Tourette Syndrome Disorder

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by tics.  Tics are involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly in the same way.

Individuals with Tourette disorder feel an irresistible urge to tic.   Although it is often possible to suppress tics for a time, suppression leads to stronger tics when they are expressed.

The range of tics experienced by people with TS is often very broad.   In addition, individuals with Tourette Syndrome often experience a complexity of other problems, including:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  
  

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  
  

• Poor impulse control (disinhibition)
  
  

• Learning disabilities, particularly disorders of written expression

Tourette Syndrome is believed to be caused by the abnormal metabolism of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.  It is genetically transmitted and parents have a 50% chance of passing the gene to their children.

To schedule an evaluation, click here.

What are the Educational Needs of Children with
Tourette Syndrome?

Children with Tourette Syndrome almost universally experience problems with written expression.  Problems with writing may range from severe dysgraphia to extreme compulsiveness about executing perfect printing in a great amount of time.

Students with disorders of written expression often face a classic "double bind"----slow and accurate or fast and inaccurate.  In either case, grades often suffer, particularly as the child gets older and the demand for written work increases.

Students with Tourette Syndrome also may suffer from a variety of learning disabilities and attentional problems, including:

• Language-based disorders, such as dyslexia
  
  

• Non-Verbal learning disorders
  
  

• Executive dysfunction
  
  

• Math disabilities
  
  

• Comprehension problems
  

  To schedule an evaluation, click here.

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What are the Emotional & Social Needs of Children with Tourette Syndrome?

Children with Tourette Syndrome are often picked on by peers and viewed as "behavior problems" by teachers and other adults, who find it hard to believe that their actions and vocal utterances are not deliberate.

Because the range of tics or tic-like symptoms can be very broad, the complexity of some symptoms is often perplexing to family members and friends.  For this reason, Tourette Syndrome is a socially stigmatizing handicap which requires special handling at school and at home.

Margaret J. Kay, Ed.D., has been evaluating and serving the needs of children & adults with Tourette Syndrome for over 27 years.  Here's what the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Association has to say:

"Your reports are wonderful.  I am able to use them successfully 99% of the time.  It feels so good to get hugs from the parents and kids when school becomes manageable for them.  Keep up the good work."  Mary Lou Reaver, Executive Director, PA Tourette Syndrome Association

To schedule an evaluation, click here.

On-Line Resources

• Tourette Syndrome Links
  
  

• Tourette Syndrome Association
  
  

• Tourette Syndrome Net
  
  

• Tourette Services & Supports
  

Suggested Readings

• Dornbush, M.P. and Pruitt, S. K. (1995) Teaching the Tiger: A Handbook for Individuals Involved in the Education of Students with Attention Deficit Disorders, Tourette Syndrome or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Hope Press Duarte, CA.
  
  

• Haerle, T. (Ed.) (1992). Children with Tourette Syndrome:  A Parent's Guide.
  
  

• Robertson, M.M. (1998). Tourette Syndrome:  The Facts.  Oxford Medical Publication.
  
  

• The Source for Syndromes by Gail Richard
  

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Last modified: July 11, 2010