Tourette Syndrome Center
Tourette Syndrome Center
There are many resources available, both in the Kansas City area and beyond, that our families have found helpful. Here are some that we work with regularly.
The Joshua Center provides services and support for the social, emotional, and educational needs of neurologically impaired children and their families.
The Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment is a source for accurate information about evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders.
Get helpful resources about Tourette syndrome from the National Tourette Syndrome Association, including a searchable resource library, and learn about the latest research and medical advancements.
The International OCD Foundation site provides resources to help individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder and related disorders live full and productive lives.
Tourette Syndrome Center of Excellence
Children with Tourette syndrome receive the highest level of care in the Midwest at the Children’s Mercy Tourette Syndrome Center of Excellence — the nation’s only center of excellence devoted exclusively to kids.
We work with children and families every day to understand each child’s unique situation and build a personalized care plan for your child.
A Center of Excellence
We’re proud to be designated as a Center of Excellence by the Tourette Association of America — one of only nine centers nationally. The work that we do as a Center of Excellence advances care for children with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders through research and educational initiatives.
Treating Tourette syndrome in children
Because Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric condition, we bring together experts from several different departments to collaborate on a care plan. Your child’s care team will be hand-selected based on information you share with our intake coordinator. The personalized care team for your child may include neurologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, and family therapists.
Your care team is housed together at our Children’s Mercy Northland location, making it easy for your child to access the care they need in one place.
Co-occurring diagnoses
Tourette symptoms can be influenced by other factors like school, medication, sleep habits, and family dynamics. Because of this, no two children with Tourette syndrome are alike. Research has also helped us understand that more than 85 percent of people with Tourette syndrome also have at least one mental health condition, like attention-deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, anxiety disorders and others. We work to combine all of these factors into one holistic treatment plan unique to your child.
Clinical Services
Whether you need a full evaluation, ongoing treatment, or help with balancing medications and therapies, we can help.
Evaluation and diagnosis
Your child will receive a full evaluation that includes expert analysis from a neurologist, psychologist, and nurse practitioner. This collaborative approach ensures that your child will receive the best possible treatment for his or her unique needs.
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
CBIT is a psychotherapeutic treatment that helps your child understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. CBIT is an effective form of therapy for treating a wide range of disorders, including phobias, addiction, depression, and anxiety.
Read more about CBIT and other available therapies for Tourette syndrome.
Medication management
Medication often plays an important role in treating movement disorders. Your care team will help you find the most effective medications and doses for your child.
Support services
After your child has been evaluated in our clinic, you will have access to a 24/7 message line to assist with answering questions or providing support for other needs. Neurology patients can call (816) 234-3490 and Developmental and Behavioral patients can call (816) 855-1927.
Our team can provide you with resources and recommendations for books, handouts and support groups. We will also work with your child’s school to help develop a care plan specific to their educational environment.
Family therapy
Having a child with Tourette syndrome impacts the whole family. You might benefit from our therapy sessions tailored specifically for family members of children with movement disorders.
Neuropsychological Testing
Neuropsychological testing uses a variety of tools to explore the relationship between your child’s brain and behavior. This information helps provide a more accurate diagnosis of specific movement disorders and give insight into the best possible treatment options.
Telemedicine
For families who are unable to travel to Kansas City, we offer telemedicine consultations through our satellite locations in St. Joseph and Joplin, Missouri and Wichita, Kansas. Learn about how telemedicine appointments work.