Practical Support for Tics, Tourette's & Childhood Anxiety

This blog exists because good information about tics and anxiety can be genuinely hard to find. Whether you're a parent trying to understand what's happening with your child, an adult managing tics yourself, or just starting to explore your options — you'll find practical, accurate, and approachable content here.

Emily Reid, OTR/L

Hi, I'm Emily — an occupational therapist and tic specialist sharing practical, honest guidance on tics and anxiety that's grounded in real clinical experience.

CBIT Therapychild anxietytoolkit
Collage of recommended products and books for tic management, including a sunrise alarm clock, red light therapy device, Gear Tie fidget, body awareness cards, gut health testing kit, children's and adult books about tics, and the Empower Brain and Body Workbook.

My Favorite Products and Books for Tic Management

Occupational Therapy, Parent Resources, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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Minimalist calendar highlighting menstrual cycle days alongside a brain illustration showing emotional states like anxious, tired, and calm

Why Tics Get Worse Before Your Period (and What Actually Helps)

Tic Education, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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Parent looking concerned while reading about motor tics vs. vocal tics on a laptop at a kitchen table.

Motor Tics vs. Vocal Tics: Simple and Complex Tics Explained in Children

Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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Child sitting at a desk, looking focused while fidgeting with a small toy, representing tics in children.

Tics in Children: Causes, Types, and When to Seek Help

Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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Tic vs. Habit vs. Compulsion graphic with text “How to Tell the Difference” and a tangled brain illustration representing confusion parents feel when identifying behaviors.

Tic vs. Habit vs. Compulsion: How to Tell the Difference

Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Education, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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Tics and Anxiety: Why They Show Up Together — and What You Can Do About It

Anxiety, Suppressing Tics, Tic Education, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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The Sleep Connection: Helping Kids Rest, Regulate, and Rebalance

Anxiety, Sleep, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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Understanding Tic Patterns and Triggers

School, Sensory Processing Disorder, Tic Education, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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Understanding the Neurological Process of Tics

Advocacy, CBIT Therapy, Tic Education, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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The Hidden Benefits of Having Tics

Advocacy, Tics, Tourette Syndrome

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