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Question 88: I was hoping you could help me with a concern we have regarding [our son] M. This weekend coming up M has a public speaking presentation on a French poem to do. I was wondering if I need to be concerned as to where M sits as he is supposed to sit near the front with kids he doesn't know but will be competing against. They have to sit through one grade of presentations and then theirs. I don't know when his turn is or how many kids - could be 20-30 per grade. He won't be able to move around or leave until after each grade category is done. My concern is with his tics, he is throwing his arms up in the air and shrugging shoulders and dropping his head. The most common is his arms in the air. I'm worried this could be a distraction to those up on stage (who are already nervous). Should he sit somewhere besides at the front like at the end of the row or near us if this is a possibility. M will be fatigued from a late hockey game the night before and up early and nervous about speaking.PERFECT CONDITIONS FOR TICS EH!!!!!!! I'm not looking for special treatment nor do I want M singled out I just want everyone to be comfortable, but I'm worrying I'm being too overprotective. M is in gr.4 and having a blast and doing exceptionally well in a big class of 44. J.S., MB, Canada.

Afternoon J.S.:

My response to you will be relatively short, since I think you have the situation well in hand already J. Being realistic and logical about M's symptoms, and wanting to be proactive to prevent any problems is neither being overprotective, or currying special treatment. It is simple consideration of others, and I don't see a problem with your thoughts or suggestions at all. It is also a good opportunity ('educable moment') for M. to see how self-advocacy is a necessary responsibility.

I would tell what you told me (re: his tics, the exacerbating elements, your concern about distracting other students) to the folks running the competition ASAP, perhaps along with M. so that he can see a 'modeling' of how this might look. Give these folks your suggestions about sitting away from the front row and see if they have other, better suggestions. I'm sure they'll be understanding and grateful you 'caught' a potential problem. Bottom line, though, for them to not provide this accommodation, particularly considering that you are doing your best to be fair to all in making the request, would simply be discriminatory and I would not accept 'no' for an answer. A child in a wheelchair would require special seating, for example, and this situation is really not any different.

I'm thrilled to hear how well M. is doing; congratulations to all on those successes!

Hope this helps -- take good care!
Dr. Dunc.

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