Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders
Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders are neurological conditions that cause involuntary movements and sounds known as tics. These can present differently in every individual and may change over time. With the right understanding, support, and inclusive approaches, children and young people with tic disorders can thrive in school, at home, and within their communities. We aim to provide practical guidance, training, and strategies to help build awareness, confidence, and supportive environments for those affected by Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders.
Tourette Syndrome affects 1 in 100 children – yes that’s a lot!!
Over 80% co-occurring – often ADHD, Autism, OCD, sensory and anxiety.
In our experience it is overlooked far too often as an explanation for behaviours seen. We have a lot of experience in supporting students with Tourette Syndome and Tic Disorders.
“I know I don’t have to.. but I feel like I have to…” “It’s like an itch and when I move it’s like I’ve scratched it.” “I’ve got to do it 3 more times to make it even.”
“People think I’m weird because I make noises.” “I have to click my pen a certain number of times and it distracts me.”
Need to know more so you can help the children in school?
Get in touch for our training:
Andrea: 07947369701 | andreamoorebst@gmail.com
Helpful websites:
Tourettes & Tics FAQs
Isn’t that the swearing thing?
NO! Well, sometimes yes. Coprolalia doesn’t affect everyone with Tourette’s, in fact it’s only a small percentage.
Does everyone with tics have Tourette’s?
No, a diagnosis of Tourette’s is given when someone experiences both motor and vocal tics and has done for some time. Otherwise it would be a Tic Disorder (either vocal (noises/ words) or motor (movements). Many children experience tics at some point – blinking, sniffing, licking lips for example, but they may not last.
The tics seems to have stopped so they can’t have a tic disorder can they?
They may have been transient tics and gone away but maybe they now have a different tic which isn’t as obvious.
You can see if someone has Tourette’s can’t you?
No, not always – some tics can be quite subtle and sometimes its the intrusive and impulsive thoughts and behaviours that are seen – and wrongly labelled as ‘naughty’ or challenging behaviour (and these behaviours might challenge the individual with tics as well as those around them.)