Audience: Middle school students with Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder
Description: Whether you’re newly diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome or simply looking to deepen your understanding, this supportive and informative session is for you. Together, we’ll explore the basics of Tourette Syndrome — what it is, how it affects people differently, and strategies for self-advocacy and support. Most importantly, this is a safe space where you can express your tics openly, connect with others, and share personal experiences without judgment. Come as you are, and leave feeling empowered, informed, and supported — because TS is only one part of who you are, not your whole story. Please note that this program is for those in middle school only.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand Tourette Syndrome: Gain a clear overview of what TS is and how it can uniquely affect individuals.
- Build Community and Share Stories: Connect with others who have similar experiences and feel safe expressing yourself in an open, nonjudgmental environment.
- Empowerment Through Education and Expression: Learn tools for self-advocacy and reinforce the message that TS does not define your identity.
Eden Shaw
2025 TAA Youth Ambassador
Eden Shaw is 16 years old and has TS. She is passionate about helping children and teens feel confident in themselves and capable of thriving regardless of the challenges that accompany having a Tic Disorder. Eden was diagnosed with TS at age 5 and has learned to overcome challenges with fun activities and mindfulness exercises. She enjoys public speaking, meeting new people, and sharing her story.
As a 2025 TAA Youth Ambassador, Eden visited Capitol Hill with her peers and advocated to Senator Van Hollen and Representative Raskin for TAA public policy priorities. She is a sophomore at Winston Churchill High School where she is class president. She is organized, a strong communicator and a positive leader. She is also a three-sport student athlete (field hockey, winter track, and spring track), loves to stay active, and bake treats. Her additional hobbies include drawing, crafting, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. Eden shared her favorite techniques with TIC-CON attendees and helped everyone become a superhero in their daily lives!
Megan Hurley
2024 TAA Rising Leader
Megan Hurley is a 2024 TAA Rising Leader and a school psychology intern in the Kentucky public school system. After her internship, she will graduate with her education specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Kentucky, where she received her master of science in educational psychology. During her undergraduate, Megan was a camp counselor for two summers at Camp Twitch and Shout, a camp for children with TS. After graduation, she taught English for two years in Spain and later worked with college-age students a a resident life graduate assistant.
As someone with TS, Megan is passionate about using her roles as a TAA volunteer and school psychologist to expand individual’s perceptions of people with TS and clarify common misconceptions. As a TAA Rising Leader, Megan led a team from Kentucky to discuss TS policy with members of Congress and their staff, gave a workplace presentation, was interviewed by the local news, and shared information through social media. She plans to expand her education and advocacy by working directly with education professionals.
