Introduction / Rationale: Tic disorders (Provisional, Persistent, Tourette’s) are represented by multiple involuntary movements of muscles or vocalizations. Often health providers turn to pharmaceuticals for treatment. In contrast, nonpharmacological occupational therapy interventions can effectively facilitate health management and occupational engagement for those with tic disorders.
Objectives:
Bring awareness to CBIT and its’ role in tic disorder treatment
Educate on the value of sensory integration (SI) in decreasing unwanted tic symptoms and increasing the value of CBIT work
Inspire practitioners to incorporate advocacy in CBIT therapy to increase confidence and decrease “embarrassing” tics.
Methods/ Approach: Present published research by global authors, my accumulated knowledge as a CBIT provider, and propose future research directions.
Results/ Practice Implications: CBIT can be a valuable tool globally, in lieu of pharmaceutical options. Further, the role of SI in treating tic disorders in CBIT is important, as tic disorders are inherently sensory driven. When one becomes comfortable around their tics and the topic of tics in general, they can learn to advocate about their disability to increase comfort and decrease “embarrassment” on the topic of tics.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: CBIT should be practiced specifically by an OT in that the roles of sensory integration, advocacy and holistic care (mind, body and spirit together) are within the OT practice framework. Future research will explore common ground between CBIT use for tic disorders and other movement disorders, to increase usage of non-medicinal approaches for movement disorders.