The UpTic

In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Drs. Jay and Max Tischfield, father and son renowned Tourette researchers at Rutgers University. They share their fascinating journey into the world of Tourette Syndrome research, discussing how they use genetic data to create groundbreaking mouse models that mimic the human condition. We delve into the intricacies of gene mutations, the challenges of studying tics in mice, and the potential for these models to lead to effective treatments.

You'll hear about the Tischfields' unique father-son dynamic in the lab, their collaborative work with the NJCTS Sharing Repository, and the exciting prospects of using AI and advanced genetic editing to further understand and treat Tourette Syndrome. This episode offers a peek into the cutting-edge science that's pushing the boundaries of what we know about TS.

Episode Highlights:

[02:06] Jay's unexpected journey into TS research, sparked by a passionate advocate.

[05:35] Max's fascination with using gene editing to create Tourette-like mouse models.

[07:58] The promise of using these models to test potential treatments.

[13:23] Exploring the complexities of identifying tics in mice.

[16:49] How human studies guide mouse model research and the role of sensory motor gating.

[24:42] Discussing the genetic landscape of Tourette Syndrome.

[28:30] The future of drug testing on TS mouse models.

[37:11] Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Therapy (CBIT) and its role in treating tics.

[43:02] How listeners can contribute to the NJCTS Sharing Repository.

Links & Resources:

New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome: https://njcts.org/ 

Dr. Max Tischfield’s Website: http://www.maxtischfieldlab.org/ 

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ben Mooney, an Occupational Therapist based in Colorado, specializing in insomnia. He has Tourette syndrome and is a certified CBIT practitioner.

We uncover how brain imaging has shed light on the nocturnal activities of our brains, particularly for those with tic disorders. Ben shares practical insights on the importance of consistent wake-up times, the impact of stress on tics, and the role of sleep in our overall health. Whether you're dealing with sleep issues or simply curious about the mysteries of sleep, this episode is packed with valuable information and tips to help you achieve better rest and manage your tics more effectively.

Episode Highlights:

[01:27] - Do people with Tourette syndrome tic in their sleep? Ben explains the science.

[03:35] - Differences in tic frequency during REM and deep sleep stages.

[10:54] - The role of circadian rhythms in sleep and how it affects people with Tourette syndrome.

[14:20] - Impact of technology and blue light on sleep patterns.

[17:02] - Balancing societal demands with the need for proper sleep.

[25:53] - The effects of caffeine on sleep and best practices for consumption.

[30:32] - Resources and advice for finding sleep specialists and improving sleep habits.

[33:31] - The importance of consistent wake-up times and tips for better sleep.

Links & Resources:

·         CBT-i Coach: a free app to help track and improve sleep patterns: https://mobile.va.gov/app/cbt-i-coach 

·         Ben Mooney’s Website: https://mooneywellness.com/ 

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Lichtman and his son, Jeremy Lichtman, PsyD, for an intimate conversation about parenting a child with Tourette syndrome. Jeff, a renowned psychologist and visionary leader in special education, shares his personal journey of coming to terms with Jeremy's diagnosis and the challenges they faced as a family. Jeremy, now a successful psychologist himself, reflects on growing up with Tourette's and how his parents' unwavering support and advocacy shaped his life. Together, they offer invaluable insights and advice for parents navigating the ups and downs of raising a child with special needs.

Dr. Jeff Lichtman, Director of Student Mental Health Services and Professor at Touro University, is known for his 30 years of visionary leadership at Yachad, the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, and founding the IVDU Schools. As a psychologist, his expertise includes counseling, leadership, social skills development, and teacher training.

Jeremy Lichtman, PsyD, licensed psychologist and director at Central Therapy, specializes in treating youth and adults with emotional dysregulation, PTSD, Tourette syndrome, anxiety disorders, OCD, and trichotillomania. Certified in CBIT and MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, he provides individual counseling, facilitates groups, and presents workshops for NJCTS.

Episode Highlights:

[2:24] Jeremy's earliest memories of his tics and getting diagnosed with Tourette's.

[6:32] Jeff's perspective as a father seeing his son going through this in middle and high school.

[10:25] The challenges Jeremy faced in school due to his ADHD and hyperactivity.

[15:21] How Jeremy used humor as a powerful tool to educate people about his Tourette's.

[19:16] The shift in focus from social concerns to academic performance in high school.

[24:35] Balancing the needs of siblings when one child requires more specialized support.

[33:44] Jeremy's adult support group for parents of children with Tourette's through NJCTS.

[37:03] Jeremy's appreciation for his parents' support and the importance of utilizing available resources.

[38:46] Jeff's closing advice for parents: have faith in your child's resilience.

Links & Resources:

Jeremy's website - https://www.centraltherapynj.com/

Jeremy's NJCTS parent support group: https://njcts.org/event/todays-challenge-tomorrows-strength-a-support-group-for-parents-of-children-with-tourette-or-tic-disorders-2/?event_date=2024-06-12

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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On this insightful episode, I sit down with author Michele Turk to discuss her newly released memoir "What Makes Him Tic? A Memoir of Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome." As both a journalist and mom, Michele shares her candid journey navigating the unpredictable waters of raising a child with Tourette's - the challenges, misconceptions, hard-won wisdom, and unexpected gifts. Her story offers an authentic, relatable perspective that will deeply resonate with any parent or loved one supporting someone with Tourette's or other neurodivergent conditions.

 Michele Turk has worked as a journalist for three decades, covering parenting, health, and education. Her articles and essays have appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek, Parents, Parenting, the Hartford Courant, Elle, USA Weekend, The Washington Post, Brain, Child, and Next Avenue. She has served as president of the Connecticut Press Club since 2015. Turk grew up in Southern New Jersey and currently lives in Connecticut. Michele’s new book “What Makes Him Tic? A Memoir of Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome” will be released on June 4.

Episode Highlights:

[1:29] - Michele's son Michael's shocking Tourette's diagnosis at 11 inspires her memoir.

[3:04] - Unpacking media's harmful Tourette's stereotypes around coprolalia.

[5:44] - Michael's passion for music boosted self-esteem, managed tics.

[9:50] - Michael's hidden perfect pitch revealed through musical focus!

[11:45] - The overlooked strengths and superpowers of neurodivergence.

[13:30] - Hard lessons on compassionately intervening in bullying.

[18:21] - Michele owns missteps like self-criticism, husband frustrations.

[22:53] - Wise strategies for united parenting: couple time, therapy.

[29:13] - Using online communities and orgs as careful informational lifelines.

[33:45] - The paramount need for self-forgiveness in this arduous journey.

Links & Resources:

Connect with Michele: https://www.micheleturk.com/ 

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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If you're looking to be inspired, you're in for a treat with today's episode of our podcast. I had the privilege of speaking with Daniel Ferron, an extraordinary individual whose journey with Tourette Syndrome is nothing short of incredible. Daniel has navigated life's highs and lows with a condition that was scarcely understood when he was diagnosed in the 1970s. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of support. Daniel Ferron is an entertainer, actor, and filmmaker.

Episode Highlights:
[01:20] - Daniel Ferron’s diagnosis in the 1970s by Tourette pioneer Dr. Arthur K. Shapiro.
[04:06] - Early treatment and studying with Daniel’s documentary.
[06:13] - Removed all treatment in his adolescence and had 10 years of tic remission.
[07:30] - Embracing Tourette Syndrome with humor.
[08:27] - When the tics returned.
[10:04] - Daniel’s experience with school in New Jersey.
[11:09] - Family support was paramount to his success.
[13:27] - Finding his calling in entertainment.
[15:45] - The advancement of Tourette advocacy leading to understanding.
[17:30] - Going to the movies and getting into the entertainment business.
[20:05] - Daniel’s documentary “My Life, My Story, My Tourette’s”.
[23:40] - Advice for the younger Tourette community.
[27:03] - Advice to disconnect.
[28:50] - Clarity and sense of self naturally improves as you age.

Links & Resources:
Daniel Ferron's Documentary: "My Life, My Story, My Tourette's"
New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS): https://njcts.org/

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If Daniel's story resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

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In this episode, I had a compelling conversation with Dr. Angie Landeros-Weisenberger, an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale Child Study Center. We discuss the current state of research and the latest breakthroughs in treating tics and co-occurring conditions such as OCD and depression. Dr. Angie's expertise and passion for research left me both inspired and hopeful for what's on the horizon in patient care.

Episode Highlights:
[01:30] - Dr. Angie’s history of research.
[02:39] - Innovative treatments on the horizon.
[06:10] - Exploring genetic mysteries of tics.
[09:37] - Breaking the habit loop.
[13:33] - The future of wearables.
[16:18] - Trichotillomania research and why it’s not a tic disorder.
[18:48] - Gender bias in tic diagnosis.
[20:46] - A lifetime with OCD and tics.
[24:33] - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treatment for OCD.
[27:09] - Science is not set in stone, changes will occur with more research.
[27:25] - Advances in research of tools, such as ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression.
[31:34] - Very promising things are coming through research and studies.

Links & Resources:
Yale Child Study Center: https://medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/  
New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS): https://njcts.org/

I want to remind all our listeners that each episode we share is a stepping stone to better understanding the intricate world of Tourette Syndrome and related disorders. If you've enjoyed today's episode, rate us and leave a review. Your feedback not only supports the show but also helps us reach and educate more people like you.

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Today I am joined by Slayton Cooper, a high school senior valedictorian and youth ambassador for the Tourette Association of America. Slayton is a passionate advocate for Tourette Syndrome, neurodiversity, and related conditions. We explore what it means to truly embrace our unique neural landscapes in school and at work.

We explore the positives and negatives of labels, the importance of advocating for your needs, and finding your most authentic self. Slayton offers profound wisdom well beyond his years on self-acceptance, resisting judgments, and seeing the beauty in our differences. His message of empowerment for those with Tourette Syndrome and similar conditions is truly uplifting.

From personal struggles to triumphant advocacy, this conversation unveils the importance of understanding, acceptance, and empowerment within the neurodiverse community and beyond. Don't miss this insightful journey into the heart of neurodiversity.

Timeline Highlights:
[01:20] What does neurodiversity mean?
[04:29] Advocating for inclusion.
[07:39] Challenges in employment.
[11:30] Stigmas in the workplace.
[16:43] Navigating standardized tests.
[20:23] Balancing goals and ambitions with neurodiversity.
[23:00] Tools and resources
[31:54] Suppressing tics.

Links & Resources:
New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS): https://njcts.org/

Thank you for tuning into this enlightening conversation on neurodiversity. If you've found resonance or inspiration in our discussion, I encourage you to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us bring more stories like this to light, empowering others to embrace their unique selves fully.

This episode is dedicated to and in memory of, Patricia Phillips. Rest in peace, Pat. May your memory be a blessing, always.

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In this episode, I share a deeply personal journey that hits close to home for many of us navigating the complexities of parenting a child with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Alongside the insightful Rena and Maggie LaSalle, we delve into the world of occupational therapy (OT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the power of emotional intelligence. Our discussion centers on their son, Liam, and the innovative strategies they've embraced to support his growth and well-being. This episode is a beacon of hope and a toolkit of strategies for parents facing similar challenges, underlining the importance of understanding, patience, and continuous learning in the face of TS.

Timeline Highlights:
[01:47] Exploring Liam's occupational therapy journey.
[03:22] How cognitive behavioral therapy aids Liam.
[05:02] Focusing on Liam's emotional growth.
[09:42] The importance of emotional intelligence in children.
[11:28] Strategies for navigating stress and challenges.
[15:59] Finding what works best for Liam through trial and error.
[18:07] Adjusting routines for Liam's needs.
[21:01] Creating a supportive environment for Liam.
[26:49] Liam's transition to a supportive educational setting.
[30:07] Seeking the best medical and therapeutic advice.
[33:58] Lessons and advice from Liam's journey.

Links & Resources:
•New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS): https://njcts.org/ 

If you found this look at occupational therapy for Tourette’s helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! It really helps spread the word.

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We continue our fascinating deep dive into the winding history of Tourette Syndrome. Dr. Howard Kushner joins me again to discuss the early focus on coprolalia, psychoanalytic theories blaming patients, and the heroic efforts of advocates like the Shapiros to reframe TS as biological. We also touch on the importance of support groups, promising new interventions, and predictions for the future.

Dr. Kushner guides us through the shifting perspectives on TS, from the bleak early views encapsulated by the phrase "once a ticker, always a ticker," through the era of psychoanalytic blame, to our current understanding of TS as a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition. Drawing from his vast research and his 1999 seminal work, "A Cursing Brain? The Histories of Tourette Syndrome," we examine the complex journey of TS diagnosis, the stigma attached to symptoms such as coprolalia, and the importance of a supportive community and multidisciplinary care for those affected.

Timeline Highlights:
[01:16] The emphasis on coprolalia in early TS research.
[02:51] Tic reduction when engrossed in an activity.
[05:04] The Tourette Syndrome Association's advocacy.
[07:12] The power of youth support groups for TS.
[09:22] Reframing TS as biological - Shapiro's contributions.
[11:42] Predictions for the next 50 years of TS research.
[13:30] The risk of over-medicalizing TS identities.
[14:23] Emerging interventions like TMS and medicinal marijuana.
[15:40] Appreciating Dr. Kushner's historical research.
[16:05] The link between left-handedness and TS.
[17:22] Advice for living well with TS.
[19:04] The importance of youth camps and support groups.

Links & Resources:
•A Cursing Brain: The Histories of Tourette Syndrome by Dr. Howard Kushner.
•New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS): https://njcts.org/

If you found this look at the history of Tourette's helpful, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! It helps spread the word.

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In this episode, we embark on the first of a two-part series, diving into the history of Tourette Syndrome (TS) with Dr. Howard Kushner, a renowned expert in the history of neurology and medicine. We explore the evolution of TS from its earliest documentation, predating the 19th century, through the significant contributions of Georges Gilles de la Tourette, and its progression across medical and psychological models throughout the 20th century.
 
Dr. Kushner guides us through the shifting perspectives on TS, from the bleak early views encapsulated by the phrase "once a ticker, always a ticker," through the era of psychoanalytic blame, to our current understanding of TS as a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition. Drawing from his vast research and his 1999 seminal work, "A Cursing Brain? The Histories of Tourette Syndrome," we examine the complex journey of TS diagnosis, the stigma attached to symptoms such as coprolalia, and the importance of a supportive community and multidisciplinary care for those affected.

Timeline Highlights:
[02:00] How Dr. Kushner first became interested in researching Tourette's Syndrome.
[5:10] Dr. Kushner's continued involvement in the TS community.
[7:14] How the book on Tourette's Syndrome has held up over time.
[13:41] Early psychoanalytic theories blaming patients and parents.
[17:08] The early history of Tourette Syndrome in the 1800s.
[20:03] The disturbing early anti-Semitism in TS research.
[22:20] The focus on coprolalia in the early characterization of TS.
[23:57] The notion that childhood sexual conflicts caused TS.
[24:35] Tic reduction when engrossed in an activity - an early observation.
[26:46] The Tourette Syndrome Association reframing TS as biological.
[28:16] The importance of youth support groups for TS.
[30:36] The heroic contributions of Shapiro in advocating for TS.
[32:10] Early evidence that medications could treat TS.
[33:09] Predictions for the next 50 years in TS research and treatment.
[35:18] Emerging interventions like DBS brain stimulation for TS.
[37:13] Advice for living well with TS.

Links & Resources:
•A Cursing Brain: The Histories of Tourette Syndrome by Dr. Howard Kushner.
•New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS): https://njcts.org/ 

Stay tuned for part 2 of this interview on March 12 as we go further into the history of TS! If you found this look at the history of Tourette's helpful, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! It helps spread the word.

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