Classroom » Reference
Tourette's syndrome
Disorder marked by impulsivity and tics, both motor and verbal (repetition of certain phrases, pressured speech).
See also attention deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Additional information
Students with Tourette’s syndrome cannot control their tics, and stress tends to exacerbate the tics. Severity of Tourette’s syndrome fluctuates over the course of weeks and months. For many patients, severity decreases by adulthood. Symptoms are sometimes treated with medication. Counseling may also be helpful. Children with Tourette’s syndrome are likely to be teased and may be rejected by peers.
Tics may include:
- grunting
- throat clearing
- shrugging
- grimacing
- blinking
- head banging
- jumping
- smelling things
- touching objects or other people
- lip biting
- shouting obscenities
Although shouting obscenities is the best known manifestation of Tourette’s syndrome, it is not common.
Comorbidities. People with Tourette’s are more likely than average to have ADD or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In school. Students with Tourette’s may benefit from:
- having a set routine
- being redirected when they are distracted
- being praised for their academic achievements
Examples and resources
The Education section of the Tourette Syndrome “Plus” website Articles and handouts for teachers and parents, with lots of practical tips. The rest of this website contains a great deal of additional information for students, teachers, and parents.
Another source of information about this syndrome is the Tourette Syndrome Information page.
