Tourettes Syndrome (TS) is often misunderstood, and misread. People often don’t realize that TS is more than just tics. TS can affect the way a child learns and views life, as well as his overall socialization. Understanding how a child with TS learns, and knowing the facts about TS can go a long way on making learning more fun and productive.

Typically, tics increase as a result of tension or stress (but are not caused by stress) and decrease with relaxation or concentration on an absorbing task. (Taken from Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada )

That is an important factor to point out, because it is especially relevant to the decision to homeschool your child with Tourettes Syndrome. TS is not CAUSED by stress but stress can INCREASE the tics. One of the biggest advantages of home learning is the stress factor. Yes, in the home there are still factors that cause stress, but a support system is also in place. Children with Tourettes are sometimes teased and segregated within the school system and sometimes they are missing that vital support system that says it’s okay, it’s just everyday life, it has nothing to do with your IQ, you can still accomplish your dreams, you are important, and you are loved unconditionally.

Articles:

http://www.homeschooldiner.com/specials/special_needs/tourettes_OCD.html
Basic information on Tourettes and OCD, the benefits of homeschooling, and links to other resources. A very well written article.

http://www.lifesatwitch.com/haven.html
Youth Haven is a webpage devoted entirely to youth with Tourettes. It gives role models, ideas on dealing with TS, and much more.

http://tourettenowwhat.tripod.com/about_ts.htm
All About Tourette’s Syndrome is a huge resource set up for parents/teachers to understand terms commonly used and concepts associated with TS. This website answers the question, “Tourette Syndrome-Now what?”

Services:

http://www.lifesatwitch.com/
Life’s A Twitch is a website devoted to B. Duncan McKinlay, Ph.D., C.Psych. He is a well known doctor that has TS and speaks on TS. “Through empathy, good humour, research, and both considerable personal and professional experience, Dr. McKinlay teaches acceptance of Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders in the world and in ourselves.” It gives resources and lots of information on TS and TS+

http://www.tsa-usa.org/educ_advoc/ts_and_ot.htm
Tourette Syndrome Association for Americans with Tourettes Syndrome and Occupational Therapy website that helps with the tactile sensitivities, fine motor issues, and sensory overload and many other sub-symptoms associated with TS.

http://www.tourette.ca/educators.php
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
Canadian resources to help Canadians with Tourettes Syndrome understand it and find resources in their area.

Books:

Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome: A 9-Year-Old Boy’s Story in His Own Words
Dylan Peters
A children’s book about living with Tourettes tells a 9 year old boy’s story in his own words.

Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents’ Guide
Tracy Lynn Marsh
This book for parents examines the medical, educational, social, and legal issues often associated with Tourette Syndrome.

Tics and Tourette Syndrome: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals
Uttom Chowdhury
A general book about Tourette Syndrom that addresses common problems at home and school. Reviewers generally find this book highly useful, and not too long, detailed, or overwhelming for the lay reader.

http://www.lifesatwitch.com/nixyourtics_book.html
Nix Your Tics: Eliminate Unwanted Tic Symptoms, A ‘how to’ guide for young people. The link has excerpts from the book and full accreditation from medical personal.

http://tourettenowwhat.tripod.com/ts_books.htm
A list of books for Tourettes Syndrome for parents, educators, and people with Tourettes Syndrome

Additional Links:

http://mysonsean.homestead.com/
My Son Sean is a list of websites devoted to Tourette Syndrome. This resource was put together by a mom with a son who has TS and she has checked every link before posting, making sure each website is valuable and informative.

http://www.tsa-usa.org/Professionals/ProfEducators/educators.html
A resource for professional educators with information on therapy, books, and behaviour, just to name a few.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HS-Plus/
A group for families who are home educating special needs children to support, encourage, share resources and experiences, struggles and successes. All types of special needs are welcomed.

Notes and Advice:

There is no known cause for TS but it is sometimes thought to be hereditary. TS symptoms are usually the most misunderstood aspect of the syndrome.  TS can range from mild to severe, depending on the tics and symptoms.   Not everyone with TS yells out things and has severe gross motor tics, which are the symptoms that are most commonly featured on TV.  TS is sometimes diagnosed along with other conditions like ADHD or OCD, which is sometimes referred to as TS+.   Both diagnoses together can make things more of a struggle but that doesn’t mean there can’t be accomplishments in a supportive home environment. Understanding all aspects of TS goes a long way towards helping make learning accomplishments easier.  Home learning can provide an environment where a child can work at his own pace and be more relaxed.   Home learning gives more time to work on some of the issues TS children struggle with, like their handwriting, tactile defensiveness, and the need for calming.   Sleeping issues are often a big struggle for people with TS, and home learning can provide a more flexible schedule to help with that symptom. Rage is another aspect of Tourettes Syndrome that is easily misunderstood.   Not every person that has TS has rage, and those who do sometimes find that home learning makes it easier to manage this aspect of Tourettes, as well as many others.