TD is thought to be due to genetic factors and faulty brain chemistry.
Treatment includes genetic counseling, psychoeducation, and pharmacotherapy.
Even as a toddler, he had difficulty remaining interested in one toy or activity and would quickly move from one thing to another. This pattern persisted into his school years, and by 3rd grade his teachers complained about disorganized, incomplete assignments. His classmates complained that Jake was always making noises, like humming, whistling, grunting, which were disturbing to them. His parents, who had tried different techniques to help improve Jake's behavior with limited success, sought professional help as the tics and the teasing by other children increased. The child or adolescent with Tourette's Disorder has involuntary motor and one or more vocal tics, which occur at some time during the illness but not necessarily together.