1 in 50 school-aged children live with Tourette Syndrome (TS) or another Persistent Tic Disorder. 83% of school-aged children with TS or another Persistent Tic Disorder have a co-occurring condition like ADHD, anxiety, OCD, or depression. Children with TS and Tic Disorders are often subjected to bullying and discrimination at school. As an educator, we know you want to support your students in the best way possible – including students who experience tics and other co-occurring conditions. We have compiled a comprehensive list of resources to assist educators and school personnel in in developing effective support plans to allow children with TS and other Tic Disorders to thrive, both socially and academically. Below and across our site you’ll find many free resources about TS and accommodating students with TS in the classroom.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence.
It is part of the spectrum of Tic Disorders and is characterized by motor and vocal tics. The current estimates are that 1 out of every 50 children has TS or another persistent Tic Disorder.
Educator's Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to help educators and school personnel recognize symptoms of TS and other Tic Disorders and aids in the development of effective support plans, enabling these children to flourish socially and academically.
Free Classroom Training Options
The TAA offers various live and pre-recorded professional development opportunities on Tourette Syndrome and school, such as:
- TAA School Education Video Series – Designed to meet the needs of schools and school districts seeking knowledge of Tourette Syndrome and accommodating students with the disorder. Receive an overview of Tourette Syndrome, co-occurring conditions, and school accommodations.
- Tourette Syndrome in Schools Continuing Education and Professional Development Course – Continuing education and professional development program created to help educators and school professionals better understand tics and Tourette Syndrome, learn the impact on schooling, gain strategies for the classroom, and recognize ways to enable children with tics to succeed. Program created by the TAA Center of Excellence at the University of Florida. Available August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2027.
- Neurodiversity & Tourette Syndrome Curriculum For Educators – Interactive module that prepares you to facilitate the TAA Elementary Curriculum – We All Think Differently. The curriculum’s goal is to foster understanding and empathy in students while highlighting the unique strengths of diverse neural abilities.
For more information, or if your institution or organization is interested in hosting a CDC Education Program, please email programs@tourette.org.
NEW Resources for Educators
Our newest classroom resources help educators understand Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders and respond with confidence. Role-specific guides and references for quick responses help explain when behavior may be neurological, how tics connect to school mental health, how to prevent common educational problems before they start, and more.
Find other important resources for educators below.
Find important resources you can share directly with students, parents, and guardians.
Tics are only the tip of the iceberg, and this guide teaches educators to identify that more is going on below the surface for students living with Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder. Find practical classroom supports and easy-to-follow do’s and don’ts. Download this resource.
This easy-to-follow card helps educators and school staff respond to tics in ways that keep students learning. Keep it handy for a step-by-step guide to in-the-moment support, plus reminders and clear signs for when to reach out to the student’s support team. Download this resource. The TAA also offers a downloadable abbreviated version of this resource.
This resource discusses Multi-tiered Systems of Support and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Explore practical steps for each tier of support and ways to use better data to help students with tics participate and succeed. Download this resource.
A behavior can be observable and still be neurological. This resource helps school teams look beyond what happened to ask the right questions using a tic-informed assessment and plan. Download this resource.
This fillable profile captures what makes each student unique. When completed, its purpose is to give substitutes, related arts teachers, and other school staff a quick reference for a student’s typical tics, triggers, and supports, so everyone can respond consistently. Download this resource.
NEW Resources for Other School Staff
These new classroom resources teach other school staff about Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders. They equip school staff with the knowledge and answers needed to help students living with tics thrive in and out of the classroom.
Not every difficult behavior is a discipline problem, and school counselors are in a unique position to spot the difference early. This resource offers a tic-informed lens, practical ways to support students living with tics, and questions to open meaningful conversations before stress turns into school avoidance or crisis. Download this resource.
School nurses play a key role in helping schools understand tics as neurological symptoms rather than misbehavior. Find practical tips for the health office, common missteps to avoid, and ways to partner with families and staff to support students living with tics. Download this resource.
This resource is designed for school leaders and teams, with common system breakdowns to watch for, actions that prevent crisis, and guardrails for IEP and 504 planning. Use its implementation check to make sure students with Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder receive consistent support in every class. Download this resource.
Other Important Resources for Educators
Supporting students living with Tourette Syndrome in the classroom starts with understanding the tools and resources available to you. The resources below cover key topics including classroom accommodations, how to determine whether a 504 Plan or IEP is the right fit, essential special education terminology, and assistive technology options. Whether you are new to working with students with TS or looking to strengthen your current approach, these tools, designed by the TAA Education Advisory Board and other experts, are designed to help you create a more informed and inclusive learning environment.
Classroom Strategies
Effectively supporting a student living with TS in the classroom starts with a solid, individualized plan — and these resources give you the tools to build one. The resources below walk you through developing structured support plans, proven classroom strategies and techniques, and a dedicated educator’s guide to managing tics in the learning environment.
Behavioral Issues and Learning Disabilities
Students living with TS may experience behavioral symptoms and learning challenges that go beyond tics, and recognizing these early is key to providing the right support. The resources below help educators identify common educational difficulties, understand relevant legislation such as IDEA and ESSA, and navigate the accommodations process — including IEPs and 504 Plans — to ensure students receive their full education rights.
College Professors and School Staff
Supporting students living with TS is a school-wide responsibility, and every staff member plays a role. The resources below offer targeted guidance for college professors — including what they need to know and concrete actions they can take to help — as well as dedicated resources for school nurses and counselors on how to support students with living TS in their specific roles.
School-Related Challenges
Students living with TS may face a range of challenges at school. The resources in this section address these challenges through multiple lenses, including resources designed to help students with TS navigate school situations, research on social functioning, and practical guidance on behavior management strategies for educators.
Educating Peers
One of the most powerful ways to support a student living with TS is to foster understanding among their classmates. The links below provide tools to help educators facilitate age-appropriate conversations about TS, as well as family and child-friendly toolkits that can be shared to build awareness and empathy in and out of the classroom.
Co-Occurring Conditions
Many students living with TS also live with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and OCD, which can significantly affect their experience at school. The resources below help educators recognize the needs of their students and respond appropriately. Find resources below on managing anxiety in the classroom, understanding disinhibition, and addressing school-related stress and the intersection of ADHD with TS.
Resources for Parents
Parents of students living with TS or another Tic Disorder play a vital role in supporting their child’s success at school, and sharing the right resources can make a meaningful difference. Visit the link below for a comprehensive hub designed for parents, caregivers, and students — covering topics such as explaining TS to others, understanding education rights and accommodations, and more. Consider sharing this page with the families of your students living with TS as a trusted starting point for guidance, community, and practical tools.
Bullying Prevention & Strategies
Schools and communities have embraced new, effective strategies and implemented programs to prevent bullying. Educating students about Tourette can be an important first step to prevent bullying. If a child’s fellow classmates are not properly educated about TS, the potential for bullying can increase, and the child is more likely to develop poor social skills, under-achieve academically and suffer from low self-esteem. When students understand TS, they generally become more comfortable with their classmate and are less likely to bully or to condone the bullying.
TAA Education Advisory Board
The TAA Education Advisory Board (EAB) is made up of professionals that are experts on Tourette Syndrome and school.
"I Have TS" Cards for Students
The stigma around TS and Tic Disorders often stems from misunderstandings. These cards help clarify its effects, especially useful in high-stress situations like traveling or crowded places.
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