Tic Talk - Parent & Carer Guide

Calm, kind support for your child, tics and all. 💜

When your child has tics or Tourette’s, you want to know how to respond, how to explain tics to family and friends, and how to make sure school understands. The good news: calm, simple everyday steps really help, and you already know your child best.

The Tic Talk Parent & Carer Guide is a colourful, easy-read companion to the Tic Talk workbook. It explains tics in clear, positive language, then gives you practical ways to support your child at home, build their confidence, and work with school.

WHAT’S INSIDE (12 pages):
🌟 Welcome – the best Tic Talk pages to do together
🧠 Tics at a Glance – what tics and Tourette’s are, the tic urge, tic friends, and your child’s strengths
🌦️ Busier or Calmer? – spot patterns together, with simple things to try
💜 Calm & Kind at Home – how to respond, plus helpful phrases
💬 Talking About Tics – confident words for your child, siblings, family and friends
🌈 Feelings & Confidence – calming ideas, kind self-talk and friendships
🩺 Health & Support – what help is available, and when to book a GP chat
🏫 Working with School – a clear support route for England, and great questions to ask
☕ You Matter Too – looking after yourself, and places that can help
⭐ Top 10 for Home – a fridge-friendly poster

HOW IT HELPS:
✔ Strengths first: celebrates your child, tics and all
✔ Calm, practical ideas for everyday family life
✔ Real phrases you can use straight away
✔ Helps the whole family respond in the same calm way
✔ Explains the school support route in plain English
✔ Pairs with the Tic Talk workbook

PERFECT FOR:

• Parents and carers of children with tics or Tourette’s, with or without a diagnosis

• Grandparents, childminders and anyone who spends time with the child

• SENCos and family support workers looking for a resource to share with families

WHAT YOU GET:

• 1 printable PDF file, 12 pages, A4 size

• Prints on US Letter too: just choose “Fit to page” in your print settings

• Print the Top 10 poster as many times as you like

• Instant digital download, so no physical item will be posted

PLEASE NOTE
This guide is for information and everyday support and works alongside advice from your GP and tic specialists. The support route reflects the system in England at the time of writing (2026).
© 2026 The SEN Advocate. For personal and educational use only. Not for resale or redistribution.