PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance

02/27/2026

During a webinar training the other day, we heard these words for the first time! So impactful and helpful to hear that our simple exercise of trying to write the Pledge of Allegiance while being interrupted by having a tic is REALLY like the experience of those with TS! It's often a light bulb moment for teachers!

02/27/2026

Why advocate?

Because PATSA supports children AND adults living with Tourette syndrome — today and in the future.

One parent said it best:

“I want PATSA to still be here when my children are adults and need support.”

Even if funding doesn’t change this year, every conversation matters. Every meeting keeps Tourette syndrome on legislators’ minds.

Advocacy teaches our kids confidence.
It teaches them their voices matter.
And it helps protect programs that change lives.

⭐ Join PATSA Advocacy Day in Harrisburg this year.

Send us a message or sign up here: https://givebutter.com/PADAC2026

02/26/2026

This has been a hard week for PATSA and the people we support. We're still out here offering trainings, awareness and understanding. I wanted to share some feedback from an elementary school principal who had a webinar training on TS for his team of 37 teachers:

02/25/2026

Thinking about Advocacy Day but feeling nervous?

You’re not alone — and you won’t be alone there either.

Families worry about getting lost, schedules, or managing kids in a busy building. One family even arrived late their first year and had to split up — and another volunteer immediately stepped in to help.

That’s what PATSA is.

A village.

Staff schedule meetings, guide you through the day, and support you every step of the way. Even challenging moments become powerful advocacy stories that help legislators understand real life with Tourette syndrome.

If you can come — even once — you make a difference.

📩 Reach out today with questions or register to join us here: https://givebutter.com/PADAC2026

02/24/2026

They could have edited the slur out on this taped program but we can’t do that in real life. Today has been hard but there have also been some great awareness happening too!

A Tourette’s-related outburst of the N-word aired during the BAFTAs despite tape delay. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo are owed an apology.

02/23/2026

Happy snowy Monday everyone! Derick here with a quick note. As the story from the BAFTA awards gains more traction on social media and picks up more comments you'll see more of the vitrol that is online comments. Lots of great things in there too BUT this is a reminder that some of those things said will be triggering for many who live with or love someone with Tourettes. It's okay to engage and respond AND it's okay to take a step back and disengage. Trolls will troll and people will make ignorant and hurtful statements behind the shield of the internet because they can. Don't let your mental health suffer. And if you do see yourself being triggered reach out. Your PATSA community is here for you. 😊😊

Send a message to learn more

02/23/2026

As the Executive Director of the PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance, I could not say it any better than Tourettes Action has explained about the awards last night!

We are incredibly proud of John and everyone involved in I Swear. The film has already raised so much awareness about Tourette syndrome and the daily reality faced by those living with the condition. The impact it has had on audiences, families, and those within the Tourettes community is huge, and we could not be more grateful for the support the film continues to receive.

However, we also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt and we are deeply sorry to the Black community for the harm caused but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.

People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse, and feel great distress about afterwards. These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John - like many others with Tourette’s - lives with every single day.

The backlash from certain parts of the media has been extremely saddening, particularly given how hard John works to raise awareness and understanding. What should have been a night of celebration for him became overwhelming, and he made the difficult decision to leave the ceremony halfway through. This moment reflects exactly what I Swear shows so openly: the isolation, misunderstanding, and emotional weight that so often accompany this condition. People with Tourette’s manage their physical and social environments and symptoms on a constant basis. The price of being misunderstood is increased isolation, risk of anxiety and depression and death by su***de.

We hope that those commenting will take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette’s, and understand the experiences behind moments like these. Education is key, and compassion makes a world of difference.

02/23/2026

Oh for a future where people don't get offended by someone with Tourette! They even explained that there was a person with TS in the audience and that people may hear sounds, etc. They probably should have explained "coprolalia" so people would know that this was not heckling! Yes, it can be swear words. Yes, it can be slurs. Yes, it can be louder than the surrounding noises! Yes, it is rare, but it is real and doesn mean that's how the person feels!

BAFTAs host Alan Cu***ng addresses outbursts from Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, who is the inspiration for nominated film 'I Swear.'

02/23/2026

👧👦 “My daughter said she felt more confident standing up for her brother at school after Advocacy Day.”

That’s the impact families see when they attend PATSA Advocacy Day.

Kids make friends.
Siblings feel empowered.
Children with Tourette syndrome learn how to advocate for themselves.

And yes — kids are absolutely welcome!

Bring tablets or activities if needed. Meetings are family-friendly, and some of the best memories come from unexpected moments — like helping deliver packets or asking legislators questions from behind their desks!

You are never alone. PATSA families and volunteers support each other every step of the way.

💙 Come see what advocacy looks like together.

Message us to learn more or sign up right here: https://givebutter.com/PADAC2026

02/21/2026

Registration is open for camp! We've already had families sign up and are now just waiting on YOU! 😋🙃🫶

Scholarships are avialable. If you'd like to attend camp this year and financial hardship is the only reason why you wouldn't...email Sherrie@patsainc.org and inqure about how we can help.

https://givebutter.com/2026camp
See you in May!

02/20/2026

❤️ Why do families come to the Capitol with PATSA every year?

Because PATSA changed their lives.

One parent told us PATSA helped their child attend preschool and start kindergarten — something that once felt impossible. Another said it was the first place they truly understood Tourette syndrome and found support.

Advocacy Day is our chance to give back.

When families share their stories with legislators, real learning happens. One meeting even turned a misunderstanding into an apology and a powerful moment of awareness.

Your story matters. Your voice matters.

Join us in Harrisburg and help make sure PATSA continues supporting families for generations to come.

📩 Message us or go directly to the event sign up to learn more. https://givebutter.com/PADAC2026