Tourette's Syndrome
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS TOURETTE’S SYNDROME ?
A child with Tourette’s syndrome will repeatedly make sudden involuntary sounds, twitches and movements. These sudden sounds, twitches and movements are often referred to as ‘tic’. The child has no control over these tics.
Tics can vary in severity and frequency. They can also occur during sleep. Tics can get worse when a child is ill, tired, anxious, stressed, or excited.
Boys are 3- 4 times more likely to suffer from Tourette’s syndrome than girls.
Tourette’s syndrome is a central nervous system problem. A child with Tourette’s syndrome can often suffer from other conditions as well.
Tourette’s syndrome is regarded as a disability and a child suffering from it has special educational needs.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR TOURETTE’S SYNDROME
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH TOURETTE’S SYNDROME DISPLAY?
The symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome (vocal tics) are:
- Tongue clicking
- Swearing repeatedly
- Saying a word or making a sound repeatedly
- Making animal sounds
- Blurting offensive words out randomly
- Grunting
- Barking
- Sniffing
- Humming
The symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome (physical tics) are:
- Blinking eyes
- Sudden shoulder shrugs
- Head jerking
- Mouth movements
- Nose twitching
- Eye darting
The spectrum of tics a child with Tourette’s syndrome can experience is large. Some children can experience more than one tic at any one time.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE TOURETTE’S SYNDROME BORN WITH IT OR DO THEY ACQUIRE IT?
Research shows that Tourette’s syndrome is a condition that is inherited and is genetically linked.
Other causes of Tourette’s syndrome are not known.
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF TOURETTE’S SYNDROME?
Most children display the signs of Tourette’s syndrome during early childhood from the age of 2 years onwards. Tics can worsen during teenage years.
CAN TOURETTE’S SYNDROME GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
Tourette’s syndrome can be managed and controlled with treatment. It cannot be cured or prevented.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOURETTE’S SYNDROME?
There are 2 types of Tourette’s syndrome. The syndrome that results in vocal tics and the one that results in physical tics. Both are discussed above in the webpage.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS TOURETTE’S SYNDROME?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for tourette’s syndrome. If your child has tourette’s syndrome your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage the condition. They will also advise you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if needed.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS TOURETTE’S SYNDROME CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from tourette’s syndrome can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has tourette’s syndrome you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has tourette’s syndrome .
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns with tourette’s syndrome. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has Tourette’s syndrome and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.