Tourette Association of America Trains Youth Ambassadors from Around the Nation to Change the Way the World Views a Misunderstood Disorder

The Tourette Association of America recently announced this year’s Youth Ambassador Program inductees – a group of teens that were selected to participate in the Association’s Ambassador training program in Orlando, Florida, July 13, 2019. These teens, both with and without Tourette Syndrome (TS) and related Tic Disorders, shared their personal stories and were coached on how to raise funds and advocate for public policies and services that promote positive school, work and social environments for individuals affected by the disorder.

Among the chosen Youth Ambassadors is Emily Womack, 15, from Bray, Oklahoma, who completed a comprehensive training designed to equip Ambassadors with the tools they need to speak publicly about the often-misunderstood disorder. Even though it’s estimated that 1 in 100 school-aged children in the United States has TS or a related Tic Disorder, the wide range of symptoms that include both motor and vocal tics can lead to bullying, isolation and life-long learning or emotional issues. Womack is now prepared to educate her peers and local community on how to promote understanding and social acceptance of TS and its symptoms, by presenting to schools, clubs, and community centers.

"I would like to explain to others what Tourette Syndrome is and the way it effects those who live with it. I believe that it is important to not only spread awareness to those who don’t know about Tourette, but also to those in social situations that don’t know how to approach Tourette. I believe that by educating to others who don’t know what Tourette is or have an incorrect judgement of it, we can help to rid and prevent the stigma attached to Tourette Syndrome." says Womack. "hope over time I can play a small part in gathering more support to help others that not only have Tourette Syndrome, but also those that love someone with Tourette Syndrome.”

The Tourette Association’s Youth Ambassador Program, which empowers youth to improve public speaking skills while spreading awareness and acceptance for TS, is a crucial part of the Association’s mission. Many Youth Ambassadors leverage their training to meet with politicians, appear in the media and assist with fundraising and awareness raising campaigns throughout the year. The Tourette Association of America launched the Youth Ambassador program in 2002 and continued it as an annual program due to the first year’s success. The program has grown to nearly 500 dedicated teens who have completed more than 1,000 activities including presentations, print and TV media interviews, and training other Youth Ambassadors to reach more than 5.5 million people through their combined efforts.

“The Association is proud to celebrate fourteen years of bringing together and mentoring an ever-expanding network of teens, all committed to raising local and national awareness for the complexities of living with Tourette Syndrome and related Tic Disorders,” said Amanda Talty, President and CEO, Tourette Association of America. “Each of our Youth Ambassadors has a unique story to share that brings to light the need to advocate and to educate communities about ways they can support the TS community.”

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.

About the Tourette Association of America

Founded in 1972, the TAA is dedicated to making life better for all individuals affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders. The premier nationwide organization serving this community, the Association works to raise awareness, advance research and provide on-going support. For more information on Tourette and Tic Disorders, call 1-888-4-TOURET, visit us at Tourette.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

If you or your organization is interested in having Emily to present to your group, please contact her through the Tourette Association of America at Tourette.org or email her at emilyticsinoklahoma@gmail.com