How to Raise Awareness for Tourette's Syndrome

There are many misconceptions about Tourette's Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes vocal and motor tics. For instance, Tourette's is not as rare as originally thought, affecting anywhere from one to 11 children out of 1,000. It is also not necessarily marked by outbursts of profanity. By raising awareness of Tourette's Syndrome, you can help dispel the myths, and focus on the causes and treatments. Read on to learn more about how to raise awareness for Tourette's Syndrome.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Tourette Syndrome Association press kit
• Tourette's Syndrome merchandise

1. Educate your friends and family about Tourette's Syndrome by stressing the facts about this neurological disorder and dispelling the myths. Focus on the fact that most people with Tourette's Syndrome lead normal, happy lives, and can successfully manage the disorder using simple behavior-modification techniques, as well as the support of their family and friends.
2. Raise awareness of Tourette's Syndrome by donating to the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA). TSA uses your tax-deductible donations to spread awareness and educate the public about Tourette's Syndrome. It also helps to fund medical research.
3. Join the Tourette Syndrome Association and volunteer your time to charity events designed to raise awareness about this neurological disorder. The TSA sponsors many local events supporting medical research for Tourette's, such as charity-golf events, 10K marathons and educational conferences.
4. Ask your employer to help you start a charity or fundraising program for Tourette's Syndrome by matching donations from fellow employees. Don't forget to stress the tax benefits of such a program.
5. Have public service announcements from the Tourette Syndrome Association placed with your local newspaper, radio station or television station. TSA provides a press packet to volunteers and members, which is available on its website. See the Resources section below for a link.
6. Learn how you can become a grassroots activist, trained advocate or part of a support team for people with Tourette's Syndrome by contacting the TSA via its website. If you live outside of the United States, you can still volunteer to be an international contact for the TSA.

Tips & Warnings

• T-shirts, mugs, mouse pads and other items that serve to raise awareness about Tourette's Syndrome are available from many websites. You can sell these items to raise funds for the Tourette Syndrome Association.