During these uncertain times, the Tourette Association of America remains committed to providing support to the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community, as well as those impacted by co-occurring conditions like ADHD, OCD, Anxiety, Depression and more.
Videos and Webinars:
Providing CBIT via Telehealth
Dr. Matthew Capriotti and Dr. Christine Conelea, two CBIT experts, provided a discussion and demonstration on the keys to providing thoughtful, high-quality CBIT treatment to clients via telehealth.
TS and Mental Health Amid the Coronavirus Spread
Brian Lane, M.A.E., School Administrator, Behavior Specialist and Tourette Association of America (TAA) Education Advisory Board and Diversity Committee Member and Katie Allensworth, Registered Nurse and TAA Rising Leader, addressed COVID-19 as it relates to the Tourette and Tic Disorder community
Navigating Changes from COVID-19
Kate Mielitz Ph.D., AFC®, the working professional mom of Kaden from Raising Tourettes and Wendy Wegman, Education Specialist at the Tourette Association of America, discuss how to navigate the changes caused by COVID-19 and the importance of practicing communication as it relates to the Tourette and Tic Community.
Tips for Teaching When You Aren’t a Teacher
Among the many changes to our daily lives, the loss of regular school structures often feels like the largest. Whether your child’s school is calling it distance learning, online learning, or continuous learning, the bottom line is: you are now your child’s primary teacher. For those without a degree in teaching, this can feel overwhelming.
A Discussion on COVID-19 and Managing Anxiety
Please join Dr. Anthony Rostain and Emberly Sevilla as they discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as some of the challenges that our adult community is experiencing during this trying time. This presentation will focus on ways to cope including identifying triggers for anxiety, challenging unhelpful ways of thinking, developing resiliency skills, and learning how to improve quality of life. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 15 at 11:30 a.m.
An Expert’s View on Medical and Surgical Care for TS
This program addresses the common questions and answers about the medical and surgical treatment of Tourette Syndrome during the COVID-19 crisis. Our expert, Dr. Michael Okun, is author of 11 books including Tourette Syndrome: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life and he will review the dos and don’ts for Tourette patients during the COVID crisis.
Tics and Pandemic: Practical Strategies During Home Quarantine
Among the chaos of home quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, parenting a child with tics can feel overwhelming. This webinar will discuss practical and informal occupational therapy strategies to help with self-regulation, executive functioning difficulties and tic management strategies during this unfamiliar and uncertain time.
Visualizing a Fantastic Future: Creating a Vision Board
By creating a vision board, you are making your goals visible. That way, you are able to access this important information about yourself every day, which is particularly important during this current pandemic, when you may be feeling more lost and overwhelmed than usual.
Children’s TS Forum
This group is designed to allow children to meet others with TS, while discussing relevant topics such as promoting Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, managing stay-at-home restrictions, and keeping healthy and happy.
Doing What Matters: Coping Effectively with Depression
Learn how to cope with depression. Participants will learn strategies to build psychological and relational flexibility. Several methods of unhooking from self-critical thoughts will be reviewed, as well as behavioral techniques to bounce back from the darkness.
Recognizing Re-Entry Anxiety in a Post-Pandemic World
The idea of re-entering society during a post-pandemic world might be stressful, particularly for those living with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. Kenneth W. Phelps, Ph.D. discusses strategies to cope effectively with re-entry anxiety, and explores ways to build resilience in the wake of the pandemic.
Back to School Time: Post-Quarantine Edition
Across much of the United States, back-to-school time has come in the Spring instead of the Fall. Transitions can be difficult for those with Tourette Syndrome, and this transition, in particular, presents some additional challenges. Learn how to make heading back to school as successful as possible!
Resources:
ID Card
The helpful ID card, available in English and Spanish, has been updated to support the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Support for Families Amidst Uncertain Times
During these uncertain times, you may notice that symptoms may intensify, as well as the co-occurring conditions. Children in particular may have difficulty understanding what is going on, and may have trouble expressing their feelings.
Being a Nurse With Tics During a Pandemic
I am a nurse. I also have TS. During the Coronavirus pandemic it’s been challenging to manage the two. I wish I could say that it was the same as every other day, but the reality is my work and tics are impacted by the coronavirus and my tics impact my work.
Providing Support In Crisis
My name is Olivia Woodrich and I am a Rising Leader for the Tourette Association of America. I consider myself a powerful advocate thanks to the training and tools I have received from the TAA, however nothing could have prepared me for what I’d experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Common Questions from Patients and Families
Dr. Michael Okun provides a
comprehensive review on Tourette Syndrome and Coronavirus, including common questions and answers for patients and family members.
Dealing with TS During COVID-19
If you have Tourette Syndrome, you are probably seeing worsening OCD during this coronavirus pandemic and it’s important to reach out for help. Social distancing is already stressful to your mental health and people with tics may isolate even more.
Coping with Anxiety and Stress
During these stressful times, individuals with Tourette Syndrome and co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and OCD, may have heightened symptoms while at home.
Britney Wolf shares coping techniques that are helpful for her, including activities that help calm down and soothe her ticcing.
Understanding Tics During the COVID-19 Outbreak
With increased cases of COVID-19, the pandemic has created a unique concern, especially for members of the TS community with coughing tics.
CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Stay up-to-date on the lasted information and news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Coronavirus and Tourette Syndrome
Learn more about the Coronavirus, explore the impact from vaccines, and read the results of a TAA Coronavirus Impact Survey.
