Tourette Syndrome (TS)

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Associated conditions can include attentional problems (ADHD/ADD), impulsiveness (and oppositional defiant disorder), obsessional compulsive behavior (OCD), and learning disabilities.

The HANDLE^® Perspective

HANDLE views Tourette Syndrome as primarily an irregularity in the development of reflex inhibition and differentiation of movement/response. 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 and elsewhere.

Common Patterns

HANDLE 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

• Unusual sense of rhythm (usually syncopated)
• Biochemical imbalances

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.

Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

Many individuals with TS seem obsessed with or compulsive about details in their lives. 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.

Individual Differences

Each person who demonstrates symptoms of TS is an individual, with unique life and developmental experiences. For this reason it is important to learn each person's functional patterns and to design a program that speak to the individual needs.

HANDLE^® Treatment

A HANDLE Assessment by a Certified HANDLE Practitioner is recommended for individuals with Tourette. 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.

In children and adults alike, the nervous systems respond to repeated movement patterns and proper nutrition by altering their neuro-physiological responses, organizing mental processing, and changing the very structure of the brain. HANDLE relies on the fact that the nervous system is intended to adapt continually throughout the lifespan. Through regular Gentle Enhancement of weak functions and providing proper nourishment to strengthen the nervous system, weak aspects of the nervous system can be permanently strengthened. Each program is customized for effective application in the client's home or other supportive setting. The program usually requires less than a half hour daily to complete, doesn't have to be done all at once, or even in a certain order.

What Results We Might See

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.

What Clients Say

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

~ J. Janofsky, parent