Treating Tics and Tourette’s Disorder in School Settings

Abstract

Children with Tourette’s Disorder (TD) and other forms of tic disorders display a range of academic and psychosocial impairments that place them at risk for experiencing long-term negative life outcomes. Fortunately, effective treatments and interventions such as habit reversal training (HRT) have been developed and implemented in clinical settings to help these children. However, relatively few youth with tics and related sequelae receive effective treatments for their symptoms, often because of various treatment barriers (e.g., travel difficulties, limitations in trained practitioners). To overcome some of these barriers, educators and school-based mental health practitioners can provide a range of academic, social-emotional, and mental health supports to address the needs of youth with tics in school settings. In support of this notion, this article discusses various ways that members of school communities can help support the academic and social-emotional success of students with tics and related impairments.