Special needs · Tourette syndrome and tics

Lessons where tics don’t take center stage

Pencil Spaces helps students with Tourette syndrome and tics learn online, with control over their microphone and camera, typed ways to answer and breaks when they need them.

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Area

Social, emotional and mental health

Who it helps

Students with Tourette syndrome or tic disorders, tutors, schools and families

What lessons need

Acceptance, control over audio and video, low stress, breaks, other ways to answer

In Pencil Spaces

6 features available today

Part of

Special needs, need by need

What do students with Tourette syndrome or tics need from an online lesson?

Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders cause sudden movements or sounds that a student can’t fully control. Stress and trying to hold tics in often make them stronger. Lessons help when tics are accepted and the student has some control.

Mute when it helpsAudio & Video · AvailableStudents can mute their own microphone or switch their camera off for a moment, without leaving the lesson.
Type in place of speakingChat · AvailableGroup chat, chat in each breakout room and private one-to-one messages give every student a way to talk without speaking.
Answers on the boardText · AvailableTyped text goes anywhere on the board and stays editable, so nobody has to handwrite to take part.
Small groupsBreakout Rooms · AvailableSplit a class into small rooms for focused work, then bring everyone back in one click.
Undo the slipsUndo & Redo · AvailableIf a tic sends a stroke across the board, undo puts it right in a click.
Breaks built inTimers & Polls · AvailableUse a timer to plan short breaks, so stepping away is part of the lesson.

The features behind it

Why can online lessons be hard for students with Tourette syndrome or tics?

On a video call, every sound and movement is visible and audible to the group. A student with tics can spend the lesson trying to hide them, which is exhausting and often makes them worse.

Typing or drawing can also be interrupted by motor tics, and a spoiled board after a sudden movement is discouraging.

What does a lesson look like in Pencil Spaces?

In a small group, a student with vocal tics keeps her microphone muted unless she’s speaking, and answers mostly in chat. When a tic sends a pen stroke across her board, she presses undo and carries on.

Nobody comments. A short break every fifteen minutes is part of the plan.

Tips for teaching students with Tourette syndrome or tics online

Agree a plan with the student and family, including how they’d like tics handled.
Ignore tics, and never ask the student to stop.
Give other ways to answer, such as typing.
Build in breaks, and lower stress where you can.
With the student’s agreement, explain to a group if that helps.

Questions people ask

How can teachers support students with tics online?

Accept the tics, lower stress and give the student control. In Pencil Spaces, students can mute themselves or step off camera briefly. They can answer in chat or on the board, and undo any slip on the board.

Can a student with Tourette syndrome mute their microphone?

Yes. Students control their own microphone and camera, and can stay muted while listening. Chat and the board give them ways to take part without unmuting.

Will other students notice tics in a group lesson?

Perhaps, as in any classroom. Small breakout rooms and typed answers reduce the spotlight. Agree with the student and family what, if anything, to explain to a group.

Can lessons include breaks?

Yes, the teacher sets the structure. A countdown timer makes planned breaks visible, and the Space keeps everyone’s work until they come back. Agree the breaks with the student and family, and keep them predictable.