Tourette Syndrome – Information and Support for Parents
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by tics. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that a person may find difficult or impossible to control.
Tics can include movements such as blinking, facial movements, head or shoulder movements, as well as sounds such as throat clearing, coughing, sniffing or vocalisations. Tics can change over time and may become more noticeable when a child is tired, excited, anxious or under pressure.
Every child with Tourette syndrome is different. Some children may have very mild tics, while others may experience tics that affect concentration, comfort, confidence or participation in everyday activities.
At Ysgol y Graig, we aim to understand the individual child, reduce unnecessary pressure and make sure children feel accepted, included and supported.
Things you can try at homeSome strategies that may help include:
Understanding ticsTics are not naughty behaviour and they are not usually something a child is choosing to do.
Some children can suppress a tic for a short time, but this can take a great deal of effort and may lead to increased discomfort or more tics afterwards. Asking a child to continually suppress their tics can therefore make school or home situations more difficult.
It is also important to know that the swearing tic sometimes associated with Tourette syndrome, known as coprolalia, only affects a minority of people with the condition.
Supporting your child’s confidence
Children can sometimes become self-conscious about their tics, particularly if other people notice or comment on them.
Calm reassurance and acceptance can make a significant difference. It may also help to make sure siblings, friends and other adults understand that tics are involuntary and should not be copied, mocked or punished.
Talk to us
If you are concerned about your child’s tics, concentration, emotional wellbeing or experiences in school, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance.
We can discuss what you are seeing at home, what we are noticing in school and whether any adjustments may help. Where appropriate, the class teacher can work alongside our ALNCo Mrs Pomeroy and wider school team to consider further support.
A child does not need to have a formal diagnosis of Tourette syndrome before appropriate support and reasonable adjustments can be put in place.
Useful support for families
Tourettes Action
Provides information, advice, resources and support for children, families and schools.
NHS
Provides information about tics, Tourette syndrome, diagnosis and when to seek medical advice.
Your GP / Health Professional
If your child has tics that are causing distress, affecting daily life or becoming more frequent, you can speak to your GP or another health professional for further advice.
Remember
A child with Tourette syndrome should not be defined by their tics. With understanding, acceptance and appropriate support, children can feel confident, included and able to participate fully in school and family life.
At Ysgol y Graig, every child belongs, believes and thrives.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by tics. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that a person may find difficult or impossible to control.
Tics can include movements such as blinking, facial movements, head or shoulder movements, as well as sounds such as throat clearing, coughing, sniffing or vocalisations. Tics can change over time and may become more noticeable when a child is tired, excited, anxious or under pressure.
Every child with Tourette syndrome is different. Some children may have very mild tics, while others may experience tics that affect concentration, comfort, confidence or participation in everyday activities.
At Ysgol y Graig, we aim to understand the individual child, reduce unnecessary pressure and make sure children feel accepted, included and supported.
Things you can try at homeSome strategies that may help include:
- Try not to draw unnecessary attention to tics.
- Avoid repeatedly asking your child to stop or control their tics.
- Give your child time to relax after busy or demanding situations.
- Keep routines as predictable as possible.
- Prepare your child in advance for changes or unfamiliar situations.
- Encourage regular sleep and rest, as tiredness can sometimes increase tics.
- Reduce pressure around situations your child finds stressful.
- Allow movement breaks or quiet time when needed.
- Help your child explain their tics to trusted adults or friends if they want to.
- Focus on your child’s strengths, interests and achievements.
- Reassure your child that tics are not something to be embarrassed about.
- Work with school so that strategies are consistent between home and the classroom.
Understanding ticsTics are not naughty behaviour and they are not usually something a child is choosing to do.
Some children can suppress a tic for a short time, but this can take a great deal of effort and may lead to increased discomfort or more tics afterwards. Asking a child to continually suppress their tics can therefore make school or home situations more difficult.
It is also important to know that the swearing tic sometimes associated with Tourette syndrome, known as coprolalia, only affects a minority of people with the condition.
Supporting your child’s confidence
Children can sometimes become self-conscious about their tics, particularly if other people notice or comment on them.
Calm reassurance and acceptance can make a significant difference. It may also help to make sure siblings, friends and other adults understand that tics are involuntary and should not be copied, mocked or punished.
Talk to us
If you are concerned about your child’s tics, concentration, emotional wellbeing or experiences in school, please speak to their class teacher in the first instance.
We can discuss what you are seeing at home, what we are noticing in school and whether any adjustments may help. Where appropriate, the class teacher can work alongside our ALNCo Mrs Pomeroy and wider school team to consider further support.
A child does not need to have a formal diagnosis of Tourette syndrome before appropriate support and reasonable adjustments can be put in place.
Useful support for families
Tourettes Action
Provides information, advice, resources and support for children, families and schools.
NHS
Provides information about tics, Tourette syndrome, diagnosis and when to seek medical advice.
Your GP / Health Professional
If your child has tics that are causing distress, affecting daily life or becoming more frequent, you can speak to your GP or another health professional for further advice.
Remember
A child with Tourette syndrome should not be defined by their tics. With understanding, acceptance and appropriate support, children can feel confident, included and able to participate fully in school and family life.
At Ysgol y Graig, every child belongs, believes and thrives.