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Preparing for Success with Tourette's Syndrome
Students with Other Health Impairments can achieve success in school. Tourette's Syndrome can have an effect on student performance. A few simple strategies can decrease stress and increase a positive outcome in the classroom.
Tourette's Syndrome is a neurological disorder that occurs in the brain. It is generally characterized by repetitive movements and/or vocalizations that are repetitive. They are commonly known as tics. It is common for children to develop tics as a secondary disability along with other health impairments, such as ADHD.
Tics are involuntary, but some students can suppress the symptoms. When tics are triggered, learning may become difficult for the child or other students in the classroom. The educational environment should be determined on an individual basis. Tics can have an effect on social skills, as well as academic performance.
When teaching children, it is important to hook the attention of students at the beginning of the class period. This is called hooking your studentsí interest during prime time. Adjustments to classroom delivery can be made if the tics begin to affect learning.
Accommodations and modifications are sometimes needed in the classroom. If the child qualifies for special education services, the needs of the child will be discussed in the IEP meeting. The classroom setting should also be discussed during the meeting. The child may need to be taught in a small group setting, regular education setting, or even a special school. These things are dependent on the severity of the tics, as well as any other disabilities that the child may possess.
According to Hunter, information introduced at the beginning of any sequence is more easily learned and better remembered than equally difficult material encountered later in that same sequence. More effort is usually exerted when students know what to expect from the lesson. Teachers should take advantage of teaching time during the beginning of the class period. This time should be used effectively. This time can be used to review concepts and techniques. These things can be done the following ways: direct a review question to the entire class, ask students to write something independently, review the basics, or give feedback.
Flexibility and patience must be used when teaching students with Tourette's Syndrome. Some cases of tics can be annoying. Some cases of tics can include barking, cursing, twitching, and blinking, It can be mistaken as intentional disturbances. Keep in mind that certain triggers can increase the severity. Because it is a neurological disorder, it cannot always be controlled. Make learning as fun as possible while delivering content.
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