When the doctor first said the word “Tourette’s,” you probably felt a rush of emotions. Fear, uncertainty, maybe even relief at finally having an explanation for your child’s tics and quirks. But one question might have stood out: “Is Tourettes neurodivergent?” It’s a question I’ve heard countless times in my work with children and families, and it’s one that deserves a thorough, thoughtful answer. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means to be neurodivergent, how Tourette fits into this paradigm, and how understanding this connection can empower you and your child.
Table of Contents
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is a term you’ve likely heard, but what does it mean? Simply put, neurodivergence refers to brains that function differently from what’s considered “typical.” Neurodivergent individuals might have diagnoses like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or, indeed, Tourette’s. But here’s the key point — neurodivergence isn’t a bad thing. It’s not a disease to be cured but a different way of experiencing the world.
For your child, being neurodivergent means they have unique strengths and challenges. They might struggle with things that come easily to their peers, but they also have the potential to excel in areas where others might falter. For instance, many neurodivergent kids display remarkable creativity, problem-solving skills, and a knack for seeing the world from unique perspectives.
Read more: Free Neurodivergent Test: 10 Questions
Is Tourette’s Neurodivergent?
Now, let’s address the question at hand: “Is Tourettes neurodivergent?” The answer is yes. Tourette’s Syndrome is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means it’s part of the neurodivergent spectrum. It’s characterized by motor and vocal tics — involuntary movements or sounds that can be challenging to manage.
But remember, while Tourette’s comes with its own set of challenges, it also comes with its own set of strengths. Many kids with Tourette’s are incredibly resilient, empathetic, and creative. They’ve got a certain spark, a unique way of seeing the world that can be truly amazing.
How Does This Impact You and Your Child?
Understanding that Tourette’s is a form of neurodivergence can be empowering. It can help you better understand your child’s behaviors and needs and provide a framework for seeking support and accommodations. For example, knowing that your child’s tics result from neurodivergence rather than a behavioral issue can shift your perspective and approach to managing them.
Read more: Does My Child Have a Verbal Tic?
Supporting Your Neurodivergent Child
Supporting a neurodivergent child involves recognizing their unique strengths and challenges. Here are some strategies that can help:
- Education: Learn as much as you can about Tourette’s and neurodivergence. This knowledge will help you advocate for your child and provide them with the support they need.
- Accommodations: Seek accommodations at school or in social settings that can help your child succeed. This might include extra time on tests, breaks to manage tics or a quiet space to work.
- Therapy: Certain types of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), can be beneficial for kids with Tourette’s.
- Support groups: Connecting with other parents of neurodivergent children can provide valuable insights and emotional support.
Goally | Best Videos to Teach Life Skills
Give your kid an independent future. Goally has 100+ video classes teaching life skills like “How to Choose a Restaurant,” “How to Interrupt Politely,” and “How to Get Ready for School.”
Goally takes kids on an adventure that includes interactive practice and checkpoints along the way! No web browsers, YouTube, or social media.
Wrapping Up
So yes, Tourette’s is neurodivergent, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s just a different way of being in the world. As a parent, your job isn’t to “fix” your child but to support them, love them, and help them navigate the world with their unique brain. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Resources and communities are ready to help and support you every step of the way.
Resources:
- Tourette Association of America – A comprehensive resource for understanding and managing Tourette’s.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Offers factual, up-to-date information about Tourette’s syndrome.
- Understood – A platform dedicated to helping parents of neurodivergent children with learning and thinking differences.
FAQs about “Is Tourettes Neurodivergent?”
1. What does it mean for Tourette's to be neurodivergent? Being neurodivergent means that the brain functions differently from the "typical" or "normal" way. In the case of Tourette's, it's classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, making it part of the neurodivergent spectrum. 2. Does being neurodivergent affect a child's learning? Yes, neurodivergent children, including those with Tourette's, may face unique learning challenges, but they can also exhibit exceptional strengths in certain areas such as creativity and problem-solving. 3. How can I support my neurodivergent child who has Tourette's? The key is understanding and accepting their neurodivergence, providing the right supports like therapies, school accommodations, and a supportive environment where they feel loved and accepted. 4. What is the benefit of embracing neurodivergence in a child with Tourette's? Embracing neurodivergence can lead to greater self-acceptance, confidence, and a sense of belonging in your child, reinforcing the message that they are not broken, just different. 5. Are there resources available for parents of neurodivergent children with Tourette's? Absolutely, there are numerous resources and communities available that offer support, advice, and camaraderie for parents of neurodivergent children, including those with Tourette's.
This post was originally published on 04/20/2023. It was updated on 03/13/2024.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
