4 Ways to Care for Someone With Tourette's Syndrome

1. Discover Tic Triggers

Tourette's Syndrome tics may be tied to specific emotional triggers such as excitement or fatigue. Other times, physical triggers such as strong scents or particular foods can trigger tics. Observe the person in your care to determine when her tics get worse by writing down the date, time, duration and circumstances of any notable episodes. Once you determine common triggers, you can help her avoid them.

2. Keep Stress at Bay

While those with Tourette's Syndrome can't stop their tics, they can often learn to reduce their severity and frequency. A 2003 study, for example, showed a correlation between stress and increased severity of tics. By encouraging the person in your care to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mediation, you may be able help improve his symptoms. Bear in mind, however, that since each case of Tourette's Syndrome is different, relaxation strategies may not work for everyone. In fact, they can even have the opposite effect. In some people with Tourette's, relaxation increases the severity of tics because the brain is off-guard and the tics can be "let out" unchecked. But even if this is the case, those with Tourette's Syndrome still benefit from relaxation as a way to manage the overall stress brought on by their condition.

3. Make Educational Accommodations

Children with Tourette's Syndrome can have a difficult time in classrooms. If you have a child with the disorder in your care, work with her teacher to create a positive learning environment. Breaks between lessons will help the child relax and process the material she has just learned. A teacher may also be able to provide more time for tests and supply a keyboard if the Tourette's interferes with the student's ability to write by hand.
The teacher should also be prepared to provide emotional care for the child. While a student with Tourette's will inevitably be teased, the teacher should let the other students know very clearly that teasing will not be tolerated. You will also want to work with the teacher to educate the rest of the students about the facts of Tourette's Syndrome. If your child feels comfortable, it can be helpful for her to do her own presentation about Tourette's to the class, portraying it not as a disability but as a complex neurological condition that continues to fascinate scientists.
If a child is having a hard time in school due to her Tourette's, enlist extra help in the form of tutoring or special education classes. Bear in mind, though, that Tourette's is not associated with lower intelligence and that Tourette's children, like other children, should be academically challenged. Gradually increase your expectations for her and encourage her to raise her own academic expectations of herself.

4. Provide Love and Support

A person with Tourette's Syndrome can become stigmatized and embarrassed about his condition due to misguided stereotypes. Counter that by encouraging him not to let the disorder rule his life. Encourage him to participate in activities that will channel his physical and mental energy away from the tics. As a bonus, tics can subside or disappear completely when someone is in a "flow" state--thoroughly engrossed in an activity he loves.
Let the person to know about other notable people with Tourette's Syndrome, too. Amadeus Mozart may have had Tourette's. Olympic soccer player Tim Howard does, as does author Samuel Johnson. Keep his mind on people who succeeded in spite of Tourette's, and let him know he can do the same.