Tourette
Syndrome
Characteristics Help in the Classroom Additional Resources
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder
characterized by involuntary, rapid, sudden movements (tics) or vocalizations
that occur repeatedly in the same way.
What
are some common characteristics of Tourette Syndrome?
Symptoms of Tourette
Syndrome vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe.
Simple
Motor Tics
Complex MotorTics
Vocal
Tics
eye blinking hopping throat clearing
grimacing clapping grunting
nose twitching touching objects/self yelling/shouts
lip smacking throwing screaming
shoulder shrugging arranging sniffing
arm/head jerking biting mouth/lips/arm barking
kicking head banging snorting
finger movements arm thrusting squeaking
jaw snapping rolling eyes spitting
frowning making funny expressions humming
tensing body parts sticking out tongue coughing
squinting pinching squealing
tounge thrusting tearing paper or books laughing
retracing letters words gurgling
foot tapping/shaking/dragging whistling
Complex Vocal
Tics: These are uncontrollable verbalizations or utterances such as
words and phrases.
-
Uncontrolled utterances of obscene, aggressive, or otherwise socially
unacceptable words or phrases
- Repeating the words of others
- Repeating own words
How
can I help the student in the school setting?
Rules-rewards/consequences:
Continually
discuss the consequences for behaviors, giving reminders when needed.
(i.e.
If you
yell out answers you won’t be allowed to participate with the group,
but if you raise your hand and sit quietly you will most likely be called on).
Help students understand
responsibility and choice: Help
students understand that they are responsible for their actions and choices.
Help them understand all people become upset at times, but they need to
make good choices on how to control their anger and behave appropriately.
Structure/consistency: Try
to keep routines structured and consistent.
Redirection:
If
the student becomes distracted, redirect his/her attention to the task at hand.
Praise: Tell
students the things that the student is doing correctly and well. Praise
students on working well on a task or assignment and on using appropriate
behaviors.
(i.e. You’re doing a nice job filling out the information and I really
like how you are raising your hand quietly to answer questions).
Physical movement: Provide
opportunities for physical movement and a private place to go if needed to tic.
Some children are able to hold back their tics for up to hours at a time,
but this only leads to stronger outbursts of tics once they are finally allowed
to be expressed.
Assist with social interactions: Encourage
students to participate with other children instead of spending time alone
during free time.
For
more information on Tourette Syndrome click on the websites below.
http://www.mentalhealth.com/book/p40-gtor.html
References
Tourette Syndrome Support. www.Tourettesyndromesupport.com
Tourette Syndrome Association. http://www.tsa-usa.org/
Maintained in accordance
with the Shenendehowa Central School District Web Publishing Guidelines by
B. Lemieur,
L. Mickle,
K. Tucker