This document discusses Tourette Syndrome (TS), dispelling common myths and providing guidance for educators. Key points: - TS is more common than assumed (1% of children) and is characterized by involuntary vocal and motor tics, though not all patients exhibit coprolalia or disruptive tics. - It often co-occurs with disorders like ADHD, OCD or learning disabilities, complicating management. Diagnosis typically brings relief from long uncertainty. - Educators should focus on the whole child, ignore mild tics, and educate others about TS to foster acceptance. Modifications may aid students like preferential seating, testing accommodations, and movement breaks.

1. Georges Gilles de la Tourette Tourette’s Syndrome: Overcoming the Myths

2. An informational presentation designed to raise awareness in the educational community about Tourette Syndrome. The artwork used in this presentation are actual drawings and descriptions created by children with Tourette Syndrome. Designed by Paul Biron For Lynn Siegel

3. What we think we know about Tourette’s 1. A student with Tourette’s Syndrome will make obvious and disfiguring physical movements. 2. A student with Tourette’s Syndrome will shout obscenities. 3. A student with Tourette’s Syndrome will have tics that are uncontrollable and disruptive. 4. A student with Tourette’s Syndrome will have serious psychological and behavioral problems .

4. Some of the Myths and Fallacies About Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) Fallacy #1: Tourette Syndome is rare. Fallacy #2: Shouting obscenities is a defining characteristic. Fallacy #3: Patients are easily recognized by their tics. Fallacy #4: Primary presenting complaint is always tics. Fallacy #5: Diagnosis is catastrophic for most patients.

8. Click here to listen to presentation by Susan Conners, TSA Education Specialist

9. Susan Conners, M.Ed., Education Specialist, Tourette Syndrome Association

11. Dispelling Some of the Fallacies About Tourette’s Syndrome Fallacy #1: Tourette Syndome is rare. Fact: Tourette’s occurs in about 1% of child population. Fallacy #2: Shouting obscenities is a defining characteristic. Fact: Relatively few TS patients yell obscenities (Caprolalia). Fallacy #3: Patients are easily recognized by their tics. Fact: Tics can be suppressed.

12. Fallacy #4: Primary presenting complaint is always tics. Fact: Presenting complaint is often complications from a comorbid condition ( i.e. ADHD, OCD, LD, ODD). Fallacy #5: Diagnosis is catastrophic for most patients. Fact: Diagnosis for most patients is a relief and the understanding it brings after a prolonged period of uncertainty.

13. TS in the Educational Environment

17. Tics are an irresistible urge!

20. Susan Conners, M.Ed., Education Specialist, Tourette Syndrome Association

24. Understanding a TS Student in the Classroom/School Environment Click here to listen to interview with a 16 year-old with Tourette Syndrome.

25. Excerpt from interview with Kevin, a 16 year-old with Tourette Syndrome

28. 5. The use of a computer or word processor (alternatives to hand writing). 6. Frequent breaks out of the classroom to release tics. 7. Assignments broken into more manageable pieces. 8. Use of a daily assignment sheet verified by teacher. 9. Mandatory in-service for all teachers and staff working with child.

29. 10. Allow opportunities for physical movement throughout day school day. 11. Lower classroom stress levels as much as possible. 12. Establish a moderately structured learning environment. 13. Work on socialization skills with child. 14. Caution should be used in interpreting I.Q. scores as estimates of cognitive potential. Click here to listen to interview with a 16 year-old with Tourette Syndrome.

30. Excerpt from interview with Kevin, a 16 year-old with Tourette Syndrome