SUPPORTING SOMEONE DURING DIFFICULT TICS
What helps and what can make things harder
There may be times when tics become intense, painful, exhausting or overwhelming. For somebody watching, the instinct can be to stop the movement, ask lots of questions or immediately try to fix what is happening. Often, a calmer and less intrusive response is more helpful.
This resource explains how to support the person rather than focusing only on the tic. It covers staying calm, reducing demands, offering space without abandoning somebody, avoiding unnecessary restraint, recognising pain and injury, reducing sensory load and allowing recovery afterwards.
It also explores episodes sometimes described as tic attacks and explains why severe, unfamiliar or medically concerning symptoms should not automatically be attributed to Tourette syndrome.
The downloadable guide includes examples of helpful language and a simple framework for creating an individual support plan before a difficult episode occurs.
The central message is that support does not always need to be complicated. Sometimes the most important thing another person can do is remain steady, listen and help make the environment safer.
Space to Breathe Therapy
Support • Understand • Belong
