Why CBIT is a Lifelong Insurance Policy for Tics
Many pediatricians and neurologists tell parents, "Don’t worry, most kids outgrow their tics." While this is scientifically sound, it leaves families in a difficult spot: What do we do right now?
The reality is that no one can predict if tics will fade in a few weeks or continue into adulthood. In the meantime, you are left watching your child navigate a daily life that is often anything but "normal."
The Hidden Cost of Waiting
When we talk about the hidden costs of tics, we aren’t just talking about a repetitive movement. We are talking about the heavy toll this takes on a child—and a family—every single day. As a parent, you see what the world doesn't:
Social Isolation and Low Self-Esteem: Children often have to navigate these movements in classrooms and among friends without a way to explain what is happening. Kids are naturally quick to point out what they see as "different" or "odd." Without a toolkit, your child is left feeling exposed, which leads to a decrease in self-esteem and deep uncertainty about their social future.
The Physical Toll of Exhaustion: Imagine the energy it takes to keep your body moving involuntarily all day. By the time school is out, many children are physically and mentally spent.
Irritability and Emotional Burnout: That exhaustion often manifests as unexplained irritability or meltdowns at home. They aren’t being difficult; they are simply worn out from the effort of managing their symptoms in public.
The Struggle to Focus: It is nearly impossible to concentrate on a math test when your brain is preoccupied with a premonitory urge, the effort of suppressing a vocal tic, or trying to read a test when your blinking excessively.
The Reality of Physical Pain: Repetitive jerking, shrugging, or snapping isn't just a movement—it’s a physical strain that leads to real soreness, tension headaches, and discomfort.
Why Behavioral Therapy is Never "Wasted"
Think of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) like learning to ride a bike with a safety harness. We are teaching your child a specific set of neurological brakes. This approach is a win-win, regardless of what the future holds for their diagnosis.
The Best-Case Scenario
If your child’s tics do go away on their own—which is the outcome we all hope for—that is fantastic. In the process of therapy, they haven’t just "waited"; they have gained a deeper understanding of their body and developed self-regulation skills. These are valuable tools for managing stress and physical awareness that will serve them for a lifetime.
The Safety Net Scenario
If the tics continue or intensify during high-stress teenage years, your child isn’t starting from scratch. They already have the skills in their back pocket. They know how to identify the premonitory urge—that itch or tense feeling before the tic—and how to use a competing response to neutralize it before it becomes a physical movement.
Empowerment Over Uncertainty
Behavioral therapy can be learned at any point and used for the rest of one's life. By starting now at Blueprint Therapy Services, you aren’t just treating a symptom; you are giving your child the tools to navigate their world with confidence, regardless of what their tics do tomorrow.
Take the First Step Toward Confidence
You don’t have to navigate the "wait and see" period alone. Whether you are looking for in-person care in Boerne or specialized telehealth support across the state of Texas, I am here to help your child build the skills they need to thrive.
Blueprint Therapy Services: Serving Boerne, San Antonio, and all of Texas via secure telehealth.