TS symptoms at school are NOT a 'behavioural problem'

Teaching staff, in error, often regard children with Tourette Syndrome as having 'behavioural' problems. This perspective is entirely incorrect in regard to TS however of course a child with TS can be just as prone to behavioural issues as any other child. The problem is with knowing how much is involuntary and which isn't. Unfortunately there is no easy solution but it is generally accepted that a considerable amount of tolerance needs to be exercised.


Children with TS may not be able to control their tics or may not even be fully aware of them. Tics are a consequence of a neurological disorder that involves differences in brain structural development and the balance of neurotransmitters, some of which occur in excess or at low levels. Such children may have  reduced impulse control and experience difficulties with concentration in the classroom. They may appear 'naughty' and attract attention even though they are doing their best to 'follow the rules' and may wish to avoid 'getting into trouble'. Although appearing 'extrovert' and 'attention seeking', actually they may be very self-conscious and shy and leave school at the end of the day feeling angry and stressed about what has happened to them during their day.

All the evidence shows that the best strategy for dealing with TS related behaviours in the classroom (e.g. tics) is not to react to them or continually admonish the child which can actually generate more stress and further exacerbate tics. Once other children in the class understand what TS is they will usually accept it (easier than adults) and ignore tics. It is especially important for a child with coprolalia (rare) that they are not told off, shouted at or punished everytime they have an 'inappropriate' vocal tic in which curse words may feature.


One of the commonest difficulties a child with TS encounters at school may be bullying. Always be aware of this and if necessary use an educational approach to enlighten other children about TS and the negative consequences bullying can have. There are many excellent presentations and videos suitable for classroom viewing available from the TSA (www.tsa-usa.org) which also runs a 'Youth Ambassador' program in which students (many with TS) visit schools and colleges and give talks. An excellent campaign against bullying "Bullying No Way" has been started by a schoolchild with TS (www.jaylenschallenge.org).