Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited, neurological condition, the key features of which are tics, involuntary and uncontrollable sounds and movements. Tourette's is not a rare condition; it impacts an estimated 300,000 people in the UK and 1 in 100 school aged children.

As it's Tourette's Awareness month, 15th May to 15th June, we want to destigmatise Tourette Syndrome by showing the general public what the reality of TS looks like. Dispelling some of the myths that surround it such as all people with Tourette's swear (coprolalia), it's a rare condition and tics can be controlled.

Ione Georgakis, Occupational Therapist and Advocacy Lead for Tourette's Action, joins Dale this week to discuss 'Tourette's?'. Ione gives an introduction to tics and Tourette's, including myth busting common misconceptions and exploring how you can best support those living with the condition. Ione tells her personal journey living with the condition, talking about the different types of tics, how to identify them and the difference between stimming and tics.

Listen to understand, support and advocate for individuals with Tourette's.

About Ione Georgakis

Ione Georgakis is an Occupational Therapist who works part time as the advocacy lead for Tourettes Action. Ione uses her professional and lived experience of Tourettes, ADHD and Dyslexia to educate employers, schools and healthcare providers on the characteristics of Tourette Syndrome, seeking to highlight best practices, myth bust, and reduce barriers to engagement and wellbeing.

Contact Ione

Website – www.tourettes-action.org.uk

Twitter – @tourettesaction (Charity) / @Neurodiverse_OT (Personal/professional)

Facebook – www.facebook.com/TourettesAction/

Useful Links

• https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk – support groups, free online training, resources, blogs and more.

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk

• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast

• Email Dale – [email protected]

• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe