Name, address, telephone

Date

Dear Headteacher (insert name),

Re:   Child's Name

I am writing to advise you about my child's diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome (and state any other)   You may wish to include the name's of your child's doctor or any other relevant professional.

Please find enclosed an information leaflet about Tourette Syndrome.  Each child is unique, and each child with Tourette Syndrome (TS) is unique.  Tourette Syndrome is a spectrum disorder and can therefore present as a mild condition, or with other associated disorders which all impact in different ways and to different degrees on the life of the child.  I will here try to describe the way TS affects my child.

Describe here examples of your child's tics, how they affect him/her, how they are affected by the attitudes and responses of others, how they affect his/her school work and interactions with others.  Also describe how any other disorder such as ADHD affect them and their behaviour.

Detail how any of these problems affect specific subjects such as handwriting, reading, maths, practical subjects, sitting still etc.

Describe here your child's positive points, their strengths and talents.  Describe what they respond best to - praise, encouragement, one-to-one times, quiet times, time out of the classroom now and then etc and any other recommendations you may have.

Offer your help - either in speaking with the teachers, advising them about available resources of information and advice, helping out in the classroom etc - whatever!

I would commend you to purchase the book ‘Tourette Syndrome – A Practical Guide for Teachers, Parents & Carers’ by Professor Mary Robertson and Amber Carroll  (David Fulton Publishers).    It is part of the series 'Resource Materials for Teachers'.  The book offers factual information about TS, and provides strategies for schools etc.  More information about the book and about Tourette Syndrome at the website  www.tourettesyndrome.co.uk   (you can order the book from there too).   The website also has links for information about the associated disorders such as ADHD, and an Education page, with many links for information specifically for educators about TS, such as those which give advice about strategies for use with students with TS.   The address of the Tourette Syndrome Association is found in the accompanying leaflet.

I would be very grateful if you would encourage all your teaching staff to read this letter, and the accompanying leaflet, including of course, your special needs co-ordinator.  It is vital that our children are understood and supported, their self-esteem protected and education encouraged.

Please contact me if you would like any further information.   

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,