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2022 Research Studies
Summaries of research projects supported by Tourettes Action.
Exploring the experiences of people who use online communities for Tourette syndrome and tics
Ella Ford,a student at the University of Nottingham, is researching the views and experiences of people who use online communities for Tourette syndrome and tics.
Previous research has found online communities can be beneficial for a range of health issues and conditions - including potentially for Tourette syndrome and tics. Empowerment is when a person feels like they have control over their condition, and its treatment by themselves and others. Through understanding the potential benefits of online communities regarding empowerment, their use could be promoted by healthcare professionals and charities, thereby hopefully helping those with Tourette syndrome/tics.
Click here to read a lay summary of the study findngs
Experience of self-identification, diagnosis & support for adults with tic disorders
Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire and Nottingham conducted a research study into the diagnostic journey or self-identification of having a tic disorder (including Tourette’s) in adulthood. The study was open to adults who initiated to seek validation, self-identified or obtained a diagnosis of tic disorders after 18 years of age.
Click here to read a lay summary of the study findings
Click here to read a published article about the study
Examining teacher knowledge, attitudes and the school environment when working with young people with TS in mainstream secondary schools
Ruth Taylor is the mum of a son with TS who conducted research for a degree in Special Educational Needs Disability and Inclusive Practice at Newman University. The aim of this research was to explore the rationale and impact of teacher knowledge, attitudes and the school environment when working with young people with Tourette Syndrome.
Results of the study to follow soon
Neuro-divergent women and employment
University of Sussex conducted a study into neuro-divergent women and employment, with the aim of gaining insights into neuro-divergent women's working lives and other aspects of their identities.
Click here to read a lay summary of the study findings
Exploring the nature of anxiety in children and adolescents with and without a Tic disorder
Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire explored the gender differences within anxiety in children with and without Tic disorders, along with investigating repetitive and sensory behaviours. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous 25-minute online survey.
Click here to read a lay summary of the study findings
An investigation into parents’ experiences of adolescent sudden onset of tics
In 2022, Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire carried out a study exploring twenty-one mothers’ experiences of sudden and new onset of severe functional tics. Results from the interviews revealed gaps and inconsistencies within the process of gaining access to professional services and a lack of support for the management of tics and functional tic-like movements, in addition to highlighting the impact it had on daily family life. Full findings from the study will be shared shortly.
Following this research, researchers created an article to generate discussion and inform practice within schools about the management of functional tic-like behaviours. Based on the experiences of the mothers’ interviewed, researchers are following up with an online survey to explore some of the shared characteristic of the children with sudden onset tics.
Click here to read a lay summary of the study findings
A Research Study into Mothers' accounts of mealtime and feeding challenges for children with Tourette syndrome or persistent tic disorders
A lay summary of one of the research studies conducted by Sandra- Eve Bamigbade as part of her Doctorate in Psychology into the mealtime experiences of families with a child with a tic disorder, looking at mealtime challenges, their impact and how these challenges are navigated.
Click here to read a lay summary of the study findings
An Exploration of Support for Children and Young People with Tourette syndrome in Schools
This is a lay summary of Thesis research conducted by Hannah Warnock as part of a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. The aims of this research were to explore the current practices in UK mainstream schools for supporting children with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Online questionnaires were completed by 25 school staff with experience of supporting children with TS and 74 parents of children with TS.
