Schools have a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils — and tics count.
Reasonable adjustments to ask for
- Permission to leave the room without asking, when a tic attack builds
- A safe space (library, SENCo office) for tic breaks
- Exam access arrangements: separate room, rest breaks, scribe if motor tics affect writing, prompter if vocal tics interrupt
- Sitting near the door
- Reduced unnecessary attention — staff should NOT correct, mimic or comment on tics
- Permission to fidget, doodle, chew (often reduces tic urge)
- Awareness training for staff and (with the child''s permission) peers
Bullying
Tic-related bullying is common and corrosive. Schools should:
- Use peer awareness sessions
- Treat tic-mocking as bullying
- Have a clear reporting route
After-school release
Many children "hold it in" all day at school and explode with tics at home. This is normal — they need decompression time, not demands.
EHCPs
A child with TS plus , OCD or significant anxiety may need an . Tics alone usually don't require one if school supports are working.
Source: Tourettes Action school resources.