Tourette's and School: Tips for Teachers and Parents

11 | 06 | 25

Tourette's and School: Tips for Teachers and Parents

Learn how parents and teachers can better support children with Tourette syndrome at school to promote understanding and reduce stress.

School can be a challenging environment for children with Tourette syndrome. Tics can distract them while they are learning, but the environment can also be challenging because of the reactions of classmates and teachers. Children may feel misunderstood or excluded. That is why good support at school is essential. Children who feel accepted and safe can develop, concentrate, and socialize better.
     

What is Tourette syndrome?

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Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements and sounds. These movements and sounds are also known as tics, and you have no control over them. Tics tend to increase during times of stress and anxiety and are often accompanied by other symptoms.
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  • - Motor tics include actions such as shaking your head, blinking rapidly, or shrugging your shoulders.
  • - Vocal tics include coughing, swearing, whistling, clearing your throat, and repeating words.
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It is also possible to experience a combination of these tics, which involves making a movement and a sound at the same time. Tics may last for a short period of time or several months. Once one tic disappears, another may appear.
     
In addition to tics, other symptoms may also occur, such as:
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  • - Difficulty sleeping
  • - Difficulty concentrating
  • - Feelings of panic, anxiety, anger, or sadness
  • - Overstimulation
  • - Impulsiveness
  • - Difficulty staying still
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School tips for parents of children with Tourette syndrome

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Below are some tips for parents on how to communicate with the school and support your child.
    

1. Communicate proactively with the school

Contact the teachers, care coordinator, and principal early on to discuss Tourette syndrome and your child's needs. Emphasize which characteristics apply to your child, and discuss how the teachers can help. Remember, Tourette's is different for every child.
    

2. Ask for an appropriate approach in the classroom

Work with the school to develop a care plan that takes your child's needs into account. This could include flexibility with tests, extra breaks, or a quiet place to retreat to.
    

3. Help your child explain Tourette syndrome to their classmates

Talk to your child about how they can explain Tourette syndrome to their classmates in a simple way to prevent misunderstandings and bullying.
    

4. Encourage self-advocacy

Encourage your child to communicate their needs, such as when they need a break or support.
     

5. Monitor your child's school performance and well-being

Monitor school performance and evaluations, and identify areas where additional support is needed. Watch for signs of stress, anxiety, or fatigue that may exacerbate tics, and discuss these with your child and the school.
    

School tips for teachers of students with Tourette syndrome

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Below are some tips on how to accommodate students with Tourette syndrome.
    

1. Understand what Tourette syndrome is

One of the most important things is understanding what it is and how it affects a child. Tics are uncontrollable movements and sounds that a child cannot control. Therefore, punishment or reprimands are ineffective responses. Educate yourself and the class about Tourette syndrome to promote understanding and awareness.
     

2. Create a safe learning environment

Children with Tourette syndrome need a calm and safe learning environment where they can retreat when their tics increase. It is important that they know they will not be judged or excluded because of their tics. The best approach is to ignore the tics in the classroom. There will also be fewer tics when no attention is paid to them.
    
Additionally, it is recommended that expectations and rules be adapted to the child's needs. This can include allowing short breaks, excusing them from stressful activities, and showing understanding when they are distracted by their tics. Assign the child a seat near the classroom door so they can leave unnoticed to calm down.
    

3. Work together with parents and specialists

As a teacher, you can consult with specialists or the child's parents. Regular communication is essential to responding to the child's needs effectively. Parents know their child best and can offer useful advice for a smooth school day. Additionally, collaborating with a pediatrician or therapist can be valuable.
   

4. Inform and involve classmates

Many children with Tourette syndrome experience misunderstanding and bullying. A class discussion or presentation that does not single out the child can help inform the class and promote empathy.
    

5. Support motor and emotional safety

Some children with Tourette syndrome have difficulty avoiding falls and bumps during their tics. Protective solutions, such as Ribcap helmets, can protect the head in the event of a bump or fall. Ribcap offers fashionable head protection that prevents head injuries without making children feel different. Additionally, it is important to support the child's emotional well-being. Emphasize the child's strengths and reward desired behavior with kind compliments.
     
Would you like more practical tips about Tourette syndrome in the classroom? Check out this comprehensive guide.
    

Conclusion

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With the right knowledge, empathy, and cooperation, teachers and parents can create an environment where children with Tourette syndrome feel safe, understood, and supported at school. This gives every child the opportunity to reach their full potential without being hindered by misunderstandings or unnecessary stress.
   
Written by Nico De Wilde