Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition affecting the brain that is characterised by involuntary ‘tics’ and vocalisations.
Symptoms and characteristics
Tourette syndrome is most obvious to others by a person's tics or involuntary movements or vocalisations. The tics are usually quick, unexpected and recurring. Tourette syndrome is experienced differently by everyone and ranges from mild to very severe. It is a non-progressive lifelong condition, with symptoms fluctuating at different times, often worsening with stress or pressure situations. Some examples of simple tics experienced by those with Tourette syndrome include:
- blinking the eyes
- facial grimaces
- jerking the head
- twitching the nose
- clearing the throat
- making barking, squealing, grunting, gulping, snorting or sniffling noises.
More complex tics can include:
- large movements like jumping or spinning
- self harming activities such as biting or hitting
- the use of obscene words or phrases such as swearing
- the repetitive use of words or phrases.
Other conditions that might be experienced by people with Tourette syndrome are:
- depression
- hyperactivity
- learning difficulties
- obsessive compulsive tendencies
- aggressive outbursts
- poor attention or concentration span
- social phobia.
Although tics can sometimes be controlled for short periods, such as during social situations, they may then become more evident when in a more private setting.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with Tourette syndrome to manage their condition. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, including:
- provision of a private workspace if a person is concerned regarding the effect of their tics distracting other staff
- provision of an area within the workplace in which a person can go privately to express pent up tics
- reducing stress and pressure at work by moderating work demands
- education within the workplace regarding the involuntary nature of Tourette syndrome.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Tourette syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 14 November 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Tourette_syndrome?open.
Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (no date specified), what is Tourette syndrome?, Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia, Sydney, viewed 14 November 2011, http://www.tourette.org.au/whatis.php.