Other Problems
There is a lot of information available on the internet about the associated (and possible co-morbid) disorders of Tourette Syndrome, such as Obessessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD – which can occur with or without hyperactivity) and anger control problems.
There are other issues, which haven’t been given so much attention, but are very relevant.
TS is tics, and those tics (and compulsions) often interfere with learning, as can some medication side-effects.
I have listed and given very brief details of other possible problems that may occur with Tourette Syndrome.
Learning Problems
TS has no effect on intelligence, but those with TS are more likely to have learning problems. There may be delays or difficulties in learning one or more specific types of information. Eg. Reading, handwriting, mathematics (may be better at mental arithmetic than written maths)
Auditory Processing Problems
Difficulty in taking in information by hearing eg. Following spoken instructions
Sensory Integration Problems
May affect any of the senses. There may be over or under sensitivity eg. Over/under react to certain fabrics, clothes labels, more or less sensitive to pain, or over sensitivity to texture of certain food in the mouth, or aversion to certain smells.
Poor Visual-Motor Processing
Which may impair handwriting and other any other activity involving hand/eye co-ordination.
Poor Fine Motor Skills
(And perhaps gross motor skills) There may be problems with handwriting, poor colouring and cutting skills. Perhaps this also causes problems with dressing, such as handling small buttons, or tying shoe-laces. Also using cutlery, and in art & craft activities. The person may appear to be clumsy.