TOURETTE SYNDROME AT SCHOOL
Understanding, support and avoiding punishment for tics
School can place a child with Tourette syndrome under many demands at once. Alongside learning, they may be managing involuntary movements or sounds, uncomfortable urges, sensory input, other people's reactions and the effort involved in suppressing tics.
This resource helps schools, families and pupils understand why a tic must not automatically be treated as poor behaviour. Some complex tics can look purposeful, while other pupils may suppress so effectively in class that the impact of Tourette syndrome is underestimated.
The guide explores concentration, fatigue, movement breaks, sensory load, tests and exams, bullying, communication between home and school and reasonable adjustments. It also gives practical examples of more supportive language and a simple framework for an individual school support plan.
The aim is not to remove every tic from the classroom. It is to remove unnecessary barriers around the pupil so they can use more of their energy for learning, friendships and participation.
Every pupil deserves to be understood before they are judged.
Space to Breathe Therapy
Support • Understand • Belong
