Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Bachelor of Education and Masters of Science in Education
D'Youville College, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
Email questions and concerns to: [email protected]
"I've seen peers teased by other students for what they wear, for physical differences, and even what they bring to lunch. Of all the choices kids have at their disposal with which to make another student's life unpleasant, TS is a wide-open target that has been difficult to bear. Just as frustrating however, were circumstances involving teachers and other adults who didn't really understand Tourette's. Each instance boiled down to an adult who thought they were doing the right thing, and a very frustrated child. That's why it's so important for teachers and other professionals in the field to be aware of TS and other anomalous conditions, and yet remain flexible enough to avoid classifying the student and leaving it at that. Each child is unique, so it makes sense that each person you meet with Tourette's will need to be considered individually.
In one experience (which should be taken as a self-contained example), I went through several months where many new habits than normal would emerge, then fade, then make a resurgence. Luckily, I had a teacher who was able to handle temporary solutions we came up with until I was able to work through the habits and tics. To specify one, I could not bring myself to sit on the floor, having to lie down on my back or sit on a chair when the class was to sit on the carpet. For something like this, where there is no logical solution that will make sitting on the carpet "okay," my teacher took it in stride and let me sit on a chair at the perimeter until I was able to work through it. There is no end to which a student with TS will appreciate someone who tries to understand and work with them, rather than try to control the situation by penalising atypical behaviour.
This webpage is a good source for anyone who wants to learn about Tourette's, particularly regarding what steps to take to provide a comfortable learning expereince that everyone deserves. Keep what you learn here in mind when handling any situation where the child's behaviour or performance is outside the norm, as it will often be due to an internal conflict as much as it involves any other student or situation. This is not to say that all difficulties students with TS face stem from their condition, but that it may be a strong factor, as well as a key to reaching a fair and acceptable resolution."
-- A student with Tourette Syndrome
- Kyla
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