Parents often notice tics subtly—although sometimes it can become apparent overnight. An eye blink that keeps repeating. A throat sound that wasn’t there before. A small movement that your child doesn’t seem to realize they’re doing.
It’s completely normal to feel worried when this happens. Many parents wonder if it’s stress, a habit, anxiety, or something more serious.
This guide will help you understand what tics are, why they happen, and when support may help, using clear, parent-friendly language.
What Are Tics?
Tics are involuntary and repetitive movements and/or sounds that occur because of how the brain sends signals to the body. They are neurological—not behavioral.
Children do not choose to have tics. Some children can briefly delay or suppress a tic, but this often leads to discomfort and an increase later (tic rebound). This is why telling a child to “stop” a tic usually doesn’t work and can actually make things worse.
Tics are common in childhood and exist on a spectrum—from mild and temporary to more persistent patterns that benefit from support.
Common Types of Tics
Tics are grouped into two categories: motor tics and vocal tics.
Motor Tics
Motor tics involve movements of the body. These can be subtle or noticeable and may change over time.
Common motor tics include:
- Eye blinking
- Facial movements (grimacing, eyebrow raising)
- Shoulder shrugging
- Head or neck movements
- Finger or hand movements
Motor tics may be simple (brief, single movements) or complex (a sequence of movements such as jumping, hitting, spinning, combination of multiple simple tics, etc.).
Vocal Tics
Vocal tics involve sounds made by air moving through the mouth, throat, or nose. They are often mistaken for allergies or habits at first.
Common vocal tics include:
- Throat clearing
- Sniffing
- Grunting or humming sounds
- Small vocal noises
Like motor tics, vocal tics can be simple or more complex. Complex tics include saying words, phrases or a combination/sequence of multiple vocal tics.
Can a Child Have Both?
Yes. Many children experience both motor and vocal tics, either at the same time or at different points. Tics often change in type, location, and intensity over time.
This shifting pattern can be confusing for parents—but it’s actually very typical.
Why Do Tics Start?
There is rarely one single cause of tics. Instead, tics are influenced by a combination of factors, including:
- Genetics: Tics often run in families, even if they show up differently from one person to another.
- Stress or excitement: Both positive and negative stress can increase tic frequency or intensity.
- Fatigue: Tics commonly increase when children are tired or not getting enough restorative sleep.
- Illness: Tics may temporarily increase during or after illness, when the body is under added physiological stress.
- Inflammation: In some children, inflammation in the body or nervous system—such as after infections or during periods of immune activation—may contribute to increased tic activity. This does not mean inflammation causes tics on its own, but it can influence how strongly tics show up at certain times.
Do Tics Go Away?
For many children, tics wax and wane. They may increase for weeks or months and then decrease again. Some children outgrow their tics entirely, while others continue to experience them at varied levels
What matters most is not how the tic looks, but:
- How much the tic interfere with daily life
- How your child feels about the tics
- Whether it impacts school, friendships, or confidence
Mild tics that don’t cause distress may not require intervention. Others benefit greatly from learning skills to manage them.
When to Seek Help for Tics
It may be helpful to seek professional support if:
- Tics cause emotional distress or embarrassment
- School participation or friendships are affected
- Your child feels out of control or frustrated by their body
- You notice avoidance, anxiety, or reduced confidence
- You want guidance early rather than “wait and see”
You don’t need to wait until tics are severe to get support. Early education can reduce stress for both children and parents
Evidence-Based Support for Tics
One of the most well-researched therapies for tics is CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics). It’s recommended as the first line of treatment by many professional organizations.
CBIT teaches children:
- Awareness of tic urges which then leads to their ability to implement an alternative or “competing” response
- Environmental strategies to reduce tic frequency
- Skills to regulate and calm the nervous system
- Long-term control over their tics no matter the frequency. CBIT is a formula to learn how to control any and all tics.
A Reassuring Note for Parents
Seeing tics can be unsettling—but with the right information and support, many children learn to manage tics effectively and confidently.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re looking for a calm place to start:
👉 Download our free guide: Understanding Your Child’s Tics
A clear, parent-friendly resource to help you make sense of what you’re seeing.
👉 Learn more about CBIT therapy at Three23 Therapy
Explore how evidence-based support can help your child feel more in control.
Peace and Blessings,
Emily, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
emily@three23therapy.com
