To support students with Tourette syndrome, think of them as having a problem, rather than being a problem.
Mrs. Tanner sighs. She is preparing for a parent-teacher conference with Owen's parents. Owen is sometimes difficult to have in class. He interrupts, makes noises that distract his classmates, is often out of his seat, and touches other students and their belongings. Even though Mrs. Tanner is an experienced teacher with an excellent track record of helping students with a variety of special needs, none of the strategies she has tried are working with Owen. Yesterday, Mrs. Tanner had to redirect Owen (usually by telling him to STOP! whatever he was doing that annoyed others) 35 times in the hour of instruction before lunch! That simply isn't fair to the other students. What is she going to tell his parents?
Luckily for Mrs. Tanner, Owen's parents are coming to share information that could help her improve Owen's school experience. Owen has just been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. How can knowing this diagnosis help?
Know the Facts