Dear Friend,
Happy New Year! Each new year provides an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to ourselves and one another. The Tourette Association of America is taking advantage of this time to think about and commit to a path focused on growth and progress for you and the organization. We’ve certainly got big plans for 2021 and beyond! The global events of last year forced us to rethink how we increase awareness for the condition and the most pressing needs – updated research, greater understanding of the condition, uniform treatment and care, telehealth opportunities and more. One thing that rings true is we are continuing to effectively engage each of you to ensure we are moving in the right direction. I invite you to provide us feedback on how we can support you and your loved ones in a more meaningful way.
We are readying for our first round of virtual events to unite our community including the Youth Ambassador Training, Rising Leader Training and Tourette National Advocacy Day. Registration for Tourette National Advocacy Day, which has gone virtual, remains open through the end of the month. Wherever you may be, you can make a difference. This is your chance to tell your representatives why TS awareness, research and support is essential. Your attendance brings attention to this already misunderstood disorder and furthers much-needed funding. Not only will you improve YOUR life but also the lives of the other 1 million Americans living with Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder – including the 50% that have yet to receive a diagnosis. A goal of mine is to see registration triple, so please consider attending to help further congressional support. Learn more about the priorities and register today to take advantage of discounted registration rates.
In addition, there has been a lot of chatter around the new vaccine for COVID-19 and the potential impact for the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community. Claude Schofield, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Medical Programs at the TAA, as well as TAA Medical Advisory Board Member and Co-Chairs respectively, Dr. Michael Okun, a neurologist, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the University of Florida Health, Dr. Keith Coffman, Director of the Movement Disorders Program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and Dr. Barbara Coffey, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami, analyzed current research and data to help better inform our community. Click here to read more.
We remain a lifeline for the 1 million Americans impacted by this complicated disorder. Thank you to all who continue to participate, spread the word and make financial contributions to the TAA. It is through this support that we are able to provide new and useful resources, updates and tools that further awareness, research and support.
Gratefully,
Advocates Making a Difference
[Awareness]
If you’re interested in joining our dedicated team of advocates, and are 18-25 years of age, there’s still time to apply for the TAA’s Rising Leaders program.
This effort is designed to help our community transition into adulthood through increased professional and personal development, as well as networking opportunities centered around TS awareness. Applications are due by Sunday, January 24!
Improving Understanding of Coprolalia
[Research]
Coprolalia is the involuntary outburst of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks. It has been a hallmark symptom of TS portrayed by the media, but it affects about 10% of the population.
Those who are impacted and are looking for support are encouraged to watch an in-depth review of coprolalia, as well as echolalia and palilalia.
Useful Resources for the New Year
[Support]
Though it is the start of a new year, it’s time to make sure you are equipped with resources that can support you every day. The TAA has a plethora of resources. In particular, we have found the “I Have TS” card to be extremely helpful during the pandemic, which still impacts most of our lives.
Download and print the “I have TS Card,” which includes information on coughing, sniffling, and throat-clearing tics. This resource is available in both English and Spanish.
Take Action for TS National Advocacy Day
[Public Policy]
The Virtual TS National Advocacy Day special rate of 25% off registration has been extended until January 31! Join us on March 3 to garner support and raise awareness for the most pressing issues facing the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community.
At a time when the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community needs more help than ever, your participation will increase support for telehealth, funding for research and more.
What's Happening
[News and Events]
- 2/2/21: Managing Coprolalia in the Community, at School and College
- 2/10/21: Education Professional Webinar Series: Tourette Syndrome: Managing OCD and Anxiety in School*
- 2/11/21: TAA Trivia Night – Save the Date!
- 2/11/21: Improving Executive Functioning (Organizational, Time Management, and Planning) Skills in College Students with Tourette’s Disorder
- 2/12/21 – 2/26/21: Team Tourette T-Shirt Design Contest – Save the Dates!
- 2/18/21: Adult Task Force Webinar Series: Advocacy 101
- 2/23/21: TAA Bingo Night – Save the Date!
- 2/26/21 – 3/3/21: Youth Ambassadors Training
- 2/26/21 – 3/3/21: Rising Leaders Training
- 3/3/21: National Advocacy Day
- 3/4/21: OT Professional Webinar Series: Unleash Your Superpower!
- 3/9/21: Provider Education Webinar Series: Treatment and Management of ADHD and Impulse Control
- 3/18/21: OT Professional Webinar Series: Success in the Educational Environment
- 3/24/21: Education Professional Webinar Series: Classroom Strategies and Accommodations for Students with TS*
- 3/25/21: Adult Task Force Webinar Series: Women Living with TS – Save the Date!
- 4/1/21: OT Professional Webinar Series: Case Vignettes, Applications and Resources for OTs
- 4/8/21: Provider Education Webinar Series: Refractory TS
- 4/21/21: Education Professional Webinar Series: Instructional Teaching Strategies to Support Students with Tourette Syndrome and ADHD, Anxiety, and Executive Function Needs*
- 4/22/21: Helping School-Age Youth with Tourette’s Disorder Develop Organizational, Time Management, and Planning Skills in class and online
- 5/13/21: Provider Education Webinar Series: TS and Tic Disorder Treatments
- 5/14/21 – 5/16/21: National Conference
- 5/15/21 – 6/15/21: Miles for Tourette – Save the Date!
- 5/19/21: Education Professional Webinar Series: Positive and Proactive Supports for Challenging Behaviors Associated with TS and Co-Occurring Conditions*
- 6/6/21: National Awareness 5K Run/Walk – Save the Date!
- 6/10/21: Virtual Clinical Training for Mental Health Providers: Introduction to Organizational Skills Training for Students with Tourette’s Disorder and ADHD
- 6/16/21: Education Professional Webinar Series: Handwriting Difficulties and Sensory Processing Disorder*
- 6/28/21: Illinois Golf Classic & Ladies’ Game Day
- 7/13/21: Provider Education Webinar Series: Transition to Adult Care
* 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.
