Resources
The national Tourette Association of America has an extensive website with updated information and resources on many topics. Parents of school-aged children should review the Tourette Association Resource Page.
EL GRUPO DE APOYO ONLINE EN ESPANOL
La Asociación Americana de Tourette presenta un grupo de apoyo online para los padres hispanohablantes de niños con el Síndrome de Tourette u otro trastorno de tic.
Por favor haga clic aquí para registrarse para el grupo de apoyo online.
Webinar: Managing Tourette Syndrome and Anxiety During Covid-19
Emily Ricketts, Ph.D. and John Piacentini, Ph.D. are from the UCLA Movement Disorders Clinic, a Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on TS families; tics in relation to anxiety and going back to school in the Fall; and creating a tic management environment since families have been spending much time with one another. Click here to view the webinar!
Webinar: Navigating Education and Accommodations with Distance Learning
Lori Waldinger and Mindy Weiss break down how to secure accommodations and an appropriate education for your child during this new and challenging age of distance learning. Click here to view the webinar!
regional support groups
The Southern California Chapter has six support groups throughout the region. These groups meet several times per year and provide an excellent chance for families or individuals to spend time together, share experiences, and learn more about TS. Activities often include picnics, bowling, arcades, movie outings, and even pier fishing! Be sure to check our Events page to see what is already on the calendar. The following support groups are active as of January 2020, and we encourage you to reach out by clicking on a name to introduce yourself and inquire about future meetings.
South Bay: Eric McGowan
San Fernando Valley: Jacob Vince
Long Beach/Orange County: Rachel Laranang
Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley: Janine Tejeda
Inland Empire: Rose Nunez
San Diego: Selma Munguia
If you have interest in helping with or hosting a support group/meetup in your area, please email janine@socaltaa.org.
Youth Ambassador Program:
The National Tourette Syndrome Association offers a wonderful program called the Youth Ambassador Program. The program is held annually, typically in Washington DC, and is a multi-day program filled with educational opportunities, advocacy training, and networking for teens 13+ years old. More information can be found by clicking: HERE! Once trained, Youth Ambassadors play a critical role during the year by offering in-services at schools and other community gatherings in an effort to advocate and educate local communities about Tourette Syndrome.
Scholarship Opportunity:
We have a unique opportunity for high-school aged kids located in California that are pursuing a higher-education college degree program. This scholarship has been created and funded by one of our own local chapter families! At least one $1,000 scholarship per academic school year is expected to be awarded. All interested applicants please click HERE!
reference BOOKS:
The Tourette Syndrome and OCD Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers
The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child
Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents' Guide
Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger's, Tourette's, Bipolar and More!: The One Stop Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals
Children's and other Books:
Tic Talk
I Can't Stop!: A Story about Tourette's Syndrome
Adam and the Magic Marble
Books by Chris Mason, author with TS:
$1 from each physical copy sold will be donated to the Tourette Association!
WEBSITES:
GREAT STUFF:
From Kathy Giordano, Education Specialist with the National Tourette Syndrome Association.
Here is a great list of Red Flags that can be used by parents or teachers in helping to identify children with TS.
In the TS is More pdf document, one can see examples of the many other issues and disorders that are often present in people with TS.
General Educational Difficulties are often found in children with TS and this provides an excellent summary.
The SAT test…it still sends shivers down many of our spines. This SAT Article provides a wealth of information about how high-school kids with TS can understand the process of seeking accommodations.
Parent Center Hub, a website that provides excellent information on a wide variety of topics.