Tourettes Syndrome
"54% of adults with Tourette's syndrome in the UK were employed, with over 300,000 people in the UK living with Tourette's Syndrome you may already have an employee with TS without even knowing it"
Definition:
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics.
The disorder is named after Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the condition in 1885. Tics can vary in frequency, type, and severity over time and can include simple motor tics such as blinking or shoulder shrugging, and complex tics involving multiple muscle groups or vocalizations like grunting, throat clearing, or repeating phrases.
People with Tourette Syndrome may experience a range of physical and emotional sensations related to their tics. These sensations can include an urge or a build-up of tension before a tic, which is temporarily relieved once the tic occurs.
The experience of having TS can be challenging, especially in social or professional settings where tics may draw unwanted attention or misunderstanding. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration, or anxiety.
By implementing these strategies, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for individuals with Tourette Syndrome, allowing them to thrive and contribute effectively to the organization.
Common Traits Associated with Tourette Syndrome:
• Motor Tics:
o Eye blinking
o Facial grimacing
o Shoulder shrugging
o Head jerking
• Vocal Tics:
o Throat clearing
o Grunting
o Sniffing
o Repetition of words or phrases
• Complex Tics:
o Combination of movements and sounds
o Repeating others' words (echolalia)
o Repeating one's own words (palilalia)