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About TS
Information about Tourette Syndrome, including the causes and symptoms of the condition.
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Leaflets
About TS
ACAMH: The Bridge, Tourette Syndrome edition
ACAMH is a registered charity with over 60 years’ experience in promoting the advancement of child & adolescent mental health. Their online publication - The Bridge - brings together research digests, and Tourette Syndrome is the focus of their February 2019 edition.
About TS
Factsheet - A guide to the Genetics of Tourette Syndrome
Since the 1980s it has been known that Tourette Syndrome can run in families. Probably most people with TS (but not all) do have other family members with some signs of the condition, including very mild tics or other features such as ADHD or OCD rather than tics.
Download 1482150066_TA-Guide-to-the-Genetics-of-Tourette-Syndrome.pdf
Factsheet - Coprolalia
Coprophenomena is the involuntary expression of socially unacceptable words or gestures including Coprolalia, Coprographia and Copropraxia.
Factsheet - Functional Tics
This factsheet aims to give you an introduction to functional tics, it is not a factsheet about Tourette syndrome, but discusses the overlap between TS and FND.
About TS
Factsheet: Diet and nutritional supplements
As with most chronic conditions, people are often interested in the possible influence of diet. At Tourettes Action we often get asked about any links between diet and Tourette Syndrome or tics.
Download 1488195649_Factsheet---Diet-and-nutritional-supplements.pdf
Guide to seeing a specialist
A guide to what you can expect when you go to see a specialist.
Tic Attack document only - A4 Easy print
Easy print version of the A4 Tic Attacks document, for adults and children.
Tic Attack document only - A4 Easy print, child friendly version
Adapted version of the Tic Attacks document for children, with images.
TS magazine feature
Final year Journalism student, David Conway, from the University of Sheffield has created a magazine article focusing on the stories of three individuals with TS, including football's international goalkeeper Tim Howard, whilst also examining the facts behind the condition.
TS Passport - A4 Easy print
Easy print version of the TS Passport for adults and children.
TS Passport with Tic Attacks sheet - A4 Easy print
Easy print version of the TS Passport for adults and children, with Tic Attacks sheet.
What Makes Us Tic
Our principal leaflet explaining about Tourette Syndrome, the causes, symptoms and treatments available.
Report
About TS
ACAMH: The Bridge, Tourette Syndrome edition
ACAMH is a registered charity with over 60 years’ experience in promoting the advancement of child & adolescent mental health. Their online publication - The Bridge - brings together research digests, and Tourette Syndrome is the focus of their February 2019 edition.
Neurodiversity at work
This report highlights the benefits of having a 'neurodiverse' workforce and aims to identify policies and practices to ensure the integration of people with neurological conditions into mainstream employment.
Secondary Tourettes - Transition to Secondary School. SEN Magazine
Tourettes Action Research Manager Dr Seonaid Anderson, looks at how to help children with Tourette Syndrome handle the difficult transition to secondary school.
Videos
About TS
A Fixers campaign led by Sophia Savidis-Macris
‘The media tends to only show very extreme versions of Tourette’s and that’s quite frustrating for those of us who have less noticeable symptoms.’
Sophia Savidis-Macris wants to highlight the challenges she faces living with Tourette’s syndrome so she can tackle some of the misconceptions surrounding the condition.
This story was broadcast on ITV News London in January 2016.A school-based exercise to demonstrate how concentration can be impaired by tics
Harvey is passionate about informing teachers about TS, and wanted to make a short video to demonstrate how TS can be a barrier to learning.
About TS
Ability Magazine Interview with artist - Liu Fusheng
Liu Fusheng, a larger than life artist lives in Singapore and has Tourette syndrome. Despite the severity of his symptoms, he was misdiagnosed until his college years. Liu's art flourishes and his eccentric style continues to evolve.
About TS
Anger and Tourette Syndrome: Top tips and coping strategies
Dr Maria Hadji-Michael, Clinical Psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital defines what anger difficulties are in Tourette Syndrome, and provides information and guidance to parents and schools on how to support a young person experiencing these difficulties
BBC Report about research into TS (28 Jan 2013)
Young people with Tourette Syndrome have been given new hope as a result of pioneering work by scientists at the University of Nottingham
Beyond Tics
'Beyond Tics' is a short film depicting the events of a workshop run by the London Brain Project (2015) in which Artists, Neuroscientists and people with Tourette Syndrome collaborated to create collaborative pieces of art.
BMJ podcast about Tourette Syndrome
Tourette's Action Chief Executive, Suzanne Dobson, speaks to the British Medical Journal about Tourette Syndrome. Audio - 20.48 mins.
Brent vs Tourettes
ITV Fixers programme. Funded documentary on coping mechanisms for Tourettes Syndrome sufferer Brent Zillwood.
Channel 4 programme looks at TS
Ben shatters the illusion that all people with TS swear.
Chelsea White talks about life with Tourette Syndrome
Comedian Chelsea White talks about her life with Tourette Syndrome in this series of seven short videos.
About TS
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Demonstration Pt. 4
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Demonstration by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; featuring Carlos Guevara, taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.
About TS
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Pt. 2
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Part 2 by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.
About TS
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Pt. 3
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Part 3 by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.
About TS
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics: Part 1
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics Part 1 by, Douglas Woods. Ph.D, Professor of Psychology @ the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Taken from the DVD, "Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics"; available through the Tourette Association.
About TS
Dance, Yoga and how it's helped my TS
Clair Beckett, professional dancer, yoga teacher and theatre company director talks about her experience of movement based practices and how they support her TS.
Discussion with Greg Storey who has TS - This Morning 17th Sept 2012
Discussion with Greg Storey who has Tourette Syndrome on This Morning, 17th Sept 2012.
About TS
Growing Up with Tourettes
Top international digital star, Caspar Lee interviews young people about growing up with Tourette Syndrome in this heart-warming video.
About TS
James McCraken: Treatment options for tic disorders and comorbidities
In November 2017, Nottingham University held an open lecture with three speakers from the United States, all of whom are specialists in Tourette Syndrome. In this video, James T McCracken M. D., Professor of Child Psychiatry Director, Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Dept of Psychiatry & Bio-Behavioural Sciences at UCLA, gives an overview of the role of medical treatments in the treatment of TS and co-occurring conditions.
About TS
Jamie Sanders on Tourettes jokes
Jamie discusses the misuse of the word Tourettes in popular culture, and how this limits people's understanding of the condition
Jess Thom is interviewed on This Morning, 9 May 2012
Touretteshero co-founder Jessica Thom talks to Holly Willoughby & Philip Schofield about living with TS and how it's created new opportunities for creativity and learning. Find out more at www.touretteshero.com.
Jess, Ruth and Luke talk about life with TS to Australian TV show
Australian TV show 'Sunday Night' spends time with Jess, Ruth and Luke to gain insight into the reality of living with TS
About TS
John Piacentini: Environmental influences and behaviour therapy
In November 2017, Nottingham University held an open lecture with three speakers from the United States, all of whom are specialists in Tourette Syndrome. In this video, John Piacentini PhD ABPP Professor of Psychiatry & Bio-Behavioural Sciences at UCLA discusses the environmental influences on tics, and behaviour therapy.
Kids With Tourettes In Their Own Words (June 2013)
ITV programme about three young boys with Tourette Syndrome as they undergo treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Living with Tourettes: Finding the flip side
Michael Chichioco tells an inspiring and deeply emotional story about living with Tourette's syndrome .
Living with TS - Wales this Week (July 2013)
Joe Holloway, 17, of Henllan, near Denbigh, speaks to ITV and says he wants people to ask him about the condition - not to stare or ignore him.
No "Casualty" as BBC1 script "TICked" all the right boxes.
The BBC1 medical drama Casualty, featuring a TS storyline, aired on February 21st at 21:15. But how do they put the stories together and what does it all entail?
Oxfordshire schoolboy tells his Tourette story (July 2013)
Tourette Syndrome is often characterised as outbursts of bad language, but when eight-year-old Spencer Davies-Monk was diagnosed, his parents Richard and Hayley from Upper Heyford, near Bicester in Oxfordshire learned the condition is far more complex.
About TS
Prof Kevin Black: What are tics and what company do they keep?
In November 2017, Nottingham University held an open lecture with three speakers from the United States, all of whom are specialists in Tourette Syndrome. In this video Kevin Black, Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, Radiology and Neuroscience at Washington University, St Louis; discusses in detail what Tourette Syndrome is.
Rupert shares his experience of CBIT therapy with Tourettes Action
Watch this informative video which shows the benefits of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).
Russian Dolls
‘Russian Doll’ is a film made by Clair Beckett in collaboration with Street Factory and Red5 films, as part of a project called 'Hip Hop Hope' funded by the Arts Council England.
About TS
Samuel Morris
12 year old Samuel made a fantastic awareness video to share all about TS with his class at school.
About TS
Things Not To Say To People With Tourette Syndrome
The fantastic BBC3 series 'Things Not To Say To People', that helps break down stereotypes and myths about social groups have made an episode on Tourette Syndrome.
Tourette Syndrome: "So f*cking funny you'll cry!"
A video filmed by Meredith, sister to Mason, to point out to comedians who use TS as part of their act, that it isn't always a laughing matter.
Tourette's Syndrome - Life With Tourette's
Australian news programme talks to Ruth, Jess and Luke who have TS.
Tourette's syndrome - the alchemy of chaos: Jess Thom at TEDxA
Find out how Jess Thom is "changing the world one tic at a time" in this inspiring TEDx talk.
Tourettes Action - parent and school partnership
Geraldine Hills discusses how parents of children with Tourette Syndrome can work with the school to get the best support in place for their child.
About TS
Tourettes and how to be unstoppable
I constantly twitch, jerk and today love being an 837 + performance keynote speaker living with the rare neurological disorder Tourettes Syndrome www.itwitch.com
Touretteshero Saturday Night Show Interview 9th March 2013
Touretteshero co-founder Jess Thom's live interview with Brendan O'Connor on the RTÉ Saturday Night Show (9th March 2013).
About TS
University of Nottingham research study into online support groups
An online survey exploring users’ experiences of using online support groups for tic disorders and Tourette syndrome
What makes me tic
Find out how these inspiring young people manage their condition and other people's reaction throughout their everyday lives.
What TS means to me
Meet Logan, he has Epilepsy, Tourette Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asperger’s), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Hypermobility Disorder. These conditions can make life difficult at times, but Logan has a great attitude to life that supports him in doing everything he wants to do. In this video he explains what having TS means to him.
Books
Anger management games for children
This practical handbook helps adults to understand, manage and reflect constructively on children's anger.
Busy Body: My Life with Tourette's Syndrome
Nick van Bloss' memoir gives an insight into TS, and allows us into the heart and mind of a wonderfully witty and talented man.
About TS
Can I tell you about Tourette Syndrome?: A guide for friends, family and professionals
Meet Max - a boy with Tourette syndrome (TS). Max invites readers to learn about Tourette's from his perspective, helping them to understand what tics and triggers are and what it feels like to have TS. He explains how living with TS can sometimes be difficult, and how people around him can help him to feel happy and accepted. This illustrated book is ideal for young people aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and other professionals working with children with TS. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.
Cognitive-Behavioural Management of Tic Disorders
This book provides a comprehensive review of what is known about the occurrence and diagnosis of tics.
Front of the class
Brad Cohen has TS and in this book outlines the journey he took to become a teacher.
Late, Lost & Unprepared - A parents' guide to helping children with Executive Functioning.
Executive functions are the cognitive skills that help us manage our lives and be successful. This book is suitable for parents of children from primary school through high school who struggle with: Impulse Control; Cognitive Flexibility; Initiation; Working Memory; Planning & Organising; and, Self-monitoring.
Making allowances
A collection of personal stories of Tourette Syndrome sufferers and their families.
Nix Your Tics!: Eliminate Unwanted Tic Symptoms: A How-To Guide for Young People
Dr. B. Duncan McKinlay, Psychologist (‘Dr. Dunc’) has Tourette Syndrome. That means he’s been living with both motor tics (movements he has a hard time stopping) and phonic tics (noises he has a hard time stopping) for most of his life.
Teaching the Tiger
A practical reference book for educators working with students who have Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, and/or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
About TS
The Tourettes Survival Kit: Tools for Young Adults with Tics
Struggling to manage your tics in the classroom? Worried about your tics in a job interview or on a first date? This survival kit will give you the tools to survive and thrive in every location - at home, school, work or out with friends. Presenting everyday situations, from schools and exams through to driving and dates, this guide provides simple solutions to common problems and concerns. Dr Tara gives her top tips for managing tics, alongside behavioural therapy techniques for stress management and strategies for coping with commonly co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, OCD and anxiety.
Tic Disorders - A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Uttom Chowdhury and Tara Murphy. Foreword by Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive of Tourettes Action UK.
Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome
Dylan Peters shares what he has learned of tolerance and acceptance during the five years he has had Tourette Syndrome
Tictionary: A Reference Guide to the World of Tourette Syndrome
This A-Z resource guide is for anyone needing information and common-sense strategies as they deal with neurological disorders, including TS.
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome covers all of the main aspects related to TS, analyzing the complexity of its clinical presentation, the novel viewpoints of causes and mechanisms, the best way to assess TS patients, and the multifaceted and multidisciplinary treatment options.
Tourette Syndrome (The Facts)
The Facts explains the causes of TS, how it is diagnosed, and how to cope if you or a relative has been recently diagnosed.
Welcome to Biscuit Land: A year in the life of Touretteshero
Jess Thom says ‘biscuit’ up to 16 times per minute. In her book she explains what life is like living with TS.
What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming OCD
A what-to-do guides for kids with OCD.
Whatever Happened To Twitch Morgan?: A Life with Tourette's Syndrome by David Jowsey
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO TWITCH MORGAN? 'An approachable and uplifting story of life with Tourette's Syndrome'
Links
Coprolalia Myths Demystified
An article looking at the reasons behind coprolalia and inappropriate behaviour.
Presentations
What is TS? A presentation for Primary School children
This presentation has been designed to inform young people about Tourette Syndrome; and help friends and family better understand how they can support someone living with this condition.
What is TS? A presentation for Secondary School children
This presentation has been designed with young adults of secondary school age in mind. It's aim is to inform about the complexities of Tourette Syndrome and to dispel some misconceptions around the condition. By increasing TS knowledge amongst pupils, this will hopefully breed acceptance and understanding of the condition.
Website links
"A smartphone App helped me treat my Tourettes"
The Telegraph reports on the use of mobile apps to help people access pioneering treatments for TS.
GOSH - TS information pack
The experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) have put together an information pack for young people and families on Tourette Syndrome (TS). It includes information on anger management and managing tics.
Press cuttings
"A smartphone App helped me treat my Tourettes"
The Telegraph reports on the use of mobile apps to help people access pioneering treatments for TS.
An insider's guide to Tourette's syndrome (October 2012)
Article from the Guardian online, Sunday 14 October 2012. "Jessica Thom squeaks, swears, beats her chest and laughs. Here she describes living with her complex and mystifying condition."
Life less ordinary - Jess Thom, disability superhero
An interview with Jess Thom, Touretteshero, on the Fun London section of the Time Out website. Read the interview online.
New insights into genetics of OCD, Tourette Syndrome
An international research group has provided the first direct evidence that both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS) are highly heritable.
About TS
New Scientist article: People with Tourette's may find it easier to pick up new skills
People with Tourette's syndrome seem to have enhanced memory that could make them better at learning tasks unconsciously, such as speaking a second language or driving a car.
Scientists find genetic architecture behind TS and OCD
OCD and Tourette Syndrome are highly heritable: Scientists find genetic architecture behind disorders
About TS
SEN magazine article April 2018
Don’t panic! Pupils with Tourette’s just need the right support, not fear and misunderstanding, writes Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive of Tourettes Action.
Swearing disease no joke for Dylan
Swearing disease no joke for Dylan - article in the Nottingham Post about Dylan, 13, who has TS.
Teaching the world about TS
Interview with Jess Thom, Lucy Benyon, Daily Express, June 2013.
Tourette Syndrome, the 'extra' factor
Tourette Syndrome can often be misunderstood but people must think before they react, Claire Findlay tells health reporter Kate Liptrot.
TS magazine feature
Final year Journalism student, David Conway, from the University of Sheffield has created a magazine article focusing on the stories of three individuals with TS, including football's international goalkeeper Tim Howard, whilst also examining the facts behind the condition.
USA Goalkeeper Tim Howard On Playing With TS (May 2013)
USA and Everton goalkeeper, Tim Howard, talks about how he is able to play football whilst having TS. Article from Next Impulse Sports.
