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 schools, students with Tourette’s may benefit from:

• having a set routine
• being redirected when they are distracted
• being praised for their academic achievements

For further explanation:

• Tourette Syndrome “Plus” has articles and handouts for teachers and parents, with lots of practical tips and information for students, teachers, and parents.
• Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet