Is tourettes syndrome genetic?

Can someone with Tourettes Syndrome have a tic set off with a word?

• My Son was diagnosed this last year with Tourettes Syndrome, he has had motor tics through the years he also has Aspergers Syndrome. This year his tics have become progressively worse and they gave him the diagnosis. This week he started ticking when someone would say a specific word, he has the tic at other times during the day without being prompted. Looking online I haven't found much on this and would like to know if it is just part of the Syndrome and if there is anything that can be done to help him through it.

• Answer:

  Well, I have basically no research to support this, (I usually use a lot of research in my answers, especially on TS!) but my tics tend to come out if something reminds me of them. If someone says "hiccup", then it tends to trigger my tic to make hiccup noises, or if someone says echo, it triggers my echolalia tic (in which I repeat what I hear.) These are just a few examples More dramatic examples could be seen when two or more ticcers get together, especially if they happen to have some of the same tics. Me and my friend--we both have severe TS, sort of feed off each others' tics when we're around each other, as we happen to have very similar ticcs. Her waving tic makes my waving tic come out, she squeaks so I bark, I bark so she howls, etc. It's rather interesting, really, how they cycle in response to what we do, think, hear or say. Another tic I have is very specific in that I hit myself when I hear a certain word or sound from that word. This could also be interpreted as a compulsion, being so specific, but it's just another possible explanation. I know it's really hard, having to deal with something so far removed from your or your son's control, but maybe that helps explain things a little. You're absolutely right, there is very little in the literature (the writings of TS specialists, specifically) about tics' responses to environmental stimuli (other than emotions.) Your son's tics are probably just "waxing" right now (although you've probably already heard that from at least a couple doctors, it seems they all have the same thing to say, even though it's never terribly helpful).... I hope his interests are something he can enjoy for a long time. My family--my brother, my mom and I are all on the autism spectrum--and we tend to enjoy our "perseverations." I do, and my brother does, especially. I'm into neuroscience, and my brother loves all things star-wars and WWII related. Hope hearing a little from someone else with the same situation makes it a little easier! PS: there are lots of great groups for people affected by tics/TS online. Yahoo, FB, are jsut a few places to start.