Talking About Tics With Peers and Coping in Social Interactions

Abstract This chapter provides clinicians with practical therapeutic strategies and activities to facilitate the development of skills for targeting peer interactions and coping for youth with tic disorders (TDs). Youth with TDs report that the presence of TDs impedes their social interactions with peers, and places them at an increased risk for teasing and bullying. Negative peer feedback can be a stressor that exacerbates the frequency and severity of tics. Thus addressing peer interactions is a valuable component of treatment. Through psychoeducation and scripted role-play activities the clinician will teach skills to promote friendships, respond to teasing and bullying, and discuss their tic behavior with various peer groups.