounds. Individuals explain that before a tic, they feel uncomfortable, like the build-up of inner tension when a sneeze is coming. The feeling goes away after the tic. While some might be able to hold in a tic for a short time, this can be uncomfortable as the tension builds up.

Tics strengths

Resilience
Adaptability
Enhanced cognitive abilities
Grammar and language
Verbal language
Thinking on their feet
Creativity
Energetic
Sense of humour
Empathetic
Enhanced pattern recognition
Focus
Methodological
Problem-solving
Observant

Tics challenges

Unpredictability
Tics causing fatigue, fatigue increasing tics
Stress and excitement worsening tics
Interrupted sleep
Feeling out of control
Physical distress/pain
Tics impacting concentration and communication

Tics barriers

Judgement from others / lack of understanding
Misconceptions
Lack of flexibility
Having to work in silent environments
Working to strict timescales

*Not everyone will face all these challenges, or have all these strengths. Everyone is different.

The following websites offer more information and resources on Tic Conditions

Tourettes Action UK

Great Ormond Street Hospital

Tourettes Scotland

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Tic Conditions and Higher Education

Lund, J., Borch-Johnsen, L., Groth, C., Skov, L. and Debes, N.M., (2022). Impact of Tourette Syndrome on Education. Neuropediatrics.
Elsom, S. and Hansen, A., (2021). Tic of the Iceberg: Strategies to Support Students With Tourette Syndrome in Higher Education. Australasian Journal of Special and Inclusive Education, 45(1), pp.96-104.
Cox, J.H., Nahar, A., Termine, C., Agosti, M., Balottin, U., Seri, S. and Cavanna, A.E., (2019). Social stigma and self-perception in adolescents with tourette syndrome. Adolescent health, medicine and therapeutics, pp.75-82.

Blogs are a great way to understand the real life experiences of having Tic Conditions. Click on the blog titles below to open them in a new page.

Tourettes Action

Tictastic

TicTock Therapy

Like blogs, Podcasts offer the first person experience, but through an audio file which can be listened to on smartphones or digital music and multimedia players.

Tourettes

Ticcing with Tourettes

Neurodiversity in the workplace: Tourettes Action

Murphy, T and Millar, D. (2019) The Tourette’s Survival Kit; Tool for Young adults with Tics. Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Chowdhury, U. Murphy, T. (2016). Tic Disorders: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Evers, T. (2012). A Day in the Life of Tourette Syndrome. CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Bloss, N.V. (2006). Busy Body: My Life with Tourette’s Syndrome. Fusion Press