We’ve come to a close on another Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month! Leading the month-long effort was the second virtual Tourette Conference, which was a resounding success. I am delighted to report that over 3,000 individuals from around the globe attended to strengthen their knowledge of TS and Tic Disorders. The programs remain available, so please take a look if you have not yet done so.
We would like to thank our partners at AIST, who shared their incredible PSA which beautifully articulates the struggles of our community and the need for more awareness. Miles for Tourette is wrapping up, but there is still time to support! One participant ran 100 miles and another walked around town on stilts – you go Harvey and Miranda. A tremendous thank you to all who took part or made contributions. Bridges, golf courses and business signs were lit teal across the nation to signify and unify our community in solidarity. These efforts are not in vain, if we continue at this pace I am certain we will greatly reduce stigma, bullying, and misconceptions.
You can look forward to new and exciting educational programs, and in-person events. That’s right, in-person events – are you as excited as I am?! To name a few: the Illinois Golf Classic and Ladies’ Game Day, the Long Island Golf Outing, The Gala and After Party, and the launch of the 2022 National Conference.
We are moving ahead, but this essential and powerful work comes at a cost. Your gift brings global awareness, improves time to diagnosis, access to treatments, public education, and cutting-edge research. Without you there is no TAA. Donate today.
Gratefully,
Family Raises Awareness after Son’s Diagnosis during the Pandemic
[Awareness]
Five-year-old Sebastian was formally diagnosed with TS after his stress, anxiety, and tics all increased throughout the pandemic. Heather Simpson, an Occupational Therapist at the TAA Center of Excellence at University of Florida Health, noted that the Center has seen an increase in children and adults seeing care for tics in the last year.
As part of Miles for Tourette, Sebastian and his family went for walks most nights to fundraise for Tourette awareness so Sebastian and kids like him can grow up knowing their tics don’t have to hold them back.
Misconceptions of CBIT
[Research]
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a behavioral therapy that has become the first-line treatment option for Tourette Syndrome. This non-medicated approach is designed to teach skills that reduce tic severity and symptoms.
Dr. Michael Himle, Associate Professor at The University of Utah and TAA Medical Advisory Board Member, discusses some of the common misconceptions about the treatment.
The Journey to Embracing and Thriving with TS
[Support]
William Atkins IV, TAA Youth Ambassador, and his mom, Tonya, joined the Parenting Cipher podcast, to talk about his Tourette Syndrome diagnosis, setting goals, learning to become a leader, the importance of familial support, and looking forward to life at college.
TS and the COVID-19 Vaccines
[Public Policy]
As part of the National Vaccine Month of Action, join Dr. Michael Okun, Chair of Neurology and Executive Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida Health College of Medicine, for a Facebook Live exploring the impact of the vaccines on the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community.
The National Vaccine Month of Action is a month-long effort in support of the Department of Health and Human Services’ We Can Do This Campaign to ensure people have information on the vaccine, how to schedule a vaccination appointment, how to access transportation, and more.
What's Happening
[News and Events]
- 6/23/21: Tourette Syndrome and the COVID-19 Vaccine: Ask the Expert
- 7/13/21: Transitioning to Adult Care: Time is Ticcing Away
- 7/21/21: Positive and Proactive Supports for Challenging Behaviors Associated with TS and Co-Occurring Conditions*
- 7/22/21: The Medical Aspects of Tourette Syndrome
- 8/5/21: The Emotional Aspects of Tourette Syndrome
- 8/12/21: The Educational Aspects of Tourette Syndrome
- 8/30/21: Illinois Golf Classic and Ladies’ Game Day
- 10/14/21: Long Island Golf Outing
- 10/28/21: TAA Gala
- Click below to see all upcoming events
* 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.
