The Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (TSSA) describes TS as, “a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary, irresistible body movements and vocalisations.”
Those with TS can experience a range of movements and vocalisations labelled as “tics”. These tics can have an impact on the behaviour and functioning of the individual but do not have an effect on their cognitive abilities.
According to TSSA, the tics can be categorised in two ways: motor and vocal. The motor tics can include:
- Eye blinking
- Shoulder shrugging
- Nose twitching
The vocal tics can include:
- Throat clearing
- Grunting
- Sniffing
- Tongue clicking
The majority of people living with TS do not live with all the symptoms and they can vary on their scale of intensity, in a mild, moderate or severe manner. Educating others who are not aware of what TS is, is so important in creating a more inclusive and supportive society, particularly understanding that TS can be very different for each individual, meaning the level of support and resources they may need can also differ.
SBS Hindi spoke to Neuropsychiatrist Professor Perminder Sachdev in 2018 about the significance of the week and how education around Tourette Syndrome can make a huge impact on those living with Tourette’s.
“Supporting the child and recognition of the disorder are very important. This will reduce the negative social effects on the child.”
To read more about this week and to learn more about what Tourette Syndrome is, click here.