Whispering tics

Whispering tics are vocal tics that present as an urge to whisper a word or phrase. They may occur for some in quiet environments. Loud environments may result in a feeling that the tic didn’t ‘feel right’ if not heard. Whispering tics may occur with coprolalia (uttering offensive words and phrases) and echolalia (repeating words […]

Squeaking tics

Squeaking tics consist of a short, high pitched sound in the form of a vocal tic. These tics may occur anytime, or specifically in quieter environments such as classrooms or in meetings. Squeaking is often considered a simple tic due to the ease in which it can be carried out. A short, high pitched sound […]

Sniffing tics

Sniffing is a common tic experienced by those with Tourette and tic disorders. They can be classed as vocal or motor tics depending on the intended action. Sniffing can be a simple or complex tic Sniffing as a simple tic would be a short, sniffing sound and/or movement. It would become a complex tic if […]

Crying tics

Have you ever felt the urge to cry, but not due to sadness or fear? Tics can manifest as a premonitory urge to cry, and some people experience this. Is crying a motor or vocal tic? The desire to close eyes, scrunch face, produce tears or make a crying sound can be both a motor and/or […]

Laughing tics

Laughing tics consist of forced laughter due to an unwanted urge. These laughs don’t come from happiness or humour, but the result of a tic disorder. You’re at a funeral. With everyone seated, silence enters the room and the service begins. The silence creates an internal tension… a tension that manifests as an urge to […]

Mouth-related tics

Mouth tics are unwanted movements and/or sounds that occur in or around the mouth. They can be painful and affect daily life, especially around eating and breathing.

Tongue-related tics

Tongue-related tics occur via a movement, or sound from the tongue.  Tongue tics may occur as the following (but not limited to): Wiggling or sticking out the tongue Clicking or popping the tongue Are tongue tics motor or vocal? Tongue movements would come under the category of a motor tic. The NHS lists tongue clicking under vocal […]

Humming tics

Humming is a vocal tic. It is a variation of tic that some people with tic disorders experience, with its own unique challenges. Humming is often considered a simple tic due to using only a limited number of muscles. Humming can be subtle, or more complex It can be in quick bursts, or follow a […]

Whistling tics

Whistling tics often originate from the desire to create a whistling sound. This can be achieved by: Using the lips to create a whistling sound when inhaling or exhaling Using the fingers as well as the mouth and tongue to create a sound Other sensations may be desired during a whistling tic, such as feeling […]

Grunting tic

Grunting is a sound someone makes, in this case caused by a tic. Not all grunting is a result of a tic, it can be a normal sound made by babies and toddlers for example. It is similar to throat clearing, gargling and snoring, however tics are carried out when awake. Grunting tics are created […]