Why are we collecting funds?

Tourette Syndrome is a little known disability that afflicts a percentage of Australia's population. Many people with TS go through life without having their disorder properly diagnosed. Many also suffer discrimination in schooling, housing and employment because the symptoms of their disorder are not recognised by teachers, doctors or employers. The Association aims to increase awareness of this disorder to help sufferers to live a normal life, gain public acceptance and to assist medical research into the disorder.

The Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (TSAA) does have no federal funding. TSAA is self funded and run by volunteers. At present we rely on the people affected by TS to take this on a volunteer basis in addition to managing their full time jobs and families.

Why are we needed?

• Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence. It is part of the spectrum of Tic Disorders and is characterized by motor and vocal tics.
• Tourette Syndrome most often begins between the ages of 2 and 21, and lasts throughout life.
• It is common for people with Tourette Syndrome to be affected by another co-occurring condition.
• There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, but thanks to years of dedicated research, there are various treatment options.

• Some co-occurring conditions are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Many individuals with TS experience additional neurobehavioral problems that often cause more impairment than the tics themselves.  These include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-ADHD);   problems with reading, writing, and arithmetic; and obsessive-compulsive symptoms such as intrusive thoughts/worries and repetitive behaviors. For example, worries about dirt and germs may be associated with repetitive hand-washing, and concerns about bad things happening may be associated with ritualistic behaviors such as counting, repeating, or ordering and arranging.  People with TS have also reported problems with depression or anxiety disorders, as well as other difficulties with living, that may or may not be directly related to TS.  In addition, although most individuals with TS experience a significant decline in motor and vocal tics in late adolescence and early adulthood, the associated neurobehavioral conditions may persist.  Given the range of potential complications, people with TS are best served by receiving medical care that provides a comprehensive treatment plan. 

What we do to help:

The activities of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia are all geared towards achieving the stated purpose and include:

Support to people with Tourette Syndrome and their families.

Annual camps to fostering social acceptance, providing help, hope and a supportive community for individuals with Tic Syndrome / Tourette Syndrome.

Gather and circulate to members information regarding Tourette Syndrome and available forms of treatment.

Circulate information regarding Tourette Syndrome to doctors, schools and other interested parties.

Gain publicity through the media and other outlets about Tourette Syndrome.

Raise funds for research into the causes and cure of Tourette Syndrome.

Raise funds to assist in the achievement of the above activities.