TAC'TICS, a new programme to raise awareness of Tourette Syndrome in schools

Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (TSAA) is launching a new interactive app called TAC’TICS designed to support the education and awareness of the Syndrome.

TAC'TICS, an interactive Tourette Syndrome awareness app Source: Supplied

TAC’ICS will be rolled out in schools - for free - by Tourette Sydndrome Association Australia (TSAA) during Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week (6/05 – 12/05.  Launching the app will also mark TSAA’s 30^th Anniversary.

Robyn Latimer, TSAA president says that Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder. Its visible symptoms are what we call tics. They are motor and vocal tics; movements and sounds.

“The thing we need to get across during Tourette Awareness week is that this is a neurological condition and not a choice,” Robyn Latimer says.

“Given that there is no cure what we are asking for is people to have empathy and understanding and accept that people with Tourette can’t help these tics. Tourette is a medical condition.”

According to a recent study Tourette Syndrome affects approximately 45,000 but it is widely misunderstood.

The study further reveals that more than two thirds of Australians (64%) believe more needs to be done to educate children in schools about Tourette Syndrome, and  one in four Australians (23%) have never heard of the condition.

With no cure for Tourette Syndrome understanding and breaking the stigma are vital. TAC’TICS will fill this gap by actively encouraging education during school team activities.