Tourette Syndrome is a neurological or neurochemical disorder generally characterized by physical and/or vocal tics. The range of tics can vary in manifestation and can include such simple tics as eye blinking, throat clearing, to the more complex tics such as arm flapping, jumping up and down. Tics can also include vocal tics such as grunting and groaning. Many people who have Tourette Syndrome also have what is referred to as co-morbidity disorders which include such conditions as anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, to name but a few. It's a complex and sometimes very difficult condition to diagnose.
The following tips & strategies were designed to help parents and families living with an individual affected by TS. As you scroll down, you will see we have provided useful tips that may work with certain individuals, and for others, different strategies are required. 62% of children who have Tourette Syndrome also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Many strategies for AD/HD can be used by individuals with Tourette Syndrome.
Tips & Strategies for Home
It's very important to allow your child to tic any time and any place they feel the need to. Discouraging a person to tic can have damaging effects on the individual's self-esteem. It also takes a lot of energy and is extremely exhausting to withhold a tic.
Take out processed foods from diet.
Consider a gluten-free, casein-free diet.
Provide juice and water instead of cocktail juice and pop (soft drinks).
Consider giving your child a daily multi-vitamin and fish oil (omega 3's are great for focus, concentration, memory, etc).
Provide structure and routine. Allow for some free time as well - This is especially important after school where a child needs to release the energy built up throughout the day.
Create a list of activities to have on hand when needed that are easy, fun and creative.
Use an egg timer for activities that are time-limited such as computer games camp; television.
Try buying cloths that have natural fibres such as cotton mix. Children with TS have a hard time tolerating synthetic materials on their skin. You may also want to remove the clothing labels because they can irritate highly sensitive child. Have your child wear a watch which has a timer.
Use the timer as a reminder for specific activities.
When talking with your child, always maintain eye contact to ensure your child heard you. Have them repeat back to you.
When asking your child to do something, provide them with small "bite size" activity. After they're finished; provide them with the second activity. (For example: ask child to brush their teeth. After they're finished brushing their teeth, then ask them to put their pyjamas on).
Always provide your child with water and snacks when outside, travelling or before bed (snacks of fruit/vegetables/crackers/cheese/healthy snacks). Use the watch trick for bedtime and set it for ten minutes prior to bedtime to allow your child to get ready.
Avoid situations which create stress and hence trigger ticcing. Situations with loud noise and large crowds of people can be quite stressful for children with Tourette Syndrome.
When a child feels anger, anxiety or a build up of energy, teach them to squeeze a part of their body (for example, make a fist) for 20 seconds. This allows the child time to calm down before perhaps engaging in inappropriate behavior. This exercise also helps release the build up of energy.
Have a homework book that the teacher can quickly look over before your child goes home.
