ABSTRACT
Giuseppe is a boy with Tourette syndrome (TS) – subtype obsessive-compulsive tic disorder (OCTD). His main symptom was coughing, which didn’t allow him to attend school anymore. Giuseppe is invited for the neuropsychological assessment at Milan TS Centre. Giuseppe’s parents deny the problem, showing mistrust towards the psychological approach. The psychological intervention involves Giuseppe, his parents and teachers, who are invited to modify their attitude towards the boy’s school performances. Teachers are advised to gently welcome the boy in class, and not to ask for homework and not to impose oral or written class tests, despite Giuseppe needing marks so as to avoid failing a year, and even if it is fundamental for the teachers themselves. Giuseppe’s case underlines the efficacy of combining ad hoc psychotherapeutic intervention and medical treatment in OCTD patients. The involvement of caregivers, that is Giuseppe’s family and school, facilitated an improvement in Social Impairment.
