This section of our website is designed to help you and your family find information, get support, and become empowered! Check out the toolkits and resources found below.
If you have questions or need specific help, please reach out to us at [email protected].
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence.
It is part of the spectrum of Tic Disorders and is characterized by motor and vocal tics. The current estimates are that 1 out of every 50 children has TS or another persistent Tic Disorder.
Teen Toolkit
This toolkit is intended to be a guide for teens who are learning to navigate life with Tourette syndrome (TS).
Many people mistakenly think of TS as just a childhood disorder because that is when tics often are most severe, but it is important to understand that TS can affect people of all ages. Teens face many life transitions and have much to learn and consider when living with TS. This toolkit is meant as a guide and resource to assist you when you face new experiences.
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TS in the Classroom
Standing up for yourself: Explaining Tourette at School
This section explains ways you can talk to your classmates and teachers about Tourette Syndrome, including a class activity.
It’s a great resource to help you or your child succeed in school.
Strategies & Techniques
Managing Tourette Syndrome or a Tic Disorder in the classroom requires knowledge and understanding. These are the key elements to creating an accepting and supportive educational environment.
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology (AT) can be any tool, device, or resource that helps people with disabilities access and participate in activities in their daily life.
Learn more about how you and your child can use these exciting new resources.
Bullying Prevention & Strategies
Schools and communities have embraced new, effective strategies and implemented programs to prevent bullying. Learn to leverage these techniques and how educating students about Tourette can be an important first step to prevent bullying.
Get Support at Work
Become a Youth Ambassador
The TAA Youth Ambassador Program brings together, trains and supports teens to advocate for and talk about Tourette and Tic Disorders in their community, with their elected officials and before their peers at school, sports leagues, scout troops, camps and after-school programs. They also have the opportunity to discuss Tourette and Tic Disorders in Congress during their “Trip to the Hill.”
Get Your 'I Have TS' ID Card
Much of the stigma that surrounds Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorders comes from misunderstanding.
These informational cards help explain the effects of TS and Tic Disorders and are particularly useful in high stress situations, like traveling and crowded places.
Teen Resources
What is Tourette Syndrome (Toolkit)
Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations. They are the defining feature of a group of childhood-onset, neurodevelopmental conditions known collectively as Tic Disorders and individually as Tourette Syndrome, Chronic Tic Disorder (Motor or Vocal Type), and Provisional Tic Disorder. The three Tic Disorders are distinguished by the types of tics present (motor, vocal/ phonic, or both) and by the length of time that the tics have been present. Individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS) have had at least two motor tics and at least one vocal/phonic tic in some combination over the course of more than a year. By contrast, individuals with Chronic Tic Disorder have either motor tics or vocal tics that have been present for more than a year, and individuals with Provisional Tic Disorder have tics that have been present for less than a year.
TS: Training for Law Enforcement (Toolkit)
Tics can increase in high stress situations, such as being stopped by law enforcement. Tics, along with other symptoms, are often wrongly interpreted as being purposeful. Individuals with TS are perceived as being rude, inappropriate, offensive, argumentative and disruptive. Unfortunately, people with TS are often targets for bullying or discrimination, resulting in challenging situations in schools, in public places, at work and even at home.
Educator’s Guide to TS (Toolkit)
This toolkit is designed to assist educators and support staff in recognizing complex symptoms and serve as a guide towards developing effective support plans to allow children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorders to thrive both socially and academically. The toolkit provides resources to teachers, administrators, counselors, school psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, consultant and resource teachers, school nurses, college professors and other support personnel to help understand and support children with TS and Tic Disorders.
