Leon Barretto

Tourettes Awareness Day is observed on 7th of June every year. Tourette is a nervous system disorder involving repetitive movements or unwanted sounds that they can't control, such as repeatedly blinking the eyes, shrugging shoulders or blurting out offensive words. Tourettes Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about Tourette Syndrome and bring together those living with the condition. Also, this day helps eliminate all the misunderstandings that people have and educate them about this disorder.

1. OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY.

Among children diagnosed with Tourette, 86% of them also have been diagnosed with at least one additional mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Such as anxiety problems, depression, autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, etc. Since it is mostly accompanied by another disorder, it may not be diagnosed or may be misdiagnosed.

2. THE CAUSE.

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn't known. According to a study, scientists believe that it is genetically inherited as a dominant gene with about a 50% chance of parents passing the gene on to their children. Boys with the gene(s) are three to four times more likely than girls to display symptoms. The symptoms may decrease during early adulthood, in some cases they continue or even get worsen.

3. DOES IT AFFECT A PERSON'S INTELLIGENCE?

Tourette syndrome does not affect a person’s intelligence, but learning difficulties can result if the person also has ADHD, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. A child with or without these additional conditions may also experience bullying at school, and this can make schooling harder, both socially and academically. Schools can help by educating students about the condition so that they can better understand a classmate who happens to have Tourette’s. A child with Tourette syndrome may need additional educational help.

4. TREATMENT.

There's no cure for Tourette's syndrome, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Many people have tics that do not get in the way of their living their daily life and therefore, do not need any treatment. However, medication and behavioral treatments are available if tics cause pain or injury, interfere with school, work, or social life or cause stress

‘My Voices Have Tourettes’ started as a standup comedy show and podcast created by Dan, Hannah Bryndís Proppé Bailey, who has schizophrenia, and Elva Dögg Hafberg Gunnarsdóttir, who also has Tourettes. It is an award-winning weekly event at the Secret Cellar to raise awareness for disorders/syndromes in a fun way!