1. Tourette Syndrome & The Tourrette Association of America
Awareness. Research. Support.
By Madeline Helier

2. What Tourette Syndrome Actually is:
A nervous system disorder that is characterized by involuntary and uncontrollable movements and/or referred to as “tics”
Verbal Tics: Sudden outburst of sound
Motor Tics: Uncontrollable body movement & twitches
Tics my appear and disappear and reappear & come as simple or complex
1 in every 2,500 people in the U.S.
Oddly, boys outnumber girls with this diseases 3:1.

3. Tourette’s & the “Created” Stigma
“Sometimes the ignorance we receive for having Tourette's is worse than coping with the actual disorder”
Many individuals are:
Made fun of/mocked
Often viewed as outcast/loner
Social isolation – Depression - # of other issues
A social stigma has been created around those with TS.
It is OUR responsibilities as co- workers/peers/educators ext… To better the lives of those living with TS.
Tourette's is a lifetime illness with no known treatment therefor we heavily relay on organizations that go hand- in-hand with research and awareness.

4. Tourette Association of America
Non-Profit organization
Founded in 1972
It is a voluntary based work
35 US chapters.
300 support groups/international contacts from around the world
Organization is the ONLY health-related organization serving people with TS.
TAA Mission Statement:
“The Tourette Association is dedicated to making life better for all people affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders.”
Tourette Association of America

5. Tourette Association of America Mission & Goal:
Raising public awareness and social acceptance.
Working to advance scientific understanding, treatment options and care.
Educating professionals to better serve the needs of children, adults and families challenged by Tourette and Tic Disorders.
Advocating for public policies and services that promote positive school, work and social environments.
Providing help, hope and a supportive community across the nation.
Empowering our community to deal with the complexities of this spectrum of disorders.

6. Tourette Association of America Continued . . .
 Raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS.  Program development, education and medical programs, government outreach by:
maximizing efforts, minimizing expenses, TeamTourette events, awareness month, publications, chapter relations, research grants, scientific and medical conferences, are ongoing efforts of the
Volunteers of extraordinary dedication and professional merit serve on the Tourette Association of America's Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board(MAB), and Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

7. Tourette Association of America Ways to Get Involved:
Call your states Tourette Association Center of Excellence
Our is here on U of U Campus
Classes offered most recently: 7/ 29/15 by Dr. Kieth Coffman
Resource Referral Line: or
Here you an sign up for classes to learn more about Tourette's as well as to find ore efficient and better ways to improve the life of those living with the disease.
Tourrete Syndrome Awareness Month:
May 15 – June 15
Donate – money will go towards research looking for a cure to this life long disease
Wear/decorate in teal

8. Artifact of Information
All of the information found for this presentation was found online via website.
Tourette Association of America communication types/styles:
Active-constructive voice
Challenged reflexivity
Collectivism rather then individualistic outlooks
Avoids negative talk/downers
Challenges Reduction Theory by reducing uncertainty

9. Summary: There is a lot WE can do
Stay positive and take action by creating an environment for everyone that is:
Supportive
Respectful
Engaging
Inclusive
Keep calm & Twitch on!