It
may surprise you to learn that you probably have taught a student with
Tourette Syndrome (TS), and will likely again. Often teachers and school
personnel, as well as physicians and families, miss the symptoms that
are associated with TS. Studies estimate that 1 in 160 (0.6%)
school-aged children in the United States have TS.
Remember,
a child with TS is a person first…who happens to have TS. As an
education professional, it is important to remain curious regarding how
to teach and be supportive of a student with this complex
neurodevelopmental disorder. While every student is unique, the
following are general suggestions that may help a student who has TS or
tics, to attain academic and social success.
1.Recognize that tics are involuntary movements and sounds that wax and wane and can change unpredictably.
In many cases, students with TS will attempt to suppress their tics to
avoid negative attention from others. While the tics may appear to be
within the students’ control and are being done purposefully, they are
not.
2. Reduce Stress/Anxiety. Stress typically increases symptoms. Therefore,
noting what factors increase stress and implementing appropriate
accommodations or special education services will frequently reduce
symptoms.
3.
Identify the skills deficits that may contribute to increased
stress/symptoms, as well as the strategies and supports to address the
skills deficits.
4. Ignore the symptoms that can be ignored.
This demonstrates acceptance and normalizes Tourette Syndrome and other
related symptoms. Modeling acceptance can reduce both bullying and
stress and may help the student with TS to focus his/her energy on
academics rather than tic suppression.
5. Consider whether accommodations are needed for handwriting issues.
Handwriting issues are among the most common difficulties for children
with TS. Accommodations can include the use of a computer, tablet, a
scribe, or having notes provided.
6.
Be aware of co-occurring conditions, such as Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
which are very common for students with TS. The characteristics of
these conditions are often more problematic and harder to manage than
the tics themselves.
7. Be creative with interventions.
Teaching life-long strategies and providing supports, accommodations,
and modifications are typically more effective than relying on
consequences.
8.
Involve the student with TS in developing plans and strategies for
managing symptoms that can be difficult or impossible to ignore.
9. Promote communication with parents or caregivers. Be sure to share the student’s achievements and strengths, not just the weaknesses.
To
assist educators, The Tourette Association offers a variety of programs
and materials designed to help with recognition and management of TS
symptoms (tics) in the classroom and school environment.
The
information presented in this material was supported by
Grant/Cooperative Agreeent Number CDC-RFA-DD13-1302 from the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are
solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily
represent the official views of the CDC. The information is intended for
the reference of and use by medical and allied professionals and
educators. The material is displayed with the permission of the
authors/publishers.
Relevant articles
- Tourette's: What is it?
- Does That Tic Mean Trouble?
- How to deal with Tourette syndrome in children
- 10 Tips To Get Your Students To Sit Quietly In Class
- The Top Ten Qualities of a Good Teaching Candidate
- Using "Six Thinking Hats" in Classroom
1 comment:
These are really valuable tips. Teachers at learning disabilities school have a major role to play to keep the children involved and have to devote a lot of time and attention to help these kids out. Thank you for this post.
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