How school can help Tourette sufferers

Posted by Ticced-Off August 24, 2020

How teachers can help:

1% of students in a school have Tourettes. Many will try to suppress them because they may be scared to do their tics as they don't want to get bullied. Suppressing can take up a lot of concentration and it could affect the ability to focus on school work. Please remember this and don't shout at anyone who you think may be suppressing.
Be patient with the sufferer. Give them time.
Providing an area for time out where child can feel comfortable to go if things get too much will help.
Allow tics and don't tell them off for it. If you do, this would make the sufferer feel really uncomfortable.
Support them if anyone in the class says something to them about their tics.
Try and reduce stress and anxiety as this makes Tourettes worse.
Be aware of conditions that occur alongside such as OCD, autism, ADHD, anxiety etc. These are very common for someone with Tourettes.
Ignore tics when possible. This will make the sufferer feel more comfortable in the classroom.
Use a separate room for tests and exams if needed so the sufferer can tic as much as they need to.
Educating the rest of the class on Tourettes which will help the person with Tourettes feel more welcome and comfortable in the environment.

How friends can help

How classmates can help

If a person is ticcing, ignore it. You will make the sufferer feel worse about themselves if you point them out.
Don't make fun of their tics. Again, this will make them feel uncomfortable, embarrass them and more than likely upset them.
NEVER EVER say that people with Tourettes are stupid. This will really upset people who do suffer and many people don't wish it on their worst enemy.
NEVER EVER joke around saying that you think you have Tourettes and then start swearing. This is just really offensive as only 10% have the swearing tic.

Ticced Off (Tourettes & Me)