Debunking Common Myths About Tourette Syndrome
What You Think You Know About Tourette’s Is Probably Wrong
If you’ve only heard about Tourette Syndrome (TS) from movies, TV, or social media, chances are you’ve been misled. Many people believe that Tourette’s is all about shouting curse words uncontrollably—but that’s just one of the many myths that lead to misunderstandings and stigma.
At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we specialize in neurodevelopmental disorders, including Tourette’s and tic disorders. As a clinic with both professional expertise and lived experience, we want to clear up the confusion and provide accurate, evidence-based information about Tourette Syndrome.
Myth #1: Tourette’s Is Just About Swearing (Coprolalia)
Reality: The majority of people with Tourette’s do not have coprolalia.
One of the most widespread misconceptions is that Tourette Syndrome causes people to blurt out inappropriate words or profanity. While coprolalia (the involuntary use of obscene language) is a real symptom, it only affects about 10% of people with TS.
Most individuals with Tourette’s experience motor tics (such as blinking, head jerking, or throat clearing) and vocal tics (like humming, grunting, or repeating words). The idea that all people with Tourette’s swear uncontrollably is a media-driven stereotype that does not reflect the true nature of the disorder.
Myth #2: People with Tourette’s Can’t Control Their Tics at All
Reality: Tics are involuntary, but individuals can sometimes manage or suppress them—temporarily.
Tics are neurological in nature, meaning they are not voluntary behaviors. However, many individuals with Tourette’s describe having an internal sensation (a premonitory urge) before a tic happens, similar to the feeling of needing to sneeze.
While some people can suppress tics for short periods, this often takes extreme effort and can lead to increased discomfort or even a “tic rebound” later. Trying to hold back tics for an extended time (such as in school or work settings) can be exhausting and frustrating.
Rather than focusing on stopping tics, evidence-based therapies like CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics) help individuals manage their tics in ways that reduce their impact on daily life.
Myth #3: Tourette’s Is a Behavioral or Psychological Disorder
Reality: Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition, not a behavioral problem.
Tourette Syndrome is not caused by anxiety, poor parenting, or behavioral issues—it is a genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate movements.
While stress or excitement can sometimes make tics more noticeable, tics are not “bad habits” or something a person can stop through discipline or therapy alone. This is why punishment, scolding, or telling someone to "just stop" their tics is not only unhelpful but can make things worse.
Instead, education, accommodations, and supportive therapies can make a significant difference in improving quality of life.
Myth #4: Tourette’s Only Affects Children and Disappears in Adulthood
Reality: While tics often improve with age, many people continue to experience them into adulthood.
Tourette’s is a lifelong condition, but the severity of tics often changes over time. Studies show that:
Tics often peak between ages 10-12 and may become less noticeable in late adolescence or adulthood.
About one-third of individuals see significant improvement, while others continue to experience tics throughout their lives.
Some adults develop better coping strategies that make tics less disruptive.
Even if tics lessen, many people with Tourette’s still experience co-occurring conditions like ADHD, OCD, or anxiety, which may require ongoing support.
Myth #5: Tourette’s Is Rare
Reality: Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders are more common than most people realize.
Tourette’s is not as rare as people think! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
1 in 50 children has a tic disorder.
Tourette Syndrome specifically affects about 1 in 160 children.
Many people with tics remain undiagnosed because symptoms can vary in severity.
Mild tics may be dismissed as “quirks” or nervous habits, leading to underdiagnosis and a lack of support. Recognizing these conditions early can help children and families access the right interventions.
Myth #6: There’s No Treatment for Tourette Syndrome
Reality: While there is no cure for Tourette’s, effective, evidence-based treatments exist.
Tourette Syndrome does not need to be treated unless tics are causing distress or interfering with daily life. When intervention is needed, the gold-standard treatment for tics is CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics)—a therapy backed by the Tourette Association of America.
✔ CBIT is as effective as medication for many people—without side effects.
✔ It helps individuals become more aware of their tics and learn competing responses to reduce their frequency.
✔ At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we offer CBIT both in-person and via telehealth throughout Texas.
The Truth About Tourette’s: Understanding Leads to Acceptance
Tourette Syndrome is often misunderstood, but education is the first step in breaking the stigma. If you or your child has Tourette’s, know that you are not alone. With the right support, therapy, and accommodations, individuals with TS can live full, successful lives.
At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we provide specialized evaluations and CBIT treatment to help individuals with tics and Tourette Syndrome gain control and confidence.
📍 Located in Abilene, Texas | Telehealth Available Across Texas
📞 Call Us: (325) 261-0268
🌐 Visit Us: www.groundedrootsfdc.com
👉 Share this post to help spread awareness and accurate information about Tourette Syndrome!
