According to Mayo Clinic, Tourette Syndrome “involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can’t be easily controlled.” Tics can present themselves in phrases, words, and sudden movements. Someone sitting across from a person with Tourette Syndrome may not even realize these movements as they can be very discrete. Mayo Clinic also states that males are three times more likely to develop Tourette syndrome than females. There is no cure, only treatment for this condition as it is a genetic condition. Often times people diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome are also diagnosed with other conditions such as anxiety, OCD, and depression.
Having Tourette Syndrome as a young student can have many different challenges. A study done by the Tourette Association of America in collaboration with the Division of Human Development and Disabilities of America found that students with the condition are more likely to have an IEP, report school problems, repeat a grade, have decreased academic performance, and encounter bullying. The condition can interfere with the ability to learn in different ways. The repetitive tics can be a physical barrier between the student and the teacher, and misinformation can isolate students from educators and other students.
A student with Tourette Syndrome may cough repeatedly, tap on their desk, or display other distracting and typical bad behaviors. However, causing a stir purely to be annoying is never the intention. Tourette Syndrome causes students’ bodies to move forcefully, beyond their control. Stress and lack of focus can also induce tics.
It may be obvious that tics can make life and learning difficult for high schoolers, but it also affects socialization. Due to the lack of information and knowledge about the topic of Tourette Syndrome, students with the disorder can feel lonely and detached from their peers and classmates. It is important that students accept and include their peers no matter the differences they may have.
For more information visit,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://www.mayoclinic.org
https://tourette.org
