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Tourette Talks are designed for open discussions and the exchange of information and ideas and are a safe space for frank dialogue. 

Due to the personal nature of some discussions, not all Tourette Talks are made public. Participants have the option to remain anonymous and to keep their cameras off.


February 15, 2024: Managing the Urge

If you have a tic-y, trich-y, pick-y nervous system you are not alone. Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), Excoriation disorder (skin picking) and other Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are not uncommon for those with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. In this talk we will discuss BFRBs, effective treatment strategies, and the similarities and differences with tic disorders.

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December 14, 2023: Taking Control of Your Financial Future

In this session for young professionals with disabilities, “Taking Control of Your Financial Future” will leave you with tips on how to make smarter decisions with your money.

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November 7, 2023: Stress, Children and Relationships

The unique demands of parenting neurodivergent children can increase stress in a couple’s relationship, and this stress can in turn impact children’s well-being. The discussion will explore this interplay, as well as how sensitive and attuned couples therapy can bolster the parents’ connection with each other, and ultimately provide the healthiest environment for the entire family.


October 26, 2023: Ensuring Success of Neurodivergent Students in the Classroom

Students with Tourette Syndrome are frequently misunderstood in the classroom. When they are also very bright, students are designated twice-exceptional (2e), and school challenges can be compounded. Using gifted characteristics, Jacqui discusses how 2e make classrooms more complicated for teachers and shares how teachers can both understand these wonderful students and help them thrive. This session is for teachers and parents who are not familiar with the ways in which classroom environments can be changed to support 2e students.


September 21, 2023: Navigating School Accommodations and 504 Plans for Children with Tourette’s and Other Tic Disorders

This session offers insights into effective collaboration with schools to support children with Tourette’s and related tic disorders. Delve into common 504 plan accommodations, discover strategies for school partnerships, and learn from real-life case examples to ensure an inclusive and successful educational experience for every student.

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July 20, 2023: Are IEPs and 504s on Your Back to School List?

Are you ready for September? Get a head start on the new school year by equipping yourself with the best tools to advocate for your child! Understanding the significance of IEPs and 504s can be critical in setting them up for success. 

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May 17, 2023: Presentation of Autism Across the Gender Gap

Dr. Theobald will discuss the varying symptoms of autism, how symptoms can present in biological males and females, review brain structure differences associated with autism, and provide reasons why autism can be overlooked in girls. (The presentation begins at 3:25)

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April 26, 2023: Navigating Social Stressors

In this month’s TS Talk, join Dr. Marla Deibler as we explore the experience of social anxiety, including social anxiety disorder and selective mutism, the ways in which it may impair daily functioning, and the ways in which TS and related disorders may impact the experience of social stress. In this interactive presentation, we will examine our own social anxiety and discuss evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment approaches. (The presentation begins at 4:22)

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February 23, 2023: Cultivating Calm: Principles in the Treatment and Management of Anxiety

Anxiety can be uncomfortable at best and debilitating at worst. In our February Tourette Talk, Psychologist Dr. Jill Richards will define the different types of anxiety that can affect us and provide an overview of the principles of treatment approaches to each. (The presentation begins at 2:51)

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January 24, 2023: Reclaiming Cognitive Resources Lost to Social Stigma

People who are members of non-majority groups systematically experience conditions in their lives that result in chronic stress and, therefore, decreased physical and mental health and social and economic opportunity. The costs of the many kinds of scarcity in their lives – money, health, respect, safety, affirmation, choices, belonging – is seriously reduced “mental bandwidth,” the cognitive capacity and emotional resources needed to make good decisions, learn in school, maintain healthy relationships, work, and more. (The presentation begins at 3:04)

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December 8, 2022: Supporting Your Child with ADHD: How to Effectively Work With Them, Not Against

The Executive Function deficits that are at the core of ADHD impair planning, prioritizing, goal setting, task shifting, and emotion regulation to name a few.  How can a child with these deficits expect to change behavior alone? They need a team, a parallel person who can teach them how to get the most out of their unique brain wiring. (The presentation begins at 1:59)

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November 29, 2022: Supporting Siblings of Children with Special Needs

Parents understand why they need to focus attention on their child diagnosed with a special need but at the same time parents also agonize over what impact this is having on the siblings in the family.  There may be feelings of guilt, neglect or even inadequacy. What can parents do to support their other children, the siblings? (The presentation begins at 2:23)

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October 27, 2022: Bullies Can Be Beaten – Understanding Your Rights

Mariann Crincoli, Esq. from Sussan, Greenwald and Wesler defines what Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) is, and explains what school districts must do, and your rights as a parent. (The presentation begins at 2:01)

Click here to view the handouts.


September 20, 2022: Starting the Conversation on Teen Suicide Prevention

Tracy Cappiccille, LPC, DRCC and Dr. Annette Hoffman from the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, will shed some light on the growing concern over teen suicide in America. In this presentation for parents and professionals, they will share the vital statistics, discuss the warning signs, risk factors, appropriate ways to start a conversation and the many resources available. (The presentation begins at 1:58)


August 25, 2022: Are IEPs and 504s on Your Back to School List?

Understanding the significance of IEPs and 504s can be critical in setting them up for success. In this Tourette Talk you will learn the difference between IEPs and 504s all while being educated on (1) how to know if your child is eligible, (2) what should be included in your child’s plan, (3) who should be creating it, and so much more! (The presentation begins at 2:01)


February 17, 2022: An Overview of Comprehensive Behavior Intervention for Tics (CBIT) for the treatment of Tourette Syndrome and Tics

This presentation will provide a brief overview of tic disorders, followed by a description of CBIT, including its main components, treatment indicators, and scientific support. The presentation will also include discussion of tele-therapy as means to provide treatment. (The presentation begins at 3:31)


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