How to promote awareness of Tourette Syndrome

BAYSIDE, NY – In honor of National Tourette Syndrome Awareness month (May 15 – June 15), the Tourette Association of America is launching a new social media campaign that will raise awareness, acceptance and knowledge about Tourette syndrome (TS) and tic disorders.

The #tiChallenge is a ground-breaking social media awareness campaign that challenges individuals to rethink Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. People nationwide are asked to create short "I Challenge" videos inspiring others to be more compassionate and informed about Tourette syndrome.

The campaign is part of a larger movement to place TS and tic disorders in the national spotlight, and encourage communities to learn more the disorders and the impact they have on children and families affected by them.

"Despite estimates indicating that TS and tic disorders affect one in every 100 school-aged children across the United States, these neurological disorders continue to be heavily stigmatized, with people using Tourette as a punch line and labeling it as a cursing disease," says John Miller, Tourette Association President and CEO. "Until we find a cure, the Association's mission is to continue challenging the public to show their support and help improve the quality of life for the children and adults affected by the disorder."

Call to Action: Participate in the #tiChallenge

The Tic-Challenge will take place from May 22 through May 30. During this time, the Tourette Association is asking everyone to share their "I Challenge" videos as it relates to Tourette and post them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #tiChallenge. Get the details at http://tourette-events.org/tichallenge.

About Tourette syndrome and tics

Tourette Syndrome is part of a spectrum of hereditary, childhood-onset neurodevelopmental conditions referred to as tic disorders. These conditions affect both children and adults, causing them to make sudden, uncontrollable movements and/or sounds called tics (e.g. head bobbing, arm jerking, shoulder shrugging and grunting).

Non-tic features, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning difficulties, often develop in affected individuals.

Symptoms in tic disorders can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can be self-injurious, debilitating and markedly reduce quality of life. While some treatments are available for people with TS and other tic disorders, approaches to care are inconsistent, medications are often ineffective and there is no cure.

For more information on Tourette and tic disorders or to join as a member, call (888) 4-TOURET, visit www.tourette.org, or find it the Tourette Association on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.