Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence. Most people with TS experience their worst tic symptoms in their early teens, but tics typically lessen and become controlled by the late teens to early 20s. For some people, TS can be a chronic condition with symptoms that last into adulthood. In some cases, tics may worsen in adulthood. 

If symptoms affect your daily life, the newest guideline from the American Academy of Neurology recommends that doctors first consider prescribing a treatment called Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics. CBIT combines relaxation training, habit-reversal training, and behavioral therapy to help reduce tic symptoms. The guideline states that CBIT is effective in both adults and children, and has no major side effects.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness website explains that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offer monthly financial support to individuals with mental illness who cannot work, with SSDI based on work history and SSI based on financial need.

This Patient Advocate Foundation guide can walk you through understanding the disability process and provide step-by-step instructions for building and submitting an application.