Dear Friend,
Summer is in full-swing and there is so much to take advantage of – nice weather and safely spending time with friends and family. If you are a fan of soccer, it was an exceptional time of celebration recently. While watching, the familiar face of Tim Howard appeared on-screen as he reported on the game. Often referred to as the greatest American goalkeeper of all time, he is also an inspirational role model within our community for his candidness about his personal struggle with Tourette Syndrome (TS). This October, Tim is a Gala Honoree, alongside Nick Iadevaio, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at L’Oréal USA, and Michael A. Bamberger, Senior Counsel for Dentons US LLP. Immediately following the Gala is an affordable and exclusive After Party convening young professionals, thought leaders and leading executives to socialize and network in a relaxed environment!
Adults remain a priority, and we are making sure that obstacles impacting daily life, like employment challenges, are being addressed. We want to ensure that everyone has the tools needed to thrive in the workplace and propel careers forward. By the same token, we are working with companies to make sure they are equipped with proper resources and knowledge surrounding neurodiversity. I am thrilled to announce that, in partnership with Oracle, we will be piloting a workforce development initiative that will culminate with 10 full-time positions with their team. Additional details, including registration for a free resume building workshop and a mock interview series, will be launched in the coming weeks.
Preparations for returning to school after the summer break have begun. The process can be difficult not only for students living with TS, but for the parents and teachers as well. To make this transition easier, we identified helpful resources for children, teens, parents, and educators to ensure a smooth start to a new school year. These tools include information on co-occurring conditions, educating peers, bullying prevention, getting into college, advocating for your child, education plans, and much more.
While we work towards accomplishing our mission, we can’t do it without your help. Get involved, stay connected and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Gratefully,
A Story of Resilience and Hope
[Awareness]
“I always knew I was different than other people. I was ridiculed by my peers, made fun of and consistently beaten up at school because of my symptoms. Even my parents and teachers did not understand me, so I was falsely considered as a behavior problem. Today I am a proud father of four grown children and have some 15 chronic conditions. I’ve been educating myself about disability rights and helping others, like myself.”– Michael
Michael has spent his life advocating for TS, overcoming challenges, and continuing to raise awareness.
The Present and Future of Therapeutics in TS
[Research]
Tourette research is always evolving. Doctors Joohi Jimenez-Sahed, Irene Malaty, and Rebecca Lehman recently reviewed the established treatment spectrum for tics in Tourette Syndrome.
They also explored investigational treatments that are in the pipeline for treating tics and provide an update on the current status of cannabinoids and surgical treatments for Tourette Syndrome.
Understanding the Full Impact of Tourette Syndrome
[Support]
In an effort to provide support to both individuals living with Tourette Syndrome and their loved ones, the team at Baylor College of Medicine developed a webinar series focused on understanding the disorder’s full impact. The series kicks off on July 22 and sheds light on the educational, emotional, and medical aspects of the condition.
This comprehensible series is being hosted by Baylor College of Medicine Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, a TAA Center of Excellence in Texas.
Priorities for TS Funding
[Public Policy]
In the upcoming week, the House of Representatives is expected to pass the Labor Health and Human Services (LHHS) Appropriations bill, which includes the $2 million in Fiscal Year 2022 for the CDC Tourette Syndrome Program. The Senate has yet to mark-up their LHHS Appropriations bill.
This funding has been, and remains, instrumental in our ability to effect change. You can help this process by reaching out to your Representative and Senators to underline the importance of their support for the CDC Tourette Syndrome Program funding, coupled with the most pressing issues facing our community in an e-letter of support.
What's Happening
[News & Events]
- 7/21/21: Positive and Proactive Supports for Challenging Behaviors Associated with TS and Co-Occurring Conditions*
- 7/22/21: The Medical Aspects of Tourette Syndrome
- 8/5/21: The Emotional Aspects of Tourette Syndrome
- 8/12/21: The Educational Aspects of Tourette Syndrome
- 8/17/21: Supporting Your Children’s Transition Back to School Post-Pandemic – Spanish Presentation
- 8/18/21: Wellness and Tourette – A webinar for adults
- 8/19/21: Supporting Your Children’s Transition Back to School Post-Pandemic – English Presentation
- 8/27/21 – 8/28/21: CBIT Virtual Behavior Therapy Institute for Occupational Therapists
- 8/30/21: Illinois Golf Classic and Ladies’ Game Day
- 10/14/21: Long Island Golf Outing
- 10/16/21 – 10/17/21: 2021 Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon Weekend
- 10/28/21: TAA Gala and After Party
- 11/4/21 – 11/7/21: Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Weekend – Save the Dates!
- 11/7/21: TCS 2021 NYC Marathon
- 1/5/22 – 1/9/22: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Save the Dates!
- Click below to see all upcoming events
* In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and Tourette Association of America, Inc. (TOU). Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
