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Comprehensive Behavior Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a non-drug treatment consisting of three important components:
- training the child to be more aware of tics
- training the child to use “competing” behavior when they feel the urge to tic
- making changes to day to day activities in ways that can be helpful in reducing tics
Contact Us
Phone: 205-638-6820
Fax: 205-638-6063
Email: Jan.Rowe@ChildrensAL.org
Location
Children's at Lakeshore
3600 Ridgeway Dr.
Homewood, 35209
Driving Directions
INTERVENTION FOR HANDWRITING
"COVID PHENOMENON Phenomenon"
Tic like movements have exploded in teens who have no prior history of tics. Read the article (PDF).
COVID-19 Information
At this time the COA/UAB TS Center of Excellence is open and seeing patients in clinic and via telehealth (in state insurance only). We can ensure social distancing and prompt appointments with in clinic sessions. We do have Covid procedures and precautions we will share with you when you contact Dr. Rowe for an appointment.
Back to School
- Working Closely with your Child's School – Tourette Association of America
- Resources for the School and Teachers – Tourette Association of America
- The College Student's Guide to Stress Management (Infographic) – Purdue University Global
Our Program
The program consists of eight weekly sessions with a focus on embedding the tic strategies or “competing responses” into everyday life. The focus of the sessions is on identification of the frequency and severity of tics and teaching alternate strategies to the child. These new strategies help the child manage his or her tic disorder with discretion and confidence. The initial visit for evaluation generally lasts 60-90 minutes. Weekly sessions range from 30-60 minutes in length. Our program is highly dependent on the commitment of your child adhering to the practice sessions outside of clinic time. An occupational therapy practitioner will work with your child or youth to promote active participation in activities or occupations that are meaningful in his or her daily life. Our occupational therapists will work to help your child develop a competing response for their tics, thereby limiting the interruption of tics on their health, well-being and participation in activites.
The innovative clinic housed at Children’s of Alabama and associated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is one of the designated Tourette Syndrome Association Centers of Excellence.
How effective is CBIT for someone with Tourette Syndrome?
Results from a large, multi-site National Institutes of Health-funded study show that over half of those who undergo CBIT will have significant reductions in tic severity along with improved ability to function. Complete elimination of all tics and other Tourette syndrome (TS) symptoms is seen occasionally in CBIT, but it is not to be expected. CBIT is not a “cure” for TS, but rather a tool that can help individuals better manage their tics and reduce the negative impact of tics upon their lives.
Additional information
If you are interested in an evaluation for your child, simply call or email for more information. Insurances are accepted, and may cover the evaluation, eight sessions and three booster sessions upon the completion of the program. A physician referral is required.
