As with any diagnosis that would set a child apart from their classmate, having Tourette Syndrome can unfortunately make your child a target for bullying. Some possible signs and symptoms of bullying can include (but are not limited to):
– Increase in frustration
– Not wanting to go to school
– Social Withdrawal
– Increase in aversive behaviors
– Worsening school grades
In order to prevent bullying and increase self-confidence for your child going through difficult school social relations, it is important to understand the diagnosis fully and utilize the many resources available. Some brief strategies include (but are not limited to):
– Setting up a meeting time with school administrators and teachers to provide basic Tourette Syndrome education
– Create a peer system to encourage peer modeling behaviors
– Explore educational opportunities to the classroom
– Talk with your child about opportunities to dispel incorrect information about Tourette Syndrome
– Utilize resources such as “I Don’t Have Tics, but Tics Have Me” or “Stand Up for Tourette Syndrome” video
The TSA has put out numerous researched materials for bullying prevention and management on their website. For more information and extensive FREE bullying education, please visit attached link:
http://tsa-usa.org/aBullyingPrev/bullyingprevention_main.html
If you have more questions regarding Tourette Syndrome and Bullying Prevention, please follow up with your Occupational Therapist or physician.