2017 is a year for celebrating – not just the 45 years of the Tourette Association of America, but a time to celebrate the Real People, Real Progress of each and every individual in the Tourette community. We are dedicating the year ahead to featuring the many voices of Tourette.
We are proud to introduce a year of Real People, Real Progress with our first hero, Milton Sutton. A longtime friend and avid volunteer, Milton was a true champion for Tourette Syndrome. After his grandson Adam was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, Milton dedicated his life to making a difference for all people living with Tourette and Tic Disorders. During his time with the TAA, he worked closely with our public relations and development departments to craft publicity and fundraising initiatives. We are saddened to report that this past November Milton passed away at the great age of 102, but still serves as an inspiration and will always be remembered at the TAA. Read more about Milton here.
Some of you have been on this journey with the TAA since the beginning and others have joined us along the way. The important thing to remember is we’re all in this together. We invite you to share your story, new and old, as a testament to the TAA and all that we have been able to accomplish together. We may select certain stories for publication and will contact you if your story is chosen. Visit tourette.org/anniversary to share your story, or learn more about how you can support individuals and families living with Tourette and Tic Disorders. #TouretteVoices
Greatfully,
Love is in the air.
[Awareness]
This month the Tourette Association of America hosted a Facebook Live discussion offering valuable advice and insight on dating with Tourette Syndrome. TAA-NYC Board Members Chelsea, Gardiner, Gary and Cara offered four young, fresh, and unique perspectives about everything from dating to being married with TS. The overarching message was that everyone has qualities and interests that are important, so when meeting someone new don’t let your Tourette prevent others from seeing them.
Ask the Medical Expert: Occupational Therapy
[Research]
What are the benefits? Is it only for children, or can adults participate? Are OT services obtained through a school system? In this edition of Ask the Medical Expert, Dr. Jan Rowe, Coordinator of the Tourette Syndrome and Tic disorders program at Children’s of Alabama, discusses the benefits of Occupational Therapy (OT) for both children and adults with Tourette Syndrome.
Finally! Accomodations when taking the SAT
[Support]
High school students with Tourette syndrome have historically had a difficult time getting the needed accommodations for the SATs even though they have received the same accommodations during high school. Finally, the College Board has responded in a manner that will allow students, both public and private, to automatically be provided accommodations they have received in high school.
What’s Happening
[Events]
February
• 2/23: Facebook Live: Kathy Giordano and Pamela Malley discuss ADHD and Tourette!
• 2/24: Texas Tourette Symposium
March
• 3/5 – 3/7 Youth Ambassador Trip to the Hill #Rally4Tourette
• 3/9: #TouretteChat: What Advocacy Means to You!
• 3/21: Webinar: About the YA Program and Overview
• 3/25: Boston Symposium for Families: Diagnosis and Treatment for TS and Related Disorders
Save the Dates!
• 5/21: National Awareness Walk!
• 6/19: Illinois Golf Classic & Ladies Game Day!
• 11/6: Premier Gala!
News
[Updates]
Psyadon Announces Positive Results for New Medication Trial for the Treatment of Tourette Syndrome in Children.
