Tourette syndrome and learning disabilities

J Learn Disabil. 1992 Nov;25(9):598-604. doi: 10.1177/002221949202500909.

Abstract

We reviewed the records of 42 consecutive cases of children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) who had IQs above 70, and contrasted the reading, reading comprehension, math, and spelling quotients with IQ scores to determine how many would meet criteria for a learning disability. The mean IQ of the 35 males and 7 females was 94.4 and was higher than the mean math score (82.8), spelling score (90.4), reading score (87.4), and reading comprehension score (85.3). Using a 1.5 standard deviation discrepancy, 51% met criteria for learning disability in at least one academic area; 21% had a 2-standard-deviation discrepancy. Children with TS frequently have learning disabilities, and assessment of academic achievement should be a routine aspect in the evaluation of such children.

MeSH terms

  • Achievement*
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Education, Special
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence*
  • Learning Disabilities / classification
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis*
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology
  • Male
  • North Dakota
  • Patient Care Team
  • Tourette Syndrome / classification
  • Tourette Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Tourette Syndrome / psychology