Tourette Syndrome in the Classroom
Educational Strategies for Teachers of Students with Tic Disorders
Nov 10, 2008
Tourette syndrome, sometimes known as Tourette’s disorder, is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary movement of the eyes, limbs, or trunk (motor tics) and repetitive vocalization (vocal tics) that persist for at least twelve months. Children with Tourette's are also more likely to display temperamental, sensory, stuttering, and social issues and are oftentimes diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, or other disorders.
Martin L. Kutscher M.D. offers many interesting statistics in his guidebook Kids in the Syndrome Mix [Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2005]. Included among them, as many as 18% of boys and 11% of girls experience temporary tics at one time or another in childhood. Kutscher also notes that at least 100,000 children in the U.S. are affected with what is called “full” Tourette syndrome.
Encourage Classroom Discussion about Tourette Syndrome
In the classroom, teachers should encourage students to openly discuss Tourette syndrome. Have the student with Tourette’s prepare a presentation on the disorder, explaining that tics are not voluntary. According to Dr. Kutscher, if the child is willing to talk about the condition with his peers, it could lessen the incidents of teasing.
Additionally, teachers can create an educational flyer or website page about Tourette syndrome for families so they can become more informed.
Allow Frequent Breaks from Classroom
Stress and anxiety in a classroom setting can cause tics to escalate in frequency and intensity. One option for teachers is to allow the student to take frequent breaks from the class whenever tics become distracting or disruptive. It is important to not ask the child to go, but to allow the child the freedom to leave when he feels it is necessary.
Provide Extra Time for Classroom Work
Children with Tourette’s disorder can expend much energy trying to read or write when a severe motor tic is present. In the classroom, provisions for more time to complete assignments may be necessary and will help to reduce anxiety.
Also, a child with Tourette’s may have trouble with auditory and visual processing, causing a slow down in responses to questions. Teachers may want to pose questions to the child ahead of time in order give him a chance to think before putting him on the spot.
Try Other Creative Solutions
Children with vocal tics will be nervous reading aloud, so this requirement should be relaxed in class. On the other hand, if a motor tic is present, a student may benefit from oral testing instead of relying on hand writing proficiency. A computer can be a great tool for note taking. Tape recorders or a scribe may also be indicated.
Another idea for teachers is to provide the freedom to choose seating. Many children with tics prefer to sit in the back of the classroom so as not to disturb others.
Promote Social Understanding with Tourette Syndrome Game
In the book Coping with Tourette Syndrome: A Workbook for Kids with Tic Disorders [Oakland: Instant Help Books, 2008], author Sandra Buffolano documents a game that has been helpful for students to see what it is like to live with a tic disorder. It is called the Tourette Syndrome Game and involves singing a repetitive song for two minutes while performing certain vocal and motor movements triggered by words in the song.
Whatever the severity of a child’s tic disorder, teachers can provide support in the classroom by creating an environment of acceptance and understanding. Allowances of time, freedom to take breaks, and useful tools necessary to satisfy special needs should be provided. With these efforts, the child with Tourette syndrome may be afforded the chance to thrive and succeed.
