Tourette's

We have a boy in one of our classes, who has been diagnosed and is on medication for Tourettes.  He is not currently displaying any noticeable verbal or motor tics.

At times during class discussions, he will get a grin on his face, put up his hand and when called upon make some type of inappropriate comment.  He appears to be consciously aware that he is going to say something inappropriate and is able to delay saying it.  Is this just regular teenage behaviour that could be changed or is it uncontrollable?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Rob,

There are often, in children with TS, a range of eccentric or idiosyncratic, impulsive behaviors that are not strictly due to TS, but associated with the condition. It's fair to say, though, that in the classroom it's very reasonable to insist that such behavior be controlled, and don't excuse it as involuntary or outside the control of the child. I think it's wise to insist that teachers set firm limits on this type of behavior and follow through with whatever consequences would normally be meted out. Dr. KDK