Tourettes Syndrome (TS) is often categorised by uncontrollable & often inappropriate sounds such as swearing, animal noises etc. What many people don't know is that this trait may actually be absent much of the time (may be they have uncontrolled fits of anger)  and instead the TS person may only have facial twitches that may be indicative of the condition. These would have been present at a very early age. It has been noted by scientists that a high proportion of TS people are ADHD in varying degrees, especially if there is a family history of a sibling or parent who has been diagnosed. TS is often a co-morbid condition with ADHD. So, if you have an ADHD child in the classroom that cannot control his/her sounds or actions such as facial expressions, do not discount TS.

Aspergers Syndrome (AS) is another grossly under-diagnosed "difference". AS people have been described as "high functioning autistics" and can be very similar in traits to ADHD people. There is one difference that can be counted on between the ADHD and Aspergers, and that is Aspies do not tolerate change that well. ADDers love the constant environment change if highly stimulating (if it is boring .... watch out!), but Aspies need to know well in advance. Often they are highly intelligent, brilliant in fact, but do need accommodations in the classroom. Many teachers, because they cannot see the disability, the neurological dysfunction, and only see the brilliance, automatically think that that the child HAS to understand because of their intelligence level.

Aspies are often extremely intelligent, emotionally immature & not very flexible when it comes to change, especially in school. Year 7 can be a problem time and they may require extra attention from going from the familiarity of primary school to a totally different education structure at high school. Contact your secondary school of choice well in advance so that your child can have a slower introduction.

Autism comes in various extremes with many autistics ending up in special schools. However, you will find links in many autistic websites to AS as well, and seeing that there will be many special education teachers accessing this site, I felt it would be a good thing to include these links as well. After all, it is not at all unusual to find within the same family an autistic relative. This includes cousins, aunties and uncles.

Links

Tourettes Syndrome

The Tourette Spectrum Disorder Association      
Non-profit organization dedicated to providing up-to-date, accurate information about Tourette syndrome.  Check out the articles page.

Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
Accurate information about this very misunderstood and often undiagnosed disorder. Lots of links to other great sites.

Tourette Page by Leslie Packer
Represents a culmination of her experiences as a parent, family member, advocate, and psychologist.

Tourettes Syndrome Association Inc.   
Wonderful site with tonnes of info  ..... and they also have a CD for Educators to buy. If you have a TS student, ask your Professional Development rep at school to buy this!
 

The Gray Center  For Social Learning & Understanding
Dedicated to individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and those who work alongside them to improve mutual understanding.

O.A.S.I.S.       Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support
This site is possibly the best for Aspergers info.  Teachers also note this site.

Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the US 
Non-profit organization committed to providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on Asperger Syndrome and related conditions

Sally Bloch PhD Aspergers Syndrome Information  Site
Set up for professionals, teachers and parents to increase the awareness of Aspergers.
 
AS-and-Proud-of-it   E-mail support group for Aspies 

The Centre For the Study of Autism  
Autism related resources. Lots of personal home pages and many professional links

Aspergers/Autism Rights  
Highly organised table of contents covering a wide range of issues. It includes the International Rights of the Disabled.

Treatment & Education of Autistic & Related Communication Handicapped Children
Their purpose is to to generate knowledge; t o integrate clinical services with relevant theory and research; and to disseminate information about theory, practice, and research on autism through training and publications locally, nationally and internationally.

Sensory Integration
Promotes education about the impact of inadequate sensory processing and its relationship to health and one's occupation



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