TOURETTE SYNDROME

Early day motion 1707, tabled 28 February 2006 by Robert Key (Conservative). Signed by 99 members.

That this House notes that Tourette syndrome can affect one school child in a hundred; is aware that people with this syndrome may have obsessive-compulsive disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders that can be more important for their school and social functioning than the involuntary movements (tics) and occasional involuntary vocalisations including swearing (vocal tics) that cause great distress; believes it is probably inappropriate to serve Tourette syndrome patients with anti-social behaviour orders; acknowledges the national shortage of specialists for diagnosis and treatment; is concerned that requests for a statement of educational needs are frequently turned down by schools and by local education authorities; calls on the Government to improve inter-departmental co-operation for Tourette syndrome patients across health, education, employment and social services; and recommends a review of relevant research funding in the United Kingdom.

Signatures by party: Labour 45, Liberal Democrat 24, Conservative 19, DUP 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.