Tourette's Syndrome (TS)

Common Patterns

The HANDLE Institute has identified a few consistent areas of dysfunction/disorder in clients diagnosed with TS or other tic disorders.

• Heightened sensitivity to light (especially flickering light) with irregular dilation and contraction of the pupils and/or with irregular binocular functions

• Irregularity in the development of a neurological concept called reflex inhibition and differentiation of movement/response. In TS, the uninhibited reflex probably begins with a generalization of irregular stimulation from the eyes, to the nose and mouth (from the upper root of the trigeminal nerve to the lower roots), and then progressing into the neck, throat, etc.

• Unusual sense of rhythm (usually syncopated)

Biochemical Balance

One of the commonalities found in individuals diagnosed with TS, is an increased level of a neurotransmitter, dopamine. The body seems to require large amounts of this neurotransmitter to support the unusual degree of movement and energy involved in tic-ing. Specific activities can regulate each of the above areas of dysfunction. As light sensitivity is reduced, differentiation increased, and rhythm internalized, the disordered movements wane and then disappear, decreasing the need for dopamine.. Some clients with TS who have worked with the HANDLE approach to treat their disorder, have reported that their bodies reduced the degree of dopamine production gradually, until it became balanced once more.

Individual Differences

We also frequently find other neuro-developmental differences that are individualized in our clients, who are, after all, individual persons, not just Touretters.

Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

Many individuals with TS are characterized with some obsessive-compulsive behaviors. As movement becomes more controlled and as rhythmic organization increases, most individuals find they no longer feel driven to perform routinized behaviors or to exercise control over situations. With increased ability to deal flexibly with varying situations, their behavioral options are broadened, so they no longer feel trapped in the repetitive behaviors which they may have fully recognized as counter-productive.

HANDLE Treatment Programs

Through individualized observational assessment and thorough interviewing, HANDLE clinicians learn the child or adult. They map clusters of behaviors to develop profiles of those functions that are working smoothly for the individual and those that are irregular. Individualized programs of activities are designed, and the family receives guidance in implementing these at home, for just a few minutes a day. Frequently simple nutritional suggestions are incorporated into the program (perhaps, a reduction of salt in the diet). Through gentle enhancement of specific movement patterns and reflex inhibition, the body (and the brain) increase tolerance for certain stimuli and ability to regulate and organize movement. The program deals first with lowest level underlying functions, and later with higher level functions and the connections among the many functions we require to take-in, organize, and act upon stimuli and demands in the everyday environment.

What Results We Can Expect

Most of the people who have worked with the HANDLE approach realize complete remission of physical tics, vocal tics, and other uninhibited responses. As they continue in the program, they also experience greater mental organization.

One mother shares her experience:

"Last summer it seemed at times that not a minute would go by without our son having a facial or head tic. Three weeks into the HANDLE Program, he was only having 1-2 tics per week. Now, after 4 months on the program, we rarely, if ever, see one."

                                                                                                J. Janofsky  

Copyright © 1996 The HANDLE Institute