Impact of Tourette Syndrome on School Measures in a Nationally Representative Sample

Posted on August 11, 2022 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of Tourettte Syndrome and co-occurring conditions on school methods.

Methodology

Data was taken from information reported by parents from the Natioanal Survey of Children’s Health. Children with Tourette Syndrome were compared with those who never had Tourette Syndrome on school measures

Findings

Tourette Syndrome severity and co-occurring conditions are associated with school challenges and educational service needs.
Awareness among health care providers, teachers and parents of the potential challenges related to both Tourette Syndrome and co-occurring conditions would help to support the child’s education.

Reference

Claussen, A.H.; Bitsko, R.H.; Holbrook, J.R.; Bloomfield, J.; Giordano, K.; (2018). Impact of Tourette Syndrome on School Measures in a Nationally Representative Sample. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. 39(9) 335-342.

ADHD, autism and dyslexia: How companies can help neurodiverse job applicants

Posted on June 20, 2022 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

Published by: nzherald.conz
Written by: Katie Harris

Neurodiverse Kiwis contribute significant value to the workforce, but structural problems within the interview process mean many can be locked out of the job market. Katie Harris speaks to those on the ground about how to improve interviews for neurodiverse Kiwis.

“Tell me what you’re most proud of?”

For some, this may seem like a simple question to answer, but for many neurodiverse Kiwis its vagueness can throw off even the most well-prepped applicant.

Neurodiversity encompasses neurological differences including dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and Tourette’s syndrome.

The neurodiverse can bring a wealth of creativity, hyperfocus and out-of-the-box thinking that many organisations need, but often interviews can pose as a barrier to success for some.

Autism NZ chief executive Dane Dougan told the Herald the whole recruitment process isn’t set up for neurodiverse people.

Autism NZ employment facilitator Megan McNeice told the Herald a big roadblock for the neurodiverse in interviews is open-ended questions. Click here to read the rest of the story.

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on May 17, 2022 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

Date: May 15- June 15, 2022

June is Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

According to the Tourette Association of America, tics are involuntary, repetitive movement and vocalizations. They are the defining feature of a group of childhood-onset, neurodevelopmental conditions known collectively as Tic disorders and individually as Tourette Syndrome.

Tics are common in childhood. The estimated prevalence of Tourette Syndrome disorder range from 3 to 8 per, 1,000 in school-aged children. Males are more commonly affected than females. Some people may have tic-free periods of weeks to months.

There are three types:

Motor tics cause a movement including eye blinking, facial grimacing, jaw movements, and head bobbing
Vocal/phonic tics produce a sound including throat clearing, grunting, hooting, and shouting
Provisional tic disorders involve a person who experiences involuntary motor and/or verbal tics for one year.

Signs and Symptoms:

Tic Disorders:

eye blinking
coughing
throat clearing
sniffing
facial movement
shoulder shrugging

Vocal Tics:

barking or yelping
grunting
repeating what someone else says
shouting
sniffing
swearing

Co-Occurring Disorders Include:

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Obsessive -Compulsive Disorder
Learning difficulties
Behavior problems
Anxiety
Mood problems
Sleeping issues
Social skills and deficits

Resources:

Ways to raise awareness: Participate in Awareness Month – Tourette Association of America

Tourette Syndrome Terms You Should Know

Posted on June 3, 2021 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

June is Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.

The following are terms related to Tourette Syndrome Disorder:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)– a neurological disorder characterized by a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that disrupts functioning in both children and adults The DSM-V defines ADHD as a persistent pattern of attention and or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning of development.

Coprolalia– associated with socially inappropriate words that are derogatory and obscene. It is rare and only impacts 10% of people with Tourette syndrome and is not used to diagnose the syndrome.

Co-Morbidity- the presence of one or more additional conditions occurring with a primary condition.

Echolalia-is characterized as the repetition of words that may be immediate or delayed after the original words are spoken.

Gilles de la Tourette– First person to publish an account in describing a person with “convulsing tic disorder.”

Motor Tics– caused by a movement.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- is defined as a disorder that includes two core symptoms- obsessions and compulsions. According to the Census for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obsessions are defined by: Thoughts, impulses, or images that occur over and over again. These thoughts, impulses or images are unwanted. They cause a lot of anxiety and stress.

Palilalia– involuntary repetition of words, phrases or sentences.

Simple Moto Tics– sudden movements including eye blinking, head shaking, shoulder shrugging or arm jerking. Tends to be brief.

Simple Phonic Tics– sudden sounds including sniffing, coughing, throat clearing and grunting.

Tics- movements or sounds that are unpredictable.

Tourette Syndrome-involuntary, repetitive movement and vocalizations. They are the defining feature of a group of childhood-onset, neurodevelopmental conditions known collectively as Tic disorders and individually as Tourette Syndrome

Involuntary– done without conscious control.

Vocal/ Phonic Tics- tics that produce a sound.