Understanding Tourette Syndrome in Our Community

The Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois (TSA-IL), based in Glen Ellyn, provides “invaluable resources, compassion, friendship, education, and events,” according to the website, to “those whose lives are affected by Tourette Syndrome.” In addition, the group hopes to increase acceptance and educate the general public on the issue, as well as provide a place for those affected to realize that they’re not going through this alone.

So what exactly is Tourette Syndrome?

According the association’s website, Tourette Syndrome is an issue where those affected experience involuntary movements, sounds, and compulsive rituals or behaviors and more often than not manifests itself in childhood. It is recognized today as a “spectrum disorder”, meaning that symptoms can vary greatly from minor, random movements or sounds to “rage attacks”. According to the site, the urges for these tics are similar to those of sneezing.

It’s no stretch of the imagination to guess what kind of the social issues these symptoms could provoke, especially for children. The old adage about kids being cruel rings true to everyone who remembers ever being picked on. Now imagine that multiplied to include 98% of your classmates because you can’t help but randomly jerk your head or your arm. That is what these kids deal with on a daily basis in “regular” schools.

“The [TSA-IL] group hopes to alleviate some of the isolated feelings that can occur in social situations for those affected by Tourette Syndrome by organizing social activities to include both those affected and those who just plain want to help,” said volunteer and Glen Ellynite Lisa Biedron.

Recent activities included the annual picnic on Sunday, July 31st at Ferson Creek Park Pavilion in St. Charles. Many exciting activities were available as well as a presentation by Bradley Wilinski, a 10 year old diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who wants to use his experiences to his advantage. Bradley wants to become a Tourette Syndrome spokesman and will be appearing in an upcoming PBS documentary on the subject.

Biedron heralded the social impact of the group, “Events such as the annual picnic and monthly support group meetings are fantastic opportunities to network with others who’re experiencing similar triumphs and struggles in life!”