One in four teens and adults report having attempted suicide; more than 70% report experiencing discrimination, according to the Tourette Association of America’s 2026 Impact Survey Report.

tourette.org/impact-survey 

New York, NY – June 11, 2026 — The Tourette Association of America (TAA) today released its 2026 Impact Survey Report, revealing a stark picture of the challenges faced by children, adults, and families living with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and other Tic Disorders. Based on responses from more than 1,300 members of the TS and Tic Disorder community, the report found alarming rates of mental health struggles, discrimination, delayed diagnosis, physical pain, and financial hardship.

The findings make clear that the burden of Tourette Syndrome extends far beyond visible tics. For many people, the condition affects nearly every aspect of daily life, including school, work, relationships, physical health, and overall well-being.

Among the most troubling findings, one in four teens and one in four adults reported having attempted suicide at some point in their lives, while more than 70% of adults and nearly 70% of children reported experiencing discrimination because of their tics.

“The findings in the 2026 Impact Survey Report are a call to action that demonstrate just how much we still need to do to ensure people living with Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders get the support that they deserve,” said Ian Lang, President & CEO of the Tourette Association of America. “Stigma, discrimination, financial hardship, and limited access to needed services are still the reality for too many. It is well past time to create a system that ensures people receive the care they need, the support they deserve, and the opportunity to live the life that they want to live free from stigma and discrimination.”  

Key Findings from the 2026 TAA Impact Survey

Read full results here: tourette.org/impact-survey

• Suicidal Ideation: 1 in 4 teens and adults living with TS or another Tic Disorder have attempted suicide at some point in their lives. 18% Of adults and 20% of teens living with TS or another Tic Disorder reported that they recently felt that they and their families would be better off if they were dead.
• Time Till Diagnosis: For 84% of adults and 76% of children, it took longer than a year to receive a diagnosis after the onset of their symptoms.   
• Physical Pain: 82% Of adults and 69% of children living with TS or another Tic Disorder physical pain because of their tics.
• Discrimination: 71% Of adults and 69% of children living with TS or another Tic Disorder reported experiencing discrimination due to their tics with 59% of children experiencing this discrimination at school.
• Financial Impact: 18% Of parents or guardians reported quitting their job, changing their job, or reducing their hours worked to care for a child with tics, and 28% of parents or guardians reported struggling to cover the high costs of services such as counseling, appointments, and tutoring.
• Medicine and Need: 17% Of teens living with TS or another Tic Disorder reported trying five or more prescribed medications to help manage their symptoms. 41% Of adults and 45% of teens reported that their tics were not well managed by the medicine they take.

The report highlights the need for increased awareness and education among healthcare providers, educators, employers, and the broader public. Delayed diagnoses, discrimination, and limited access to effective support continue to affect the well-being of individuals and families living with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders.

The Tourette Association of America will use the findings to inform advocacy efforts, support research initiatives, and expand educational resources designed to improve outcomes for the TS and Tic Disorder community.

To read the full 2026 TAA Impact Survey Report and learn more about the Tourette Association of America’s programs and advocacy efforts, visit tourette.org/impact-survey.

About Tourette Syndrome
TS is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. The condition is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics. Tics can range from mild to moderate to severe and are disabling in some cases. TS is one type of Tic Disorder with tics as the primary symptom of a group of conditions known collectively as Tic Disorders. The specific cause(s) of TS and other Tic Disorders continues to be investigated and there is no cure. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 50 school-aged children live with TS or another Tic Disorder, and 50% of people living with the condition have yet to receive a formal diagnosis.

About the Tourette Association of America
Founded in 1972, the Tourette Association of America (TAA) is the only national organization serving the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders community. The TAA works tirelessly to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to patients and families impacted by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. The TAA directs a network of chapters, support groups, and Centers of Excellence across the country. The TAA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more about Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders, and the TAA at tourette.org.