The NJCTS “Ask The GreaTS” sessions encourage, facilitate, and engage youth and young adults in the global Tourette Syndrome (TS) community to participate in meaningful discussions and an exchange of ideas. This support service allows for session participants to talk about relevant TS-related life topics with experienced NJCTS young adult presenters and advocates. Participants will be able to watch the presenters have a candid, experience-based discussion, followed by the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session. The Ask The GreaTS sessions will bring together members of the global TS community in a supportive, friendly environment, and help participants develop TS awareness, self-confidence, resilience, and advocacy skills.
Overview:
- The Ask The GreaTS series will be a bi-monthly webinar-style panel session offered to youth and young adults across the globe.
- Participants will be required to pre-register and provide feedback following the session.
- Each session will have a topic of focus presented by a panel of “GreaTS,” who are young adults with TS. The panel members will share some their own life experiences regarding the topic.
- Topics may include: Disclosing Your Diagnosis to Educators, Friends, & Family; Coping Mechanisms in Everyday Life; Best Practices to Prevent Bullying
- At approximately 1 hour in length, the aim of each session is to create and sustain an organic, informative conversation that is both fun and educational.
- Sessions will begin with a 10-20 minute conversation among 3 or more panelists. These discussions will be partially scripted.
- Following the conversation, the panel will hear and answer questions from the audience regarding the topic.
- Additional questions on the topic will be accepted for 3 days following the live session. Answers will be posted online in an open forum by the panelists.
- The sessions are meant to be inclusive and have no geographic barriers.
Eligibility requirements:
Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 30 and either be diagnosed with or have a relationship to an individual with Tourette Syndrome.