#IfTheyReallyKnewTS - Tourette Association of America

#IfTheyReallyKnewTS Social Media Campaign

Each day, members of our community face stigma, exclusion, and even dangerous situations because the public isn’t aware of what it truly means to live with Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders. If they really knew TS, the public would treat our community members with the respect, acceptance, and understanding they deserve.

This year for Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month (May 15 – June 15), the TAA needs your help to show the public exactly why we need widespread awareness, and what a different world it would be #IfTheyReallyKnewTS.

How to Participate

Participating is easy: Just record a short, informal video (less than one minute), post it to social media with the #IfTheyReallyKnewTS hashtag, and tag us.

In the video:

Share a recent story where someone treated you or a loved one badly because they weren’t aware of the facts about living with TS. Perhaps they didn’t recognize your tic as an involuntary symptom of a neurological condition or they acted based on a mistaken belief about tics or TS.
Then, share how the situation could have been different #IfTheyReallyKnewTS. Maybe you used the situation as an opportunity to educate those involved about TS.
Ask people to visit tourette.org/awareness to get involved and help raise awareness.

By sharing these moments, we aim to challenge misconceptions, build empathy, and increase awareness of the diverse and often misunderstood realities of living with TS or another Tic Disorder.

TAA Social Media Accounts:

Watch An Example Video On YouTube:

If you have any questions or would like any advice, please contact marketing@tourette.org.

Example Stories

“Last week, I was having a lot of motor tics that caused me to spill my drink at a restaurant. Someone in a nearby booth gave me rude looks and I overheard them making jokes about me with their friends. I paid my bill early and just got out of there. #IfTheyReallyKnewTS, maybe they would’ve treated me with compassion and not made me feel so uncomfortable. Do your part to raise awareness by visiting tourette.org/awareness – let’s make sure more people really know TS.”
“A few months ago, I boarded a flight and had a ton of coughing tics. The person I was seated next to became upset with me for ‘being sick on a flight’ and asked a flight attendant to be moved to a different seat. #IfTheyReallyKnewTS, they might have asked me first instead of making an assumption and acting like they did. I told them I have TS and my cough was a tic. They apologized profusely, sat back down, and we had a good conversation. Help me raise awareness by visiting tourette.org/awareness so people really know TS.”

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