Tourette

SyndromeNew Help and Hope

Tourette Syndrome

What is Tourette Syndrome

What are the signs and symptoms of TS

How is TS diagnosed

Is TS inherited

How do doctors treat TS

How do you deal with TS personally

Strategies for teachers

Don’t Swear By It!

People who have heard of Tourette

Syndrome usually think of the person who is

swearing or using inappropriate expressions.

Sometimes the term Tourette’s is used as a

“joke” for people who swear frequently but

actually that’s one of the less common

symptoms.

More common is how many people have TS

What is TS

TS is short for Tourette Syndrome, named after

a French neurologist, Gilles de la Tourette who

discovered the condition in 1885.

TS is a neurological disorder, or “Tic” disorder,

where a person has both a motor and a

vocal tic.

Tics are uncontrollable, sudden, repetitive

movements or sounds that involve a certain

number of muscle groups or body parts.

What are the Signs and

Symptoms “Mrs. Brown, Mary keep blinking her eyes, shaking her

head and making funny noises. She says she can’t help it. Why doesn’t she stop?” “ Mary has TS.”

Tics are classified as either simple or complex. Simple-are sudden, repetitive and brief. Complex - are distinct, coordinated patterns of movement.

Simple tics might include eye blinking, throat-clearing, barking, grunting, head jerking, sticking out tongue, stuttering, arm or leg movements, etc.

Complex tics might include jumping, smelling or touching objects, using swear words or gestures, repeating other’s words, touching the nose, touching other people or self, self harming behavior, anger, etc.

More Symptoms In addition, if you have TS, your tics may vary in

type, frequency, severity, worsen if your ill, stressed, anxious, tired or excited.

They evolve into different tics over time

Worsen during pre-teen and teen years and improve into adulthood.

Before the onset of a motor or vocal tics, you’ll experience an urge called a premonitory urge. This urge is uncomfortable such as an itch or sneeze. Expression of the tic brings relief.

Sometimes with great effort, some people with TS can hold back tics until they find a place to express them.

How is TS diagnosed? TS is often diagnosed when there is both a

motor and verbal tic present for at least a year. Doctors call this “Chronic-Tic Disorder”.

TS is sometimes misdiagnosed as other disorders or problems, such as eye blinking related to vision problems, or yelling to misbehavior problems.

TS is an inherited genetic disorder.

Studies suggest that ADHD and/or OCD are genetically related to TS.

How is TS Treated? Doctors use a wide variety of medications to treat TS

depending on the severity and associated disorders.

Neuroleptics (drugs used to treat psychotic disorders) are most effective.

Other medications that may help, but not shown to be as consistently useful, include alpha-adrenerigic agonist such as clonidine and guanfacine, medications often used for hypertension; side effects are less harmful so often used as “front line” agents before proceeding to neuroleptics.

Behavior treatments such as awareness training and competing response training can reduce tics.

Dealing with Tourette’s Many people don’t understand TS. If people stare, it can

feel embarrassing, people might think the person is strange or mental and people with TS might have to explain their condition a lot, which can be frustrating.

Some helpful things to do to lessen tics include:

Get involved- tics are usually milder and less frequent when engrossed in an activity such as Sports, hobbies, and exercise.

Creativity- activities such as writing, painting, or music help

Give a helping hand-use your special sensitivity to help others and volunteer.

Find support and take control-be around others who understand and take an active role in treatment.

Everybody Needs To Get On

Board

It is critical that everyone including cafeteria workers, teachers, bus drivers, substitutes, crossing guards, coaches, guidance counselors, janitors, along with parents learn about and understand TS.

Training is critical for everyone in the school setting and can be accomplished through an in-service workshops conducted by a volunteer from the local chapter of TSA or the use of the TSA curriculum guide for educators.

TS in the Classroom

Guidelines for Educators

Look at the whole child – not the disorder. Most children with TS are very intelligent and want to be accepted and understood.

Don’t react with anger! Noises and movement can be annoying but be understanding.

Be an adult role model. Show and teach the kids in the classroom acceptance of the disorder

Use caution in interpreting standardized test

Use parents as a resource and an ally

Making Accommodations

Preferential seating

Open and less restrictive classroom-

allowing movement about the class

Testing in a separate location with time

limits waived or extended

The use of a computer/word processor

Frequent breaks out of the classroom to

allow for release of tics

Accommodations Assignments broken into more manageable

pieces.

The use of daily assignment sheet verified by the teacher

Provide a refuge for times when symptoms intensify and need to be released somewhere private

Avoid abrupt transitions

Keep stress at a minimum Help with social isolation – don’t allow situations

that emphasize the problem, like “picking partners”

Conclusion

Tourette Syndrome has gain a lot of

attention in recent years.

Growing number of people are being

diagnose with TS

People with TS can have a rich and long

productive life

TS awareness and training can make a

world of difference in the life of a child

References Harry, S. Abram, MD. (1995-2013). “Tourette

Syndrome”. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/brain_nervous/tourette.html

Suzanne, Bronheim, PH.D. (2003). “An Educator’s Guide to Tourette Syndrome”. Retrieved from http://Tsa-usa.org/for-teens-and-younger-online-store

Ellen, Meyers, M.Ed. (2005). “The School Administrator: Ten Things to Know about Tourette Syndrome”. Retrieved from http://Tsa-usa.org/for-teens-and-younger-online-store

References Mayo Clinic, (2012, August 10). “Tourette

Syndrome”. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tourette-syndrome/DS00541/DSECTION=symptoms

Eleanor Pearl, (2007). “Matthew And The Tics”. Retrieved from http://tsa-usa.org/aPeople/Youth/matthew_tics.html

Judy, Wertheim, MS, Spec. Ed., (2003). “Tourette Syndrome in The Classroom.” Retrieved from http://tsa-usa.org/for-teens-and-younger-online-store