Sudden Onset Tics and Tic Disorders

Since the pandemic, many schools have met pupils, often teenage girls, whose tics appeared suddenly and look nothing like the eye blinking and sniffing of typical childhood tics. Staff are often unsure what they're seeing or how to respond.

You'll understand the difference. Tourette's syndrome usually starts between five and seven, most people feel an urge before a tic, and tics can often be held back briefly. Functional tic-like behaviours tend to start later, can't usually be suppressed and may include hitting, dropping to the floor or freezing. You'll also see why anxiety, ADHD and OCD so often come alongside tics.

Agree with the pupil how tics will be handled, where they sit and where they can go for a break, then help them back into the lesson rather than sending them home. The presenter is a chartered research psychologist who has worked on tics and Tourette's for years.