SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND COMMUNICATION IN TOURETTE'S SYNDROME

Abstract

In this article we review the relationship between Tourette's syndrome (TS) and speech, language, and communication disorders. We consider TS to be a neurodevelopmental disorder with an increased rate of co-occurring (comorbid) disorders. We have organized the available research into topical areas for convenience of review. These areas are tic insertion into speech, learning disabilities, speech abnormalities, expressive and receptive language impairments, coprophenomena, writing and tics, signing and tic premonitory phenomena, and TS. We conclude with a discussion of the interplay between neurological function and mental factors on expression and outcome of this relationship. We offer discussion of a research agenda to advance the science in this area.