There are many questions and worries that come to mind every school day if your child has been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). It can be off-putting, especially at the time when you are still learning exactly what TS is, and how it impacts your child.
Let’s briefly clarify what Tourette Syndrome constitutes.
How do the symptoms manifest in everyday life?
And perhaps most importantly — how can you help your child in school and beyond?
This guide will take you through the important facts about TS: what it is, how it manifests and what you can do to support students at home and in the classroom.
What Is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes a person to create involuntary motions or sounds, known as tics. These tics can take the form of small actions like blinking or vocalizations like making a grunt or clearing one’s throat.
TS impacts kids from all walks of life and generally starts between ages 5 and 10. Your child is not “choosing” to tic — these movements are involuntary. Tics are a component of the way their brain interprets movement and impulse.
A Quick History
Tourette syndrome (TS) was first described in 1885, by the French neurologist Georges Gilles de la Tourette. Our understanding has evolved since then — but many myths and misconceptions about the condition remain in the zeitgeist today.
What’s Going On in the Brain?
Scientists think TS is related to differences in the way certain regions of the brain operate — particularly those that regulate behavior and movement. The brain’s communication system, composed of neurotransmitters, doesn’t function like it does in people who don’t have TS.
The precise cause is still being studied, but studies suggest that TS runs in families — meaning it has a genetic component.
Understanding Tics: What They Are Like
The most apparent symptom of TS are tics. They can be:
Simple Tics (rápidos e repetitivos)
- Motions: flickering, head-jogging, shoulder-lifting
- Vocal: cough, clear throat, sniff
Complex Tics (consist of multiple movements or utterances)
- A series of motions such as hopping and spinning
- Echoey — repeating words or phrases, sometimes heard in media or from others
Tics can wax and wane over time and often worsen during periods of stress, arousal, or fatigue.
What Triggers Tics?
Tics might be more pronounced in situations such as:
- Making decisions in vague or stressful moments (tests, social pressure)
- Preparation time (brushing teeth/washing face/prepping for bed)
- Emotionally high or low (joy or frustration)
Learning what sets your child off can allow you to help them more productively.
Is Tourette Syndrome Linked to Other Conditions?
Yes. Many kids have additional diagnoses in addition to TS, including:
- ADHD (one of the top 20 most searched disorders)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety or mood disorders
- Sleep-related issues
This is why a team of professionals — including doctors, teachers, and parents — is often required.
Tourette Syndrome Can Be Treated — But Not Cured
There’s no cure for TS, though there are a variety of ways to manage it that can be very helpful. If a child’s tics are mild, the child may never need treatment. If treatment is required, it might involve one or more of:
- A behavioral therapist will help children learn how to control tics
- Medications – a last resort for severe cases
- Stress-reduction techniques — mindfulness or structured regularity
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – a surgical intervention for exceptional, serious cases
Will It Get Worse Over Time?
Not usually. Most children experience a decline in tics as they transition to late adolescence or early adulthood.
Tips on How to Ensure Your Child Does Well in School
Tourette Syndrome can impact upon your child’s school life, and the right support is key. Here are some tips:
Classroom Accommodations
If your child has an IEP or a 504 Plan, your child may qualify for adaptations like:
- Extra time on tests
- Somewhere quiet to do assessments
- Movement breaks
- Focus on oral rather than written tasks
Emotional Support
Tics can cause embarrassment or affect self-esteem. Scheduled appointments with a school counselor can help your child feel that their concerns are being heard and validated.
Educate Others
Educating teachers and peers about TS reduces the likelihood of bullying and helps foster empathy. This is just a simple classroom conversation that can foster a more inclusive environment.
Final Thoughts: Your Child Is More Than a Diagnosis
Tourette Syndrome is only a small part of who your child is. In school, at home, and in life, your child can thrive with understanding, patience, and the right resources.