Steve Shapero

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Neurological disorder Repeated involuntary body movements

– Tics (blinking, twitching, shoulder shrugging– Leg jerks, vocal sounds)– OCD, hyperactivity, impulsivity

Extreme cases: – Echolalia (repeating words of others)– Coprolalia (profanity)– Punching oneself in the face ***

IQ NOT affected

Treatment

Meds available but may have side effects– Some affect cognitive processes

Therapy may be helpful– Psychotherapy – Behavior modification– Relaxation Techniques– Exercise, Biofeedback ***

Population Affected

Est. 100,000 Americans have full blown TS Typically appear before age 18 3 to 4 times more prevalent in males ***

How It Affects Learning

Difficulty concentrating Failure to complete tasks Subject may act before thinking Possible social problems due to aggressive

behavior Tasks can seem burdensome Need for excessive supervision ***

Accommodations

Teacher Interventions

Patience, Tolerance, Acceptance Carve out private times

– a place in which to reduce stress, pent up tics

Teacher working with other students so they understand the situation

Enlist help of counselors, psychologists Tourette Syndrome Assoc. local chapter ***

General Accommodations

Directions given 1-2 steps at a time Ask student to repeat directions Give student copy of lecture notes Assign a note-taking buddy to help with

copying HW, etc. Copy buddy can use carbon paper to give to

TS student a copy ***

General Accommodations - 2

If student is mumbling, suggest another seat where others won’t be disturbed– “Reauditorizing” instructions can help a student

with TS grasp or remember the task– They can sometimes get stuck (looping) and need

help ***

General Accommodations - 3

Have student take break or switch tasks Complete work orally Brief reminders to “move on” Seating near teacher during instructions Seating out of areas of distraction (not near

doors, windows, reading groups) ***

General Accommodations - 4

Give student an “office” – quiet workplace– not a punishment, student can choose to go there– Could be a corner, a hall, library

Run errands for change of scene Encouraging hand on shoulder can be a

reminder to keep on task ***

Writing Accommodations

Allow taped verbal report instead of written Allow parent to act as secretary for child for

at-home written assignments Assign a note-taking buddy to help with

copying HW, etc. – can use carbon paper to give to TS student

Emphasize short intense periods of concentration ***

Math Accommodations

Allow calculators for rote calculations and tests

Grid paper or turn lined paper sideways to help keep columns aligned

Cut math problems in half ***

Testing Modifications

Un-timed tests Reduce time appearing up front

– Reports can be pre-recorded to de-emphasize visual distractions for other students

If using a computer scoring sheet, allow student to write on test booklet

De-emphasize spelling, encourage proof-reading with spell checkers or computer ***

The End