Page 49 - SEN106 SEN Magazine May-June 2020

distracting other pupils and not staying still. This can lead to them having feelings of self-reproach, shame and frustration. Other conditions may or may not be diagnosed, and if they are untreated into adolescence they can be a major cause of mental health issues in the teenage years. Stress itself exacerbates TS, making tics more frequent and harder to control. Some tics can lead to repetitive strain injuries or, with complex tics, actual physical injuries to person and property which can be extremely frightening for the child. What helps pupils with Tourette’s syndrome? There is a legal imperative for schools to make adjustments for children with TS. I typically recommend providing pupils with a breakout space where they can go to “tic out”, letting all their tics loose without worrying about what others will think. Additionally, you may need to encourage open conversation with peers and teachers so that tics aren’t surprising and stigmatising. If their tics are really obvious, it can help the individual to have an alert card explaining that they have TS, and to develop some stock phrases to inform people on first meeting that they have TS. Reducing anxiety and ensuring physical comfort is key. Pupils may need permission to move during assembly or take exams in quiet spaces. Reducing unnecessary distractions and preventing sensory overload are also important. So it’s crucial to think, for example, about the impact of busy corridors during transitions, whether the child can be seated in a quieter corner of the classroom, and whether potential issues with lighting, acoustics or smells at school can be addressed to help children with TS and other conditions. Positive qualities TS is often associated with higher levels of creativity and innovative thinking than the general population. People with TS tend to develop good observational skills and cognitive control, in order to avoid sensory triggers and thoughts which would then lead to tics. People with TS are also thought to display high levels of empathy and consideration for others. Co-occurring conditions like autism and ADHD often come with strengths in visual processing or mechanical thinking, and these can overlap into TS. The key to educating children with TS, as for most children, is to find their passion – the activity or interest that takes them into a state of hyper-focus. Individuals with more severe TS and coprolalia have been known to significantly reduce tic-ing when engaged in photography, climbing, art or music. For example, the pop singer Billie Eilish has TS yet doesn’t tic when she is singing. Supporting a pupil with TS can be an inspiring journey. You will need to be flexible, and to stop worrying about ensuring the pupil gains average grades across the board. To achieve to the best of their abilities, these children need supporting in the activities they enjoy and are inspired by, and the right encouragement to think broadly about how they can turn their interests into skills for life. People with TS need our understanding and empathy. In return, they can contribute their creative souls to our school communities. Stress exacerbates Tourette’s syndrome, making tics more frequent and harder to control About the author Dr Nancy Doyle is a registered occupational psychologist with 15 years’ experience of assessing and coaching neurodiversity at work. She campaigns with the British Psychological Society and is a Research Fellow at Birkbeck College, University of London. Nancy is the founder and CEO of Genius Within. geniuswithin.co.uk @NancyDoylePsych @geniuswithinCIC ■ Encourage open conversation. senmagazine.co.uk SEN 106 49 Tourette’s syndrome