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In cooperation with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Tourette Association of America is pleased to offer a series of online support groups. These support groups are available for people who may be in underserved areas with limited access to resources and support.  

The TAA is currently offering online support groups for parents and young adults within the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community. For current offerings, please see below for detailed descriptions of each group. Parents may only participate in one group, so please register for the group that best suits your needs. Priority for these groups will go to those who are in areas with limited access to support and who have not previously participated in a group. 

For more information and to apply for the Spanish-speaking parent group, please click here to fill out the form.  

For more information about online support groups for adults (26 years & older), please click here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Alexandra Walsh, [email protected].  

  • To participate, the only equipment you will need is an internet connection on a computer, iPad/tablet or similar device, and a working microphone. A web cam is not necessary; however, you will be able to see the facilitator and are invited to join the meeting using your web cam. All support groups will be held on the Zoom platform.  
  • Space for these support groups is extremely limited and registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Due to the limited space, please only register to join if you intend to be fully involved and participate in all the group sessions.  
  • All groups are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time.  
  • Once each group has been filled, those interested in participating in the next session will be added to the waitlist.  

Online Support Groups

En Español

Grupo de apoyo en línea para padres hispanohablantes de niños con Síndrome de Tourette con Patty Mendoza

En cooperación con los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC), la Asociación Tourette de América se complace en ofrecer un grupo de apoyo en línea para padres de habla hispana de niños con síndrome de Tourette o trastornos de tics. Este grupo de apoyo está disponible para personas que pueden estar ubicadas en áreas desatendidas con acceso limitado a recursos y apoyo. El grupo de apoyo se reunirá una vez al mes desde augusto de 2023 hasta enero de 2024 durante aproximadamente 90 minutos.

Para participar, el único equipo que necesitará es una conexión a Internet en una computadora, iPad / tableta o dispositivo similar, y un micrófono que funcione. No es necesaria una cámara web; sin embargo, podrá ver al moderador y se le invitará a unirse a la reunión utilizando su cámara web.

Haga clic aquí para registrarse en el grupo de apoyo en línea. Se le notificará y se le darán más instrucciones en las próximas semanas.

Si tiene algunas preguntas, comuníquese con Alexandra Walsh, [email protected]

El grupo de apoyo se reunirá el segundo lunes del mes, de augusto hasta enero, de 7:30 p.m. a 9:00 p.m. EST. Por favor vea a continuación las fechas de cada sesión y los temas que se cubrirán.

Sesión 1: 12 de Febrero – Tema: ¡Bienvenida e introducción al grupo!  

Sesión 2: 11 de Marzo – Tema: Colegio / Escuela y educación    

Sesión 3: 8 de Abril – Tema: TS y familia / amigos  

Sesión 4: 13 de Mayo – Tema: Cómo manejar otros trastornos   

Sesión 5: 10 de Junio – Tema: Invitado especial TBD  

Sesión 6: 8 de Julio – Tema: Cuidarnos   

Únete hoy

Facilitado por Patty Mendoza

Patty Mendoza es la psicóloga escolar principal en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Kings Canyon (KCUSD). Tiene una maestría de la Universidad Estatal de California, Fresno. Su experiencia como psicóloga escolar ha sido extensa, sirviendo grados desde preescolar hasta secundaria.

Sus experiencias incluyen una amplia gama de servicios, como evaluaciones psicoeducativas, consultas con maestros, padres y administradores, asesoramiento, intervenciones de crisis, evaluaciones de amenazas, evaluaciones de comportamiento funcional, planes de intervención de comportamiento, determinaciones de manifestaciones, colaboración en planes 504, colaboración en la implementación y monitoreo de Intervenciones y Apoyos Conductuales Positivos (PBIS), Intervención de Crisis No Violenta (NCI) a nivel de distrito, y  capacitaciones de atención de seguridad a nivel de distrito.

Además, es practicante de Intervención Conductual Integral para Tics (CBIT). Participó en el proyecto Treating Tourette Together (TTT), que reunió a personas con síndrome de Tourette, sus familias, médicos, investigadores y otras partes interesadas para establecer una agenda para la próxima generación de investigación CBIT.

Young Adult Support Group

Meetings: Second Wednesday of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm EST.

Audience: Young adults, ages 18-25, who have a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder.  

Description: This group is intended to bring together young adults within the TS and Tic Disorder community and provide access to support and resources they may be looking for. Additionally, Young Adults will be able to share their experiences living with the condition and support one another. 

Session 1: February 14, 2024 – Relationships and Dating 

Session 2: March 13, 2024 – Co-Occurring Conditions 

Session 3: April 10, 2023 – Positive Attributes and Common Challenges of TS 

Session 4: May 8, 2024 – Managing Stress and Anxiety 

Session 5: June 12, 2024 – Tourette Syndrome and social media 

Session 6: July 10, 2024 – Advocacy at home, work, school, and in the community 

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Facilitated by Debi Hinerfeld

Debi Hinerfeld, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA has been an occupational therapist for 30 years, working with children, adolescents, and adults, in private practice, in schools, and in hospital settings. She is certified in Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Tics (CBIT) and has undergone post professional training and certification in sensory integration evaluation and intervention. Debi completed her doctorate in Health Sciences with a focus in Healthcare Administration in June 2017 and has taught at two graduate level occupational therapy programs in Atlanta, Georgia. During the summers of 2016 and 2017, Debi greatly enjoyed serving as a member of the support staff to campers at Camp Twitch and Shout in Winder Georgia, a one-week summer camp for kids who have tics. It was here that she discovered the remarkable spirits of kids and young adults with tic disorders and the personal, functional, and societal challenges that they face on a daily basis.

As an occupational therapist certified in CBIT, Debi utilizes her unique OT perspective that considers the whole person and the challenges of engagement and performance in meaningful activities that a person needs and wants to do. Debi enjoys using a collaborative, function-based approach with each of her clients that promotes participation and independence, allowing each person to integrate new strategies to live life to its fullest.

Personally, Debi has been married to her husband Alex for 25 years and has a 21-year-old daughter, Madelyn, who is a graduate student at the University of Georgia. She also has two rescue dogs, a Goldendoodle and a Great Pyrenees.

LGBTQ+ TS Support Group

Meetings: Last Thursday of the month from 7:00-8:30 PM EST.

Audience: Young Adults 18-25, who have a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder and also identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Description: What does it mean to be queer with Tourette? This group is intended to provide young adults with TS and other Tic Disorders a safe space to discuss the intricacies of what it means to have TS and be a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Young adults will talk about finding joy and strength in their uniqueness while also exploring an identity that may have changed since having Tourette and being queer.  

Session 1: February 29, 2024 – Topic: Welcome and Introductions 

Session 2: March 28, 2024 – Topic: College & Work 

Session 3: April 25, 2024 – Topic: Relationships and Dating 

Session 4: May 30, 2024 – Topic: Family and Community Ties 

Session 5: June 27, 2024 – Topic: Online, gaming, & social media 

Session 6: July 25, 2024 – Topic: Queer & Tourette / Think BIG and plan for the future 

JOIN TODAY

Facilitated by Sarah Nadeau

Sarah Nadeau, M.S., LMFT is a psychotherapist who works with children, teens, and adults. She is also a lecturer in clinical psychology at San Jose State University. She has been working with people with Tourette Syndrome since 2019 utilizing CBIT and other interventions to manage their tics in ways that work well with their preferences, values, and lifestyles. Sarah specializes in working with people who are experiencing anxiety, OCD, trauma, and gender exploration.

In her spare time, She enjoys trail running, traveling, and spending time with her dogs.

Parent Support Group:

Parent Resiliency with Shannon Ferrelli, LICSW

Meetings: Third Monday of the month from 6:00-7:30 PM EST.

Audience: Parents of children with TS or Tic Disorders  

Description: This group is a safe space designed to provide empathy, guidance, and mutual support to navigate the challenges of helping children cope with difficult tics. Together, you will share experiences, exchange coping strategies, and offer strength and encouragement on the journey to create a supportive community where no one feels isolated.

Session 1: February 19, 2024 – Introductions and Welcome  

Session 2: March 18, 2024 – Navigating the Iceberg  

Session 3: April 15, 2023 – Maximizing Your Support System 

Session 4: May 20, 2024 – Navigating Public Situations 

Session 5: June 17, 2024 – Your Well-Being is Most Important 

Session 6: July 15, 2024 – Planning for the Future 

JOIN TODAY
sharon

Facilitated by Shannon Ferrelli, LICSW 

Shannon has worked as a School Social Worker for the past 16 years, in public school settings, a therapeutic program, alternative schools, and a charter school. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Simmons College and holds an LICSW. Shannon is passionate about working with the Tourette Association of America (TAA) as an Educational In-Service Volunteer and to support other families affected by Tourette Syndrome. Shannon “found her people” and support system while participating in TAA events. Shannon loves being a boy mom to her 8 and 10-year-old sons and spending time with her family. 

Parent Support Group:

Tourette Syndrome with Tonya Thomas

Meetings: Third Tuesday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30pm EST.

Audience: Parents of children with TS or Tic Disorders who have been newly or recently diagnosed, within the last 6 months to one year.  

Description: This support group will focus on the basics of Tourette Syndrome. Parents will learn exactly what TS is, tips for management strategies, and meet other parents who are also early on in their TS journey. Each meeting will include a brief education session regarding the specific topic listed below, followed by group discussion and conversations regarding real-life application, current experiences and strategies that have been helpful.   

Session 1: February 20, 2024 – Topic: Welcome and Introductions 

Session 2: March 19, 2024 – Topic: Welcome to the Iceberg 

Session 3: April 16, 2024 – Topic: Understanding Behaviors in TS 

Session 4: May 21, 2024 – Topic: Supporting your Learner 

Session 5: June 18, 2024 – Topic: Relationships in TS 

Session 6: July 16, 2024 – Topic: Next Steps   

JOIN TODAY
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Facilitated by Tonya Thomas

Tonya Thomas served as Director or Programs with the TAA and has her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University. Prior to the TAA, Tonya was a program officer with the Long Island Community Foundation – a subsidiary of the New York Community Trust. She supported the Foundation’s competitive grantmaking by advocating for community organizations and projects that improved the quality of life for all Long Islanders. Tonya also worked on special initiatives that bring about much needed social change.

Prior to LICF, as the Director of Partnership Development and Programming, Tonya helped develop, launch, and market the pilot of the First-Year Community Engagement Program at SUNY College at Old Westbury. She helped create an award winning, uniquely collaborative, course-embedded, community-based learning program where she set up MOU’s and engaged over 60 non-profit partner organizations and government agencies on Long Island and the Metropolitan area.

Tonya also worked in the Entertainment industry for over 13 years, she spent the first few years of her career working for television shows like Entertainment Tonight and The Jane Whitney Show. Tonya also worked as a researcher and producer for various talk show hosts – Tom Bergeron, Rolonda Watts, and Montel Williams. Tonya also worked in the Film Marketing Department at Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, where she, as the Marketing Research Manager, managed the film marketing research for all studio films released nationally.

Tonya enjoys reading, watching movies, volunteering, and working with teens. She is currently a member of the Long Island Chapter, The Links, Inc., an Associate member of the Nassau County Chapter of Jack and Jill and serves on the board of the Rockville Center Education Foundation. Tonya lives on Long Island with her husband and two daughters.

Parent Support Group:

Tourette Syndrome 101 with Dr. Heather Simpson

Meetings: Second Tuesday of the month from 6:00 – 7:30pm EST.

Audience: Parents of children with TS or Tic Disorders who have been newly or recently diagnosed, within the last 6 months to one year.  

Description: This support group will focus on the basics of Tourette Syndrome. Parents will learn exactly what TS is, tips for management strategies, and meet other parents who are also early on in their TS journey. Each meeting will include a brief education session regarding the specific topic listed below, followed by group discussion and conversations regarding real-life application, current experiences and strategies that have been helpful.

Session 1: February 13 2024 – Topic: Introductions and Welcome  

Session 2: March 5, 2024 – Topic: Welcome to the Iceberg  

Session 3: April 9 2024 – Topic: Understanding Behaviors in TS  

Session 4: May 14 2024 – Topic: Supporting your Learner   

Session 5: June 112024- Topic: Relationships in TS  

Session 6: July 9 2024 – Topic: Next Steps 

JOIN TODAY

Facilitated by Dr. Heather Simpson

Heather Simpson, OTD, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapist at UF Health Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases in Gainesville, Florida. Heather serves as the Tourette Association Centers of Excellence Coordinator for the Institute. Dr. Simpson has a pediatric specialty from the American Occupational Therapy Association and has been treating both adults and children with tic & Tourette Disorders since 2012. Her current focus is on Occupational Therapy management for tic disorders and the use of CBIT to treat tics and improve quality of life. She has participated in multiple small research studies and webinars related to occupational and daily life functioning for those with Tic Disorders.

Dr. Simpson has been allotted opportunities for advocation and training to Occupational Therapists and other allied health professionals in the management of Tic Disorders, including a chapter in 10 Secrets to a Happier Life with Tourette Syndrome. She currently serves on the TS-BTI faculty for CBIT, helping train allied health professionals in the management of tic disorders around the country.

Parent Support Group:

Living with Tourette Syndrome with Kathy Giordano

Meetings: Second Thursday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30pm EST

Audience: Parents of children/ teens with TS or Tic Disorders who are beyond the diagnosis.  

Description: This support group is for parents who have experience living with TS and are looking for support from other parents during the ongoing and more challenging aspects of Tourette Syndrome. Each meeting will include a brief education session regarding the specific topic listed below, followed by group discussion and conversations regarding real-life application, current experiences and strategies that have been helpful.   

Session 1: February 8, 2024 Topic: Introductions and Welcome!   

Session 2: March 14, 2024  – Topic: Welcome to the Iceberg   

Session 3: April 11, 2024 – Topic: Resources and Therapies   

Session 4: May 9, 2024– Topic: Relationships  

Session 5: June 13, 2024 – Topic: Working Towards Independence  

Session 6: July 11, 2024– Topic: Wildcard! 

JOIN TODAY

Facilitated by Kathy Giordano

Kathy Giordano has been a resource for families and schools since 1993 providing support and information regarding challenges related to Tourette syndrome. For over thirty years, she has presented internationally regarding Tourette syndrome, Functional Behavioral Assessments, and positive/proactive behavioral management plans.  Kathy along with her son, Matt, authored a book titled: A Family’s Quest for Rhythm: Living with Tourette, ADD, OCD and Challenging Behaviors. She has also been serving as the facilitator for a support group for parents of children with Tourette and explosive behaviors for the past 5 years in Rochester, NY.

Parent Support Group:

Tourette Syndrome and Explosive Behaviors –
Children 11 and Younger with Kathy Giordano

Meetings: First Thursday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30pm EST.

Audience: Parents of children/teens with TS or Tic Disorders who experience explosive outbursts. *Only parents of children who have a Tourette Syndrome or Tic Disorder diagnosis under the age of 11. 

Description: Tourette Syndrome impacts people and families differently resulting in different levels of need. TAA is offering monthly virtual meetings for parents of children with explosive behaviors. Each meeting will include a brief education session regarding the specific topic listed below, followed by group discussion and conversations regarding real-life application, current experiences and strategies that have been helpful.   

Session 1: February 1, 2024 – Topic:  Recognizing ‘disinhibition’ impact on symptoms.  

Session 2: March 7, 2024– Topic: How related disorders can increase explosive behavior.  

Session 3: April 4, 2024– Topic: De-escalating strategies to help reduce explosive behaviors.   

Session 4: May 2, 2024 – Topic:  Federal laws which protect students from suspensions/expulsions  

Session 5: June 6, 2024 – Topic: TAA’s resource “Functional Behavior Assessments & Positive Proactive Plans” can be critical when developing behavior intervention plans  

Session 6: July 4, 2024 – Topic: School Assessments/Evaluations: Simple tips parents can use during IEP/504 Plan meetings  

JOIN TODAY

Facilitated by Kathy Giordano

Kathy Giordano has been a resource for families and schools since 1993 providing support and information regarding challenges related to Tourette syndrome. For over thirty years, she has presented internationally regarding Tourette syndrome, Functional Behavioral Assessments, and positive/proactive behavioral management plans.  Kathy along with her son, Matt, authored a book titled: A Family’s Quest for Rhythm: Living with Tourette, ADD, OCD and Challenging Behaviors. She has also been serving as the facilitator for a support group for parents of children with Tourette and explosive behaviors for the past 5 years in Rochester, NY.

Parent Support Group:

Tourette Syndrome and Explosive Behaviors –
Children 12 and Older with Kathy Giordano

Meetings: Third Thursday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30pm EST.

Audience: Parents of children/teens with TS or Tic Disorders who experience explosive outbursts. *Only parents who have a child with a TS or Tic Disorder diagnosis over the age of 12 years old. 

Description: Tourette Syndrome impacts people and families differently resulting in different levels of need. TAA is offering monthly virtual meetings for parents of children with explosive behaviors. Each meeting will include a brief education session regarding the specific topic listed below, followed by group discussion and conversations regarding real-life application, current experiences and strategies that have been helpful.   

Session 1: February 15, 2024 – Topic:  Recognizing ‘disinhibition’ impact on symptoms.  

Session 2: March 21, 2024– Topic: How related disorders can increase explosive behavior.  

Session 3: April 18, 2024– Topic: De-escalating strategies to help reduce explosive behaviors.   

Session 4: May 16, 2024 – Topic:  Federal laws which protect students from suspensions/expulsions  

Session 5: June 20, 2024 – Topic: TAA’s resource “Functional Behavior Assessments & Positive Proactive Plans” can be critical when developing behavior intervention plans  

Session 6: July 18, 2024 – Topic: School Assessments/Evaluations: Simple tips parents can use during IEP/504 Plan meetings

JOIN TODAY

Facilitated by Kathy Giordano

Kathy Giordano has been a resource for families and schools since 1993 providing support and information regarding challenges related to Tourette syndrome. For over thirty years, she has presented internationally regarding Tourette syndrome, Functional Behavioral Assessments, and positive/proactive behavioral management plans.  Kathy along with her son, Matt, authored a book titled: A Family’s Quest for Rhythm: Living with Tourette, ADD, OCD and Challenging Behaviors. She has also been serving as the facilitator for a support group for parents of children with Tourette and explosive behaviors for the past 5 years in Rochester, NY.

Parent Support Group:

Spanish-speaking parents of children with Tourette Syndrome with Patty Mendoza

In cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Tourette Association of America is pleased to offer an online support group for Spanish-speaking parents of children with Tourette Syndrome or Tic Disorders. This support group is available for people who may be located in underserved areas with limited access to resources and support. The support group will meet once a month from August 2023 to January 2024 for approximately 90 minutes.

In order to participate, the only equipment you will need is an internet connection on a computer, iPad/tablet or similar device, and a working microphone. A web cam is not necessary; however, you will be able to see the moderator and are invited to join the meeting using your web cam.

Please click here to register for the online support group. You will be notified and given further instructions in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Alexandra Walsh, [email protected]

The support group will meet on the 2nd Monday of the month, August to January, from 7:30pm-9:00pm EST. Please see below for the dates of each session and the topics that will be covered.

Session 1: September 11, 2023 – Topic: Welcome and intro to the group!
Session 2: October 30, 2023 – Topic: College/ School and education
Session 3: November 13, 2023 – Topic: TS and family/ friends
Session 4: December 11, 2023 – Topic: How to handle other disorders
Session 5: January 8, 2024 – Topic: Special guest Dr. Pedro Weisleder
Session 6: January 22, 2024 – Topic: Taking care of ourselves
JOIN TODAY

Facilitated by Patty Mendoza

Patty Mendoza is the Lead School Psychologist in the Kings Canyon Unified School District (KCUSD). She holds a Master’s degree from California State University, Fresno. Her experience as a School Psychologist has been extensive, serving grades from preschool to high school.

Her experiences include a broad range of services, such as psychoeducational evaluations, consultations with teachers, parents, and administrators, counseling, crisis interventions, threat assessments, functional behavior assessments, behavior intervention plans, manifestation determinations, collaboration in 504 plans, collaboration in the implementation and monitoring of Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS), district-level Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), and district-level Safety Care trainings.

In addition, she is a Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) practitioner. She participated in the Treating Tourette Together (TTT) project, which brought together people with Tourette Syndrome, their families, clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders to set an agenda for the next generation of CBIT research.

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